​It’s so easy to get caught up in your same old routine when it comes to your marketing strategy.  BIG DEAL Company is always keeping an eye out for whatever the next big thing is.  Shake it up with this list of 2024’s list of projected hot marketing trends.

Two words…video content! - Video continues to dominate online content. Consider including video content in your marketing strategy, such as product demos, tutorials, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes.
 
Embrace the future – Let’s face it, artificial intelligence (AI) is our future and honestly, learning to use it can save you time and frustration.  Use AI to enhance customer interactions, automate routine tasks, provide instant customer support, and gather valuable data for marketing insights.
 
Interact with your audience – Capture the attention of your customers and clients with interactive content like polls, quizzes, and surveys.  Not only is it fun for them, but it also provides you with valuable data.
 
Go green - Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental and social issues. Highlight your company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
 
Give ‘em what they want - Tailor your marketing messages to individual preferences and behaviors. Leverage your data analytics and automations (like Google Analytics) to create personalized experiences that speak to their preferences.
 
Good old customer experience - Customer experience remains a key differentiator. Prioritize seamless, user-friendly experiences across all touchpoints (check out our Website Health Check Blog for a few tips) to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Up your local SEO and micro-moments game - Optimize your online presence for local searches, as consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices for quick, location-based information during micro-moments.
 
User-Generated Content – Not all businesses need or can get user-generated content, but if it fits your model, it can be a highly impactful way to tell your story.  User-generated content can build trust and authenticity while expanding your reach.
 
As you dive into the new year, consider diving into new ways to grow your marketing plan.  Be prepared to adapt strategies to your specific industry, target audience, and business goals. Regularly assess the performance of your marketing efforts and be prepared to make changes based on evolving trends and consumer trends.  BIG DEAL Company is here to help you through the jungle of marketing and we’re just a click away.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, our industry and our clients are buzzing with excitement and questions about what lies ahead. From the evolution of technology to the changing preferences of event attendees, the landscape of events continues to transform. Here are nine predicted event trends for 2024 our BIG DEAL team thinks will hold true in the year to come.

​Micro events
Micro events are smaller events for 10-50 guests that Bizzabo reports are on the rise – a trend we’ve seen amongst our own clients. Micro events are more affordable in an industry with rising prices, personal and meaningful, and create the perfect atmosphere to network and collaborate.
 
Micro events also allow you to get creative with more venue options, unique experiences that are harder to replicate with hundreds of guests, and promote more interaction with guests leading to more meaningful and long-lasting relationships.
 
Year-round event cycle
With micro events comes the year-round event cycle. Where organizations traditionally held one supersized event per year, we’re now seeing a preference among attendees and our clients for multiple, smaller events throughout the year.
 
Mini events year round provide consistent education and engagement for clients and attendees, keeping your mission and brand front of mind in your community.

Sustainability is becoming non-negotiable
The sustainability wave is hitting the events industry harder than ever. Conscious consumers demand eco-friendly practices, and we event planners are stepping up to the challenge. Corporations are seeing their carbon footprint under the magnifying glass, which translates to their events. We’re seeing clients requesting reusable and recycled event materials, paper-free events, and simpler menus with vegetarian and vegan options.
 
From reducing waste and carbon footprints to sourcing local and sustainable materials, 2024 will witness a significant push towards greener events.
 
Immersive experiences
Event attendees continue to seek more all-encompassing, out-of-the-box event experiences – which is where our creative events team excels. Gone are the days of conferences in dimly lit rooms with stale coffee. Natural light, outdoor and nature-influenced spaces, and flexible, intimate settings are increasingly popular.
 
These new event experiences are worth investing in; they are memorable for attendees and yield higher ROI than events of the past.
 
New technology standards
Technology also plays a role in event experiences. Attendees can expect to interact with products, venues, or speakers in new dimensions through Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality, enhancing engagement and leaving lasting impressions.
 
