BIG DEAL is honored to be the event planning partner for a team of EVENT PLANNERS! Our client, Slate360 is constantly bringing joy to their clients through thoughtful trade show event booth designs. They have BIG jobs and deserve time together to connect and take a break from planning. For the 3rd year, we have supported them with full-service event planning for their annual retreat. This year, they selected Savannah, GA as their destination.

The team enjoyed a fun version of Slate360 Jeopardy, a Tiki Boat ride, a thoughtful 'future focus' activity, planning meetings, meals in historic buildings, a piano bar, privately rented cove by the hotel pool, a penthouse suite for team time, shopping along the cobblestone streets and more!

Our host hotel was The Alida Hotel. The staff was WONDERFUL. The sales and event teams were exceptionally easy to work with, friendly and knowledgeable. We highly recommend staying with them.

Services Provided by BIG DEAL Company:

• Fact finding calls with Slate360 team
• Compile a comprehensive venue RFP that includes all itemized requests
• Research venues across the country
• Send RFP to list of venues that fit qualifications
• Negotiate concessions with venues
• Narrow venues down to top list and present overviews of each to the Slate360 team
• Research (vendors, venues, transportation, activities, dining)
• Collaborate with the team to finalize top activity and dining choices
• Itinerary creation
• Bi-weekly check-ins with updates
• Close collaboration with hotel sales team
• Rooming list finalization
• Flight travel tracking
• Vendor and activity booking
• Transportation scheduling to/from airport
• Transportation management around town
• Hotel/resort staff communication
• Destination activity and dining guide suggestions for team
• Rooming list, travel list and allergy list assistance
• Itinerary beautification/design for team dissemination
• Webpage for itinerary access
• Planner travel (1 person) to/from destination for onsite assistance
• Runner/assistance for any staff needs onsite
• Peace of mind

BIG DEAL Company spends much of our time assisting clients and partners with recourses across the state. Northern Colorado has some fantastic conference space, meeting space and hotels! What we commonly find out of state guests, and clients booking large events, looking for is transportation options for groups.

Our team has compiled a thorough list of transportation companies serving Northern Colorado (Estes Park, Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Timnath, Berthoud, Windsor, Longmont, Boulder, Johnstown)  

Free downloadable printable below!

​Sustainable Event Practices: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference; 10 Top Tips

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of events and gatherings. From conferences to weddings, our BIG DEAL clients are seeking ways to make their gatherings more sustainable. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple yet effective practices you can adopt to reduce your event’s carbon footprint.
 
Here are 10 easy sustainable event practices that you can implement to minimize environmental impact without compromising on the quality of your event.

Digital Invitations
 
E-invites’ moment started long before the recent push for green events. Convenient and cost-effective, digital invitations reduce waste and mailbox clutter. Not only do digital invitations significantly reduce paper waste, digital platforms allow for easier RSVP tracking and communication with guests.
 
Venue Selection
 
When shopping for venues, prioritize venues that have sustainability initiatives in place. Look for venues with LEED certification, renewable energy sources, or a commitment to waste reduction. By supporting sustainable venues, you're contributing to a larger movement towards environmental responsibility.
 
Reusable Decorations
 
Instead of purchasing disposable decorations, opt for reusable options that can be used for future events or repurposed in other ways. At BIG DEAL, we invite clients to “shop” our stock of complimentary rental decor items. Potted plants that can be sent home with guests or auctioned off, fabric banners, or LED lighting to create a festive atmosphere without generating unnecessary waste.
 
Green Transportation
 
When venue shopping, consider proximity to your public transportation options and minimize the distance guests will travel to attend. Encourage attendees to carpool, use public transportation, or bike to your event. Offer incentives such as preferred parking for carpoolers or bike racks for cyclists. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, you'll decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation alternatives.
 
Zero Waste Catering
 
Work with catering companies that specialize in zero-waste practices. Opt for locally sourced, organic foods and beverages, and ensure that all serving materials are compostable or recyclable. By minimizing food waste and single-use plastics, you'll significantly reduce your event's environmental footprint.

​Provide Plant-Based Food Options
 
Using plant-based catering for events can significantly reduce the environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture and minimizing water usage compared to traditional meat-based menus. Vegetarian and vegan guests appreciate having options to choose from at events, where they sometimes feel excluded.
 
Waste Disposal Stations
 
Set up clearly labeled recycling and compost bins throughout your event space to encourage proper waste disposal. Work with your venue or waste management company to ensure that waste is sorted correctly and diverted from landfills whenever possible.
 
Donate Leftovers
 
Coordinate with a local food bank or shelter to donate any leftover food from the event rather than letting it go to waste. Leftover decor can be reused at future events or auctioned off or sent home with guests to use and display at home. Local nursing homes and hospitals often appreciate donations of floral arrangements or live plants.
 
Sustainable Swag
 
If your event involves gift bags or other giveaways, opt for recycled, recyclable, and reusable items. Ideas we’ve used include:

• Reusable water bottles
• Tote bags made from recycled materials
• Seed packets
• Locally-sourced snacks from sustainable brands
• Aluminum water cups
• Printed wax wraps for food
• Swedish dish towels

 
End-to-End Mobile Solutions
 
By leveraging mobile apps for event planning, registration, and communication, organizers can eliminate the need for paper-based processes, such as printed agendas and tickets, thus reducing paper waste.
 
Mobile apps can also streamline logistics, allowing attendees to access event information, schedules, and updates in real-time, minimizing the need for printed materials and physical signage. Additionally, mobile ticketing and check-in solutions can streamline entry processes, reducing queuing times and minimizing the use of paper tickets or wristbands.
 
By implementing these 10 easy sustainable event practices, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your gatherings while creating memorable experiences for attendees – and even saving money. Whether you're planning a corporate conference, wedding, or community fundraiser, small changes can add up to make a big difference. BIG DEAL Company looks forward to working together to promote sustainability in the events industry and pave the way for a greener future.

Free downloadable:

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.

​Download a FREE Printable List