The MBD Marketing & Events team supports a number of non-profits across the front range who serve families and children. Knowing that Halloween is just around the corner, and COVID is still here at full strength, we are getting tons of questions around event safety. While we are event experts, we are not the CDC. We follow our county, state and government recommendations closely so that we can help our clients make educated decisions. If you are wondering what you can do to safely enjoy Fall Festivities, this blog is for you! Summer is almost over and with the Fall season right around the corner it is not too soon to start thinking about Halloween. In 2020 our entire world was rocked by the pandemic with most of our favorite events and activities canceled or closed. So for 2021 we are wondering, will we be able to check everything off our Autumn Bucket List in a way that is safe? 1. Outdoor Gatherings are the Safest We have all been told that being outdoors is the best way to be in larger groups of people. If we can keep our distance and we are outside, we do not even need to wear masks! According to an article from USA Today, experts said “that activities such as visiting a pumpkin patch, going apple picking and other outdoor events generally pose a lower risk for you and your family.”[1] Thank goodness for the AMAZING Fall weather we have in Colorado! Tons of outdoor time is possible here. [1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/09/11/halloween-hayrides-experts-explain-covid-risks/8276516002/ 2. Halloween Themed Masks are Fun and Safe! Wearing a mask on or around Halloween has been a popular thing to do long before COVID entered our lives. Luckily now your fun or spooky Halloween mask. Can also help protect you and others at Halloween events and parties! Prevention.com informs us that, “Halloween costumes actually originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of dressing up to ward off wandering spirits on October 31—so this might be the only year when doctors and druids alike agree that your costume is necessary to keep you safe.”[2] [2] https://www.prevention.com/health/g33584965/halloween-face-masks-covid-coronavirus/ 3. Vaccinations We' are all aware of the available vaccine. And soon it could be available for children. According to a Forbes article “Vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 could potentially come as soon as October under a “best case scenario,” Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief who serves on Pfizer’s board.”[3] [3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/09/12/covid-vaccines-for-kids-could-be-approved-by-halloween-under-best-case-scenario-gottlieb-suggests/?sh=30260500378a 4. Find Alternative Ways to Stay Festive From Halloween movie marathons to decorating the house as spooky as you’d like, you can get creative with how you celebrate Fall and Halloween festivities. A fun way to celebrate with your neighbors and friends from a distance is “Boo-ing” them! Click here on more information on how to “BOO!” https://indywithkids.com/how-to-boo/[4] [4] https://indywithkids.com/how-to-boo/ 5. Attend Noco’s Drive Thru Trick-or-Treat
A socially distanced Halloween for families, with something for everyone. Picture a reverse parade! Kids can trick-or-treat safely from their car window. Families will slowly drive through a long series of Halloween scenes decorated by local businesses, schools and nonprofits. COVID safety measures will be in place. Last year this event sold out in just 5 minutes, so we recommend you follow the TEF FB event page to learn about ticket sale date/time. *This is a fundraiser for Thompson Education Foundation. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/140202334926374?active_tab=about Covid Response - Events during the Delta Variant
Events during a global pandemic This past year and a half, the events industry has had to learn to adapt quickly. Shifting on the fly from fully in-person to full cancellations to hybrids to covid safe events has been a metamorphosis to behold. The change in dynamics within our company alone has been amazing to witness. And while we can all agree it has been one of the most challenging periods, the growth that we have seen - both personally and professionally - has been life and business-changing. We (My Big Day Marketing & Events) have learned a lot during the pandemic. We have discovered how to creatively manage and pivot live, in-person events, into exciting and engaging virtual and hybrid events. We have figured out ways to deliver points of connection for our communities and clients in covid-safe events when it hasn’t been safe to gather together. And while we are more than ready to be back together, celebrating weddings, anniversaries, business milestones, and community accomplishments live and in-person, we know that we can continue to do so in creative ways until it is safe to do so together in one place. Our Covid-Safe Practices Event planning begins months and sometimes over a year out. We have been living and workin moment by moment, day by day, following every recommendation and order by our counties, our state and the CDC. Our clients are counting on us to help them decide what events to keep and how to 'get creative.' We are making sure that we are keeping our clients and our employees safe by implementing and following all CDC recommended guidelines and best practices for events that take place in person. This means we are:
How We Are Planning for the Fall and Beyond