In the background, technologies enable more data collection for event planners than ever, leading to better understanding of guest preferences for future events.
 
Personalization
Tailoring experiences to individual preferences will be a key focus in 2024. From personalized event agendas to curated content based on attendee interests, the emphasis on creating unique, customized experiences will be paramount. AI-driven tools will play a significant role in analyzing attendee data to deliver personalized experiences.
 
Health and safety continue to drive decisions
Post-pandemic, health and safety considerations remain at the forefront of event planning. Enhanced hygiene protocols and contactless technology will persist in 2024. Event planners will continue to prioritize attendee well-being, ensuring that events are not only memorable but also safe spaces for everyone involved.
 
Diverse and inclusive programming
Diversity and inclusion will be woven into the fabric of events more consciously. 2024 will witness a broader representation of cultures, perspectives, and voices. Events will celebrate diversity through inclusive programming, diverse speaker line-ups, and initiatives fostering equality and representation.

Hybrid events aren’t going anywhere
The rise of hybrid events isn't slowing down. In 2024, we expect them to become even more prevalent. The blending of in-person and virtual elements will cater to diverse audiences, allowing greater accessibility and participation regardless of geographical constraints. The ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate both worlds, ensuring that remote attendees have an equally immersive and engaging experience.
 
As always in the world of events, the key lies in staying adaptable, innovative, and responsive to the ever-evolving needs and desires of attendees. Our BIG DEAL team is excited to be a part of this journey towards redefining the future of gatherings.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

The holidays are here and in full swing! During this special time of year, Northern Colorado transforms into a twinkling wonderland of shimmering lights and festive decorations. From the bustling city streets and storefront displays to the quiet corners of charming neighborhoods - one can hardly escape enchanting displays of holiday cheer.
 
BIG DEAL Company has compiled a list of holiday lighting marvels you won’t want to miss. Join us on this journey through some of the most captivating holiday light displays that Northern Colorado has to offer:

• Gardens on Spring Creek’s Garden of Lights: The Fort Collins botanical garden transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday displays including rainbows, towering flowerbeds, and larger than life lighted floral displays. Tickets can be purchased here: https://gosc.ticketapp.org/portal/pid/2/product/74

• Explore this expansive list of private residences: Is your neighbor on this list? K99’s website shares the locations of all of the homes entered in the Pedersen Toyota Light Up NoCo Contest. Discover homemade holiday displays shining brightly from Fort Collins to Loveland to Greeley. These displays will be numbered and you can vote for your favorite. Catch the entire list here.

 
Most of these displays are available to view through the end of December and some beyond. Remember to check operating hours, admission fees, and any specific guidelines before visiting these displays, as some might require reservations or have limited viewing times.
 
Happy holidays from BIG DEAL Company and enjoy exploring these enchanting holiday light displays in Northern Colorado!

​The Cost of NOT Hiring an Event Planner; A Closer Look at ROI - Free Printable

When it comes to planning an event, the decision of whether to hire an event planner or go it alone can be the difference between a hit or miss for your event. While it may seem less expensive to tackle all the logistics yourself, the potential hidden costs and missed opportunities associated with not hiring a professional event planner can far outweigh the initial investment. Here are a few tangible and intangible returns on investment (ROI) that an event planner can offer.

Time is Money: Event planning demands a significant amount of time and effort. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, a wedding, or a charity fundraiser, the hours spent managing the logistics, vendors, and details can be a substantial drain on your precious time and energy. BIG DEAL Company will streamline the process and ultimately free you up to enjoy the event.

Vendor Negotiations: Due to the years of experience planning events, BIG DEAL Company has established relationships with vendors, which often result in cost savings and valuable perks. We are often able to secure deals on venues, catering, entertainment, and other services, ultimately reducing your expenses while enhancing the event's quality.  Plus, we can maximize your budget, ensuring that every dollar spent generates a higher ROI.

