​Building strong client relationships doesn't have to feel like a corporate handshake marathon. The best connections happen when people are engaged, having fun, and feeling genuinely appreciated. VIP experiences, hands-on workshops, or themed parties, the key is creating moments that build trust and lasting partnerships—without the boring small talk.

​1. Exclusive Client Appreciation Dinner
Nothing says "we appreciate you" like an unforgettable meal. Host a private dinner at a top-notch restaurant, a chef's table experience, or even a rooftop soirée with a killer view. Whether it's a wine pairing, a tasting menu, or a laid-back family-style feast, the goal is to make clients feel special in a relaxed, intimate setting.
 
2. Interactive Workshops
Why tell clients about what you do when you can show them? Hands-on workshops are a great way to share knowledge while keeping things fun and engaging. Whether it's a live demo, a skill-building session, or an insider look at your process, adding interactive elements like Q&As or group activities makes it more memorable.
 
3. Networking Mixers
Ditch the stiff business gatherings and make networking actually enjoyable. Host a mixer in a fabulous setting like an art gallery, brewery, or rooftop lounge. Add icebreakers or fun activities to keep the energy up. Think live music, themed cocktails, or even a game night twist to help spark meaningful connections.
 
4. Community Service Events
Doing good together is a great way to build stronger relationships. Get clients involved in a cause that matters—volunteer at a local nonprofit, organize a charity run, or even host an eco-friendly initiative like a tree-planting event. It's a win-win: you strengthen bonds while making a positive impact.
 
5. Virtual Webinars
When in-person isn't an option, virtual events are the next best thing. Host an engaging webinar on a hot industry topic, invite a guest speaker, or run an interactive Q&A session. Keep it lively with polls, live chat, and real-time discussions. Bonus: record it so clients can refer back anytime.
 
 
6. VIP Experiences
Give your clients an experience they won't forget. Think behind-the-scenes access, sneak peeks at upcoming products, or something extra special like a VIP box at a concert or sporting event. Whether it's an exclusive preview or a once-in-a-lifetime outing, the goal is to make them feel like true insiders.
 
7. Roundtable Discussions
Sometimes, the best ideas come from an open, honest conversation. Host a roundtable discussion with a select group of clients to chat about industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Keep it informal, encourage participation, and let everyone share insights—it's a great way to build trust and show clients you value their expertise.
 
8. Customer Appreciation Days
A full day dedicated to celebrating your clients? Yes, please. Host an in-person or online event with special discounts, giveaways, or exclusive perks. Add fun elements like a pop-up party, live music, or surprise treats to make them feel genuinely appreciated.
 
9. Annual Conferences
A yearly event that brings clients together to learn, network, and get inspired? Sounds like a must. Offer compelling speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and interactive panels. Don't forget the fun stuff—think cocktail hours, entertainment, or even a surprise guest appearance to keep things lively.
 
10. Themed Parties
Because business events don't have to be boring. Throw a themed party that allows clients to unwind and have fun. Whether it's a Gatsby-style soiree, a tropical luau, or a winter wonderland bash, adding themed décor, food, and entertainment makes for a memorable night they won't stop talking about.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we know that a great event isn't just about logistics—it's about creating an experience your clients will rave about. From concept to execution, our full-service marketing and event planning team can take your client appreciation event from good to unforgettable. Whether you're looking to host an intimate dinner, a high-energy mixer, or a full-scale conference, we'll handle the details so you can focus on building those all-important relationships. Let's make your next event a BIG DEAL!
 

Is your marketing strategy truly engaging, or is it just another voice in a sea of digital noise? Traditional advertising is losing its impact in today’s noisy and crowded world. Audiences are bombarded with thousands of daily ads. This leads to consumer fatigue and dwindling engagement. Businesses need something more - something immersive, memorable, and emotionally powerful. That is where LIVE EVENTS come in!
 