Typically during this time of year, our workload consists of venue tours and vendor meetings for the busy upcoming holiday party season. And while our calendars are still filling up with community events, non-profit fundraisers and weddings, many of these are hopeful events for later, reaching further into 2022. Unfortunately, we are feeling the effects of this latest surge in hospitalizations due to the Delta Covid Variant. With the new CDC recommendations that everyone - regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors, businesses and corporations are rethinking their holiday parties and celebrations. Many are canceling. Our own MBD team is even considering hosting a virtual holiday party happy hour instead of gathering together, just to play it safe. Moving Forward As we move forward, we will continue to create events with multiple scenarios in mind. We aim to have a plan A, B, and sometimes a C in place -- just in case lockdowns, restrictions, and other regulations are put in place by the government and local agencies. Part of being an event planner means being prepared for anything and everything. This is the nature of the job. We must say, however, that it is getting somewhat tiresome, trying to keep up with all of the constant changes that this pandemic has thrust upon our society and industry as a whole. We have had to add the title of “community health expert” to our role, and that is a hefty expectation to fill. We are learning on the fly - and we’re just as scared and confused as the next person. That is why we rely on experts to lead and guide our decisions. We have learned a lot over the last year - a lot of new, exciting, and somewhat scary stuff. We hope that if we can continue to apply what we have learned, listen to each other, and follow guidelines with each other’s health and safety in mind - we’ll find that normal we are all so desperately wanting again. MBD Marketing and Events is working hard to support the Colorado State funded campaign, "No DUI Larimer" which is in its 5th year of DUI prevention and education. This month we are focusing on safe partying. With so many universities in a concentrated area, we have thousands of college students back to school this Fall. Statistically, this time of year yields this highest number of DUIs, fatal accidents and hospitalizations for young adults. Every August, Larimer County welcomes tens of thousands of college students back to campuses in Fort Collins and Loveland (and in the other university towns that surround us). With that influx of students comes increased DUI risk, especially for freshmen in their first six weeks of school. Research shows that not only are these first six weeks the most risky, they are the time college students form drinking habits for the remainder of their time at school. At No DUI Larimer, we don’t expect college students not to drink (or use marijuana). Instead, we encourage safe drinking and use habits. Whether you’re new to college this year or about to graduate, try these tips to stay safe at your next college party.
Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook and Instagram for more safe drinking tips and local news. With 15 years in the business, the My Big Day team has seen a lot of wedding venues. Over the years, we’ve developed rewarding working relationships with some of our favorite venues that brides and grooms rave about year after year. Don’t plan your Colorado wedding without checking out these venues: YMCA of Estes Park The YMCA of Estes Park in the picturesque Rocky Mountains is inclusive and affordable. Lodging and catering are available on-site, along with outdoor activities so you can choose to make a whole weekend out of your visit. Various locations on the property accommodate anywhere from 15-450 guests. Get married indoors or in the mountain air. The YMCA schedules weddings throughout the week. More information, including the wedding pricing guide, is available here. Contact the Special Events Coordinator at 970-586-3341 ext.1024 or weddingsepc@ymcarockies.org. Silverthorne Pavilion Weddings at the Silverthorne Pavilion include an outdoor ceremony space and industrial indoor reception space. This venue offers alcohol services, use of the grounds, setup of tables and chairs, access to a centerpiece materials closet, use of sound systems, bride and groom suites, and an on-site attendant. Kitchen use, A/V equipment and tech support, and fireplace use are available for a fee. Silverthorne is located near several Rocky Mountain attractions, making it ideal for destination weddings. For more details, email alydon@Silverthorne.org or call 970-262-7391. 2021 rates, fees, and floor plans are available online. Lone Tree Creek Event Center The Lone Tree Creek Event Center is a DIY venue with a beautiful, rustic backdrop. Get married in the grassy fields surrounding the venue and follow up with a reception inside the modern barn. To get a quote, reserve a date, or for any other questions, call 970-405-7057. Della Terra Mountain Chateau Della Terra is Mountain Luxury at its finest. Located in Estes Park, nestled up alongside Rocky Mountain National Park, guests can enjoy a true chateau, fresh mountain air, and the occaisional woodland guest during a ceremony. You can reach one of their planning experts at 970-586-2501 or weddings@dellaterramountainchateau.com To get started planning your wedding with My Big Day at one of these venues, contact us here or call 970-613-1455. Follow us on Facebook for wedding planning tips and to see our most recent work.