Risk Mitigation: BIG DEAL Company is skilled at identifying and tackling potential risks before and during your event. Whether it's weather-related issues for an outdoor event or last-minute vendor cancellations, our on-the-ground team is always prepared for these contingencies and can prevent costly disruptions and reputation damage.

Enhanced Attendee Experience: A well-executed event can leave a lasting impression on attendees. At BIG DEAL Company, we understand the psychology of engagement, and our expertise in designing a memorable experience can lead to higher attendee satisfaction and future business opportunities.

Marketing and Promotion: This is a factor we see neglected by many events.  We can help market your event effectively, increasing attendance and revenue. We’ll help create promotional strategies to reach a wider audience and generate a higher ROI where applicable.
​
The benefits of hiring BIG DEAL Company extend beyond mere monetary savings and can result in a more successful and stress-free event. When you consider the hidden costs, in terms of time, money, and attendee satisfaction, of not hiring an event planner the choice is easy.  As a bonus, we’re a fun and talented team that truly look forward to working with you.  

BIG DEAL Company is excited to promote the Unstoppable Women’s Business Conference that will take place on October 10th at the Aims Community College Welcome Center in Greeley.
Our very own company CEO, Christine Forster, is a presenter!
​Topic: Exploring Software: Time-Tested Platforms Small Businesses Prefer
We hope you’ll join us for this day of education and encouragement as we listen to inspirational women presenters explore what makes and entrepreneur unstoppable!

​As dedicated marketing and events professionals in Northern Colorado, we are thrilled to share the incredible success of The Family Center-La Familia’s recent Fiesta Party, which took place at The Lyric on Saturday, September 23. This community fundraiser was a true testament to the power of collective action, and it not only brought people together, but it also raised over $40,000 to support The Family Center’s vital work.

​Setting the Stage
The Lyric was the perfect venue for this festive event. Its eclectic charm matched the colorful and vibrant celebration. The Lyric prides itself on its commitment to fostering community connections, and it was the ideal choice for The Family Center’s event. As a business that often collaborates with nonprofits to expand their presence through events and campaigns, we were impressed with The Lyric’s ability to resonate with the event’s mission.

​The Fiesta Experience
The Fiesta Party was an unforgettable experience, filled with live music provided by Salsa Forte, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. The music and vibe inspired guests to dust off their dancing shoes and join the musical fun.

​Raising Over $40,000
One of the most remarkable aspects of this event was its fundraising success. Our dedicated team worked hard with The Family Center staff to curate an extensive silent auction display that inspired guests to bid on packages that included artwork from local artists, local brews and wines, and fun experiences. The Family Center surpassed their fundraising goal, raising over $40,000, through the silent auction, live auction, and paddle raise. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the event organizers to donors who opened their hearts and wallets to support a worthy cause.

​The Impact
We understand the importance of not only raising funds but also expanding a nonprofit’s presence in the community. The Family Center’s Fiesta Party achieved both of these objectives. Not only did it provide critical financial support, but it also increased awareness of The Family Center’s mission and the important role it plays in our community.
 
We were inspired by the success of this event and proud to be the planning partners for the festivities. Events like the Fiesta Party serve as a reminder that when we unite for a common cause, we can achieve remarkable results that benefit us all.

 In the dynamic world of marketing and events, small businesses often face the challenge of standing out in a crowded marketplace. That is where BIG DEAL Company, a marketing and events agency, steps in to support, guide, and ultimately make a significant difference. As marketing and events professionals in Northern Colorado, the diverse BIG DEAL team has worked closely with various small businesses and nonprofits, helping them harness powerful engagement strategies to boost their message and success. 
Below is a list from our pros with 5 ways to elevate your customer engagement game.

​Here are 5 ways in which the BIG DEAL team helps clients engage more effectively with their customers and audiences:
 
1.    Tailored Marketing Strategies
BIG DEAL Company takes a personalized approach to marketing. They understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” in marketing. Each small business or nonprofit is unique, with its own goals, challenges, and target audiences. By conducting in-depth research and analysis, BIG DEAL creates tailored marketing strategies that resonate with specific audience segments of their clients. This personalized touch ensures that small businesses and nonprofits can connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
 
2.    Creative Event Planning
Events offer powerful ways to engage with customers and donors - all while creating memorable experiences. BIG DEAL Company specializes in creating unique and engaging events that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a product launch, a charity fundraiser, or a community outreach event, BIG DEAL has the expertise to design and execute events that align with an organization’s brand identity and goals.

3.    Community-Centric Approach
Being based in Northern Colorado, BIG DEAL Company understands the importance of community engagement. The Creative Collective of BIG DEAL team members work to help small businesses and nonprofits connect with their local communities through targeted marketing initiatives and community events. This work not only helps to boost customer engagement, but it fosters goodwill and loyalty. Connection goes a long way toward building brand trust. BIG DEAL has mastered building connections.

4.    Digital Marketing Expertise
In today’s digital age, an online presence is essential for any small business or nonprofit. BIG DEAL Company excels in digital marketing and building connections through the social media marketplace. BIG DEAL offers services such as website development and design, social media management, and email marketing. Our team knows how to leverage digital channels to reach a broader audience and drive customer engagement. We harness the power of our own large database of social media followers and email subscribers to offer extra exposure to our clients.
 
5.    Fundraising Support for Nonprofits
As a company that works extensively with nonprofits, we appreciate the significance and importance of fundraising. BIG DEAL Company has a proven track record of helping nonprofits raise funds effectively through well-organized events and strategic marketing campaigns. We know how to expand a nonprofit’s presence and exposure in the community, helping many successfully raise funds going beyond their original goal!

​Through our tailored marketing strategies, creative event planning, community-centric approach, digital marketing expertise, and fundraising support, BIG DEAL Company is providing many opportunities for small businesses and nonprofits to enhance and increase their customer engagement practices. We are committed to understanding the unique needs of each of our clients, ensuring that they can build stronger connections with their valued audiences, ultimately leading to growth and success!
 
Learn more about how BIG DEAL does business here, and by following all of BIG DEAL’s social channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

​Creating a memorable guest experience at a conference or company event is crucial for creating a positive and lasting impression.
As marketing and events professionals with a focus on nonprofit work and community engagement, we have a unique perspective to offer when it comes to planning memorable and impactful conferences, fundraisers, and events.
We have pulled together a comprehensive list of things to consider when planning your next conference. These strategies will help boost event engagement and will provide your business or nonprofit, targeted ways to reach your guests on a personal level.

​Enjoy these 11 TOP TIPS to elevate your guests' experience at your next event!

Enhance your guest experience and ensure your events leave a lasting impression by building an experience that includes:

1. Personalized Invitations and Communication: Leverage your attendee data to send personalized invitations and messages. Tailor the content to individual interests and roles, showing attendees that their presence is valued. This personal touch will help make your attendees feel appreciated.
2. Interactive Sessions and Workshops: Incorporate engaging activities, including polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops for your guests to choose from. The more interactive, the more your attendees will be engaged.
3. Provide Networking Opportunities with a Purpose: Everyone thrives on building connections! Organize networking sessions that encourage attendees to interact with each other. Provide icebreaker activities, discussion groups, and themed meet-and-greets to facilitate meaningful connections.
4. Enlist a Strategic Event App: There are a variety of helpful event apps that you can utilize to host all your events’ information in one spot. These apps are created and built to help enhance the guest experience. They can provide real-time schedules, interactive maps, and the ability for guests to connect with other attendees. You can even brand them to match the vibe and feel of your event!
5. Choose a Theme and Decor to Match: Create immersive environments built around a theme. Choose decorations, lighting, and visuals to help set the tone for the event and make a lasting and memorable impact. A good theme will create a cohesive flow for the entire event.

6. Shower your guests with thoughtful swag items and gifts: Show appreciation to your guests with meaningful and sustainable event swag. Find take-aways that follow your event theme.

7. Embrace Technology: Most large event venues offer a variety of exciting event tech packages. These packages can include interactive displays, video work, holograms, and app integrations. You might also consider adding gamification elements to keep attendees engaged and to encourage exploration.

8. Align your event with a cause: Leverage nonprofit connections to encourage attendees to contribute. Showcasing your company’s charitable initiatives will help foster a sense of purpose.

9. Bring in captivating Keynote Speakers: Secure dynamic keynote speakers whose stories will resonate with your audience. Their topics can be aligned with the theme of your event. Hire a diverse range of speakers to cater to the various interests and backgrounds of your guests.

10. Have a post-event strategy: Stay top of mind beyond the event by sharing post-event content, including session recordings, presentation decks, and event recaps. Use their delivery as an opportunity to reconnect with attendees, and request a post-event survey to help you build better events year to year.
​
11. Provide activities for the senses: Invite local catering companies and restaurants to showcase their flair as part of the culinary portion of your event. Create interactive food stations that not only cater to diverse tastes, but also highlights the local cuisine. Food is always a great connecting experience!
​After guests have dined to their delight, make plans to offer wellness and relaxation activities. Set up relaxation spaces, provide mindfulness sessions, or even treat guests to mini spa treatments to promote relaxation for all.

​In today’s competitive business landscape, the success of your event or conference will hinge on the guests’ experience. Each element, from personalized invitations to the immersive decor, will play a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression.

​Take these concepts to the next level with the expertise of a company that shares your values and vision. BIG DEAL Company has a strong track record of creating exceptional events. Our team of professionals bring a dynamic blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for making a difference. We are dedicated to bringing your event’s goals to life!
 
Consider hiring BIG DEAL Company for your next corporate event. We will serve as your event planning partner. We will take the time to understand your company’s unique perspective and we will share your commitment to enhancing your guests’ experiences. We are ready to collaborate with you to create an event that goes beyond expectations!

BIG DEAL Company loves planning the FUN! As most companies know, planning the fun is a TON of work! We are grateful that slate360 chooses to rely on BIG DAY Company to plan all of the intricate details of their annual company retreat. Travel, lodging, meals, break-outs, excursions, transportation... it can take months to pull it all together and pull it off. We love what we do - and the end result of bringing our clients JOY!

Planning Considerations from the Experts at BIG DEAL Company:

Does the destination align with your meeting priorities?
The first thing to consider is that the destination must work for the business purpose.
What are your priorities for the meeting? What kind of team building do you envision?
Will you want to do group activities or let people choose their own adventure? What
time of year will work best? Answering these questions are the first step in selection
your destination.

Location, location, location...
Once you've identified your business priorities, the next step is to narrow down your
location options. What type of team do you have? What kind of company are you?

What type of venue are you looking for?
As you ponder your location options, also consider the type of venue that you're looking for. Are you ready to pull out all the stops for a luxurious celebration? Do you need a functional space where your team can work hard and then play hard? 

Budget and Attendance
As you narrow down your wish list, it's likely that your location and venue selection will boil down to how many people it can accommodate and how it will fit into your
budget. Also, consider peak visitation and plan accordingly - you may be
able to receive discounts or more robust packages during the off season. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Even the most wonderful venue can become a nightmare when it comes to
transportation. Consider distance from a major airport, transportation availability and cost for large groups, back up options if needed, and proximity to entertainment, dining, etc.

You've Selected the Location. Now What?
This is where the sky is the limit! Consider both group options and plenty of free
time to explore. By giving your employees time to soak up the sun and fresh air, your meetings will be more relaxed and productive.

We Do It So You Don't Have To
Destination planning isn't for the faint of heart!  We're here to help. We travel!
A destination meeting is a big deal, and so are we! Let us find the perfect 
experience to meet your company's needs, budget and expectations.