Live events and experiences aren’t just “attention grabbers” - they create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Studies show that 91% of consumers develop more positive feelings toward a brand after participating in an event experience.
That’s a level of engagement digital ads can’t match!
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in crafting high-ROI live experiences that drive real business results. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, generate leads, or strengthen customer loyalty - investing in live events is one of the smartest movies your business can make!

The Power of Experiential Marketing

People remember experiences - not ads.
Think about the last time you saw an online ad. Can you recall the brand?
Now - think about the last great live event that you attended.
Chances are, the memory is still fresh, and so is the brand that created the experience.
 
Experiential marketing taps into emotion and engagement - two key factors in brand recall. A study by Freeman Research found that 77% of consumers say their trust increased somewhat or a lot following their interaction with a brand at a live event.  An increase in trust often leads to an increase in sales!
  
Live events allow people to interact with a brand in a multi-sensory way:

• Touch & Feel - Product demonstrations and hands-on activities
• See & Hear - Engaging visuals, speakers, and performances
• Experience Together - Shared moments create emotional brand connections

This level of engagement can translate into real business results. This makes live events one of the most effective marketing strategies available today.
 
Tangible Business Benefits of Live EventsIf you’re wondering, “Do events actually drive business growth?” - the answer is a resounding YES. Here is why:

Increased Brand Awareness
Events generate buzz. Whether through social media shares, press coverage, or word-of-mouth marketing, live experiences amplify your brand in ways that traditional ads can’t. People love sharing their experiences, and when attendees post about your event, you gain authentic exposure. It’s like having a paid influencer promote your brand, but this type of exposure is organic and free!

High-Quality Lead Generation
Did you know that 81% of event attendees have buying authority? That means that your event isn’t just bringing in random visitors - it’s attracting the decision makers who are ready to invest.
 
 Live events allow businesses to:

• Collect attendee data through sign-ups and interactions.
• Build face-to-face relationships with potential clients.
• Move a prospective client further down the sales funnel at a faster rate than digital-only campaigns.

 
Stronger Customer Loyalty              
Customers who experience your brand in person feel a stronger emotional connection. That’s why events are powerful for customer retention. A study by EventTrack found that 98% of consumers feel more inclined to purchase after attending a live event.
A great event can turn visitors and one-time customers into brand advocates. It does this by fostering a community around your brand, making the attendees feel valued and engaged. Investing in events isn’t just about short-term engagement - it’s about building long-term relationships that will drive loyalty and in-turn, revenue.

​Measuring Event ROI & Common Myths About Live Events 
We’ve covered the “why” behind live events. Now, let's take a look at how businesses can measure event ROI and debunk common myths about event investments.
 
ROI Breakdown - What Do Businesses Get In Return?
One looming question around live events is, “How do we measure success?”. The answer: Event ROI is highly measurable, and when done right, the returns are undeniable.

Sales and Revenue Impact.
Live events are one of the most profitable marketing channels. According to Freeman Research, businesses can see an average of 5:1 ROI from events - meaning for every dollar invested, they make five in return.
In a recent case study, B2B companies that incorporated live experiences into their marketing were found to generate twice as many leads as those relying solely on digital efforts.

Social Media & PR Value
Experiential events generate high-value user-generated content (UGC). This can boost a brand’s reach without incurring extra ad spend.
When attendees share event moments, they are providing organic promotion for the business. Think of this as free advertising with build-in trust.
This is evident in post-event stats. In general, events generate 20x more social media engagement than traditional digital ads.

Data & Consumer Insights
Live events offer a goldmine of real-time customer data. Through events, a business can track attendee engagement and interest levels in real-time. They can collect customer contact and lead information through email sign-ups and participation forms. Ultimately, companies can harness post-event surveys to refine future marketing strategies. With the right follow-up strategy, these insights can help turn attendees into long-term customers.
 
Common Myths About Event ROI (And Why They’re Wrong) 
There are a plethora of misconceptions when it comes to event marketing:
 
Myth: Live events are too expensive.
Truth: When factoring in long-term brand awareness, customer engagement, and direct sales, events provide one of the highest ROIs in marketing. Smart budgeting, sponsorships, and hybrid options make them cost-effective.