Being in the event planning industry for 15 years, we have experienced ups and downs -- arguably more ups than downs! We have had the pleasure of creating and executing some awesome events, and undoubtedly awesome experiences and memories. Along the way, we have often had to educate our clients and the larger community on what it exactly is that we do. There are many myths out there regarding what it is we -- professional event planners -- do. Event Planners Like to Party All the Time, Party All the Time… While many of our events are actually parties or celebrations, we are actually working throughout all of the festivities. It is a pleasure to watch our clients and their friends have fun. Occasionally, we get to participate, too -- just one of the many benefits of working in this industry. During any event, we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This event is the culmination of months and sometimes years of planning and hard work. Event planners are the cushion between the client and any emergencies that might arise. I Planned My Best Friend’s Wedding, So I Can Now Add Wedding Planner To My Resume! Wedding planning is a major part of event planning -- arguably an industry in and of itself. Weddings garner a lot of attention in this industry because of the romance, excitement, and drama that can surround this type of event. There are event planners that focus entirely on weddings. These planners are wedding planners. Wedding planning and event planning are high-stress jobs. Planning your own wedding can certainly be stressful and of course, rewarding, but planning with someone else’s dreams and expectations at the forefront is something on an entirely different level. There are short timelines, cancellations, tight budgets, and other details that creep up that an event planner must tend to, on behalf of their client. It’s very different handling all of these for a paying client. Event Planners must have a keen business sense. They work for years to build organization, problem solving, and master communication skills. The Bigger the Better. When it comes to our clients and the events that we plan - no event is off limits. Big or small, we are ready to step in and make it a success. It is a myth that event planners only work on large scale events. We have had the pleasure of planning all sorts of events from large garden parties and backyard concerts for 600+ guests to small, romantic wedding proposals. No event is too big, or too small for our team! Event Planning is Glamorous Hollywood tends to spin this myth. Movies such as 'The Wedding Planner' and pop-culture shows about wedding planning can make it seem that everything is luxurious and glamorous. In reality, event planning involves:
When you commit to becoming an event planner, you need to be prepared to be on your feet for hours upon hours. We have worn through many pairs of shoes, and oftentimes pack extra outfits and shoes as backup throughout the event. Event planning means always having an emergency kit ready for use. It means managing not only the details of the event, but also people and personalities, too. A Well Polished Instagram is a True Reflection of What an Event Planner Does As we have already mentioned, Event Planning is not all fun and games. Event planners work evenings, weekends, early mornings -- we work until the job is done. In between the actual events, we focus on all of the work that goes into building and running a business. Why We Do What We Do We wouldn’t put up with tired and sore feet or Bridezillas if we didn’t love what we do. Nothing can replace the sense of pride and accomplishment that a successful event or campaign can provide. For 15 years we have enjoyed creating outstanding events. We have loved building healthy partnerships within the communities we serve. And, we absolutely look forward to what the next 15 years brings. We have a feeling it will