Myth: Virtual events will replace live experiences.
Truth: While virtual and hybrid events are valuable, in-person experiences drive deeper emotional connections.
A study by Bizzabo found that 95% of marketers believe live events create stronger brand engagement than virtual-only activations.
 
Myth: Event impact is short-lived.
Truth: A well-executed event continues to deliver returns long after it ends.
Follow-up email campaigns, content repurposing, and retargeting attendees can extend engagement for months.
The bottom line: If done right, events can pay for themselves many times over.

How to Maximize ROI from Your Events
Now that we’ve established that live events are worth the investment, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to make sure your event delivers maximum impact:

Set Clear Objectives               
What’s your goal? Is it lead generation? Brand awareness? Sales conversions?
Defining success upfront helps ensure that every dollar spent is optimized for impact.

Design for Engagement
The more interactive your event, the higher the return:

• Consider using gamification as a way to engage attendees. This can include contests, giveaways, and other interactive experiences.
• Harness influencer partnerships. You can leverage industry leaders to expand your reach!
• Tailor your event experiences to your attendees’ preferences.

Post-Event Strategy Matters
The event isn’t over when attendees leave. Keep the engagement going through email follow ups and retargeting ads that nurture leads with post-event content.
Investing in a strong post-event strategy ensures that your event ROI continues to grow!
 
Future Trends in Experiential Events + Free Download
The event landscape is evolving fast, and businesses that stay ahead of these trends will maximize their ROI in 2025 and beyond.
 
Here are the top innovations shaping live event experiences:
Immersive Tech

• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Many brands are using AR/VR to create interactive brand experiences that transport attendees into digital worlds. Note - AR-powered experiences can increase attendee engagement by 70%.
• AI-Powered Personalization: We are seeing many events leverage AI to customize attendee experiences in real time, from networking recommendations to personalized content.

 
Sustainability is a must.

• Consumers are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly practices, and events are following suit.
• Sustainable materials: Eco-friendly swag and reusable decor are all the rage.
• Carbon-neutral events: More brands are measuring and offsetting their carbon footprints, and choosing to share this information during their events.

 
The Power of Hyper-Personalization

• Forget the one-size fits all event. Businesses are now using data-driven personalization to craft experiences tailored to individual preferences.
• Examples of personalized event activities include:
  • AI-powered matchmaking for networking
  • Personalized event schedules based on an attendee’s interests
  • Real-time event content recommendations

Big Deal Company keeps a finger on the pulse of all things in event trends. When we meet with our event and marketing clients, we come armed with statistics and event ideations that support these trends. Our team of experts have put together a free resource to help businesses stay ahead of the competition in the world of live events. In this guide, you’ll discover the latest trends in experiential events and ideas to boost your own event ROI. ​

The evidence is clear - Live events are one of the most powerful marketing investments a business can make. They drive brand awareness, lead generation, and customer loyalty. Events create highly shareable moments that amplify reach, and they provide measurable ROI, making them a smart business decision all the way around.
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in high-impact event experiences that deliver real business results. Whether you’re planning a corporate summit, a product launch, or an interactive brand activation, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable.
 
For more information on what we do, visit our capabilities webpage. You can also keep up with all of our events and campaigns via our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
 
Reference List

• Event Marketing Institute. (2023). EventTrack: The Power of Live Brand Experiences.
• Bizzabo. (2023). Event Marketing Statistics Report: Insights into the Future of Events. Retrieved from https://www.bizzabo.com/blog/event-marketing-statistics
• Freeman. (2023) The Impact of Live Events on Business Growth. Retrieved from https://www.freeman.com
• EventMB. (2023). The State of Experiential Marketing: How Events Drive Engagement. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com
• EventMB. (2022). The Rise of Immersive Experiences in Event Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/immersive-experiences

Acquiring New Donors
Acquiring new donors is essential for growth and sustainability. Discover actionable strategies to expand your donor base and engage potential supporters effectively in the following list of tips for donor acquisition:

1. Lead by Example: Every member of your Board of Directors, advisory group, or donor development committee should be contributing to your organization. This demonstrates commitment and inspires confidence in potential donors.
2. Identify Potential Donors: Gather Board Members and Staff asking them to brainstorm and actively identify potential donors within their networks. Everyone can play a role in expanding your donor base.
3. Craft Your Elevator Speech: Develop a short and compelling statement of your organization’s mission, goals, and core beliefs. This ensures you can articulate your ask effectively when engaging with potential donors. For example - think about the issue your organization addresses and simplify it so you can provide a clear and bite-sized answer when someone asks “What do you do?”.
4. Timing is Key: Consider strategic times to make donation requests, such as after-tax time, during Colorado Gives, or at the end of the year when businesses are building out their budgets for the following year.
5. Event Inclusion: Provide clear addresses and maps to facilitate attendance if hosting events. Events - even small gatherings like a donor coffee, offer valuable opportunities for donor engagement.
6. Collaborate with Other Nonprofits: Foster relationships with other nonprofits to exchange ideas and potential cross-connect for fundraising efforts.
7. Innovative Fundraising: Explore alternative fundraising methods, especially for major projects, to diversify your revenue streams.
8. National-Level Donors: Research potential national-level donors who may align with your organization’s mission and vision.
9. Know Your Audience: Spend time researching your audience so that you fully understand the demographics and preferences of who you are speaking to. Tailor your fundraising to match these.
10. DEI Initiatives: If you want to reach a larger audience pool and foster a more inclusive community of supporters, spend some time exploring and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Build these into your organization’s values.

As crucial as it is to acquire new donors, fostering meaningful relationships with existing supporters is equally important for the long-term success of any nonprofit. Cultivating these already-established relationships is quite cost effective, and ultimately can turn a one-time donor into a brand ambassador for your organization. In the following section, we’ll delve into strategies aimed at appreciating and engaging current donors to ensure their continued support and commitment to your cause.

​In the dynamic landscape of business, where seasons change and economies fluctuate, the conventional wisdom has often been to tighten belts and cut back on expenses during slow seasons or economic downturns. However, recent research is challenging this paradigm, suggesting that strategic marketing during these challenging periods can be a crucial factor in a business's survival and long-term success.

​The Power of Visibility
Visibility is key in any market, and maintaining a consistent presence during slow seasons can pay dividends when conditions improve. A study published in the Journal of Business and Economic Research found that companies that continued marketing efforts during economic downturns not only fared better during the slump but also experienced a faster and more robust recovery when the market rebounded.
 
By maintaining visibility through marketing initiatives, businesses can keep their brand fresh in the minds of consumers. These efforts ensure that when customers are ready to make purchasing decisions, the brand they remember is the one that stayed present even during challenging times.
 
Building Customer Loyalty
Research conducted by the American Marketing Association highlights the importance of building and nurturing customer relationships during slow seasons. Customers who feel a connection to a brand are more likely to remain loyal, even when economic conditions are tough. Strategic marketing that focuses on building brand loyalty, such as personalized communication and exclusive offers, can be instrumental in retaining customers during slow periods.
 
Moreover, the Harvard Business Review published findings indicating that companies investing in customer retention during economic downturns achieved higher profitability in the long run compared to those focusing solely on customer acquisition. This underscores the value of maintaining and strengthening existing customer relationships during challenging economic times.
 
Adaptability and Innovation
Slow seasons often provide businesses with the opportunity to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics. Marketing research conducted by McKinsey & Company suggests that companies that invest in research and development during economic downturns outperform their competitors when the market recovers. This highlights the importance of using slow seasons as a time for strategic reflection, innovation, and preparation for future growth.
 
The cost of NOT marketing your business could outweigh the savings from pulling back on your advertising spend. BIG DEAL Company has years of experience working on ways to stay visible without breaking the bank! Visibility, customer loyalty, and adaptability are crucial elements that can be nurtured through strategic marketing initiatives, ultimately contributing to a business's resilience and long-term success. Trust us to treat your business like we do our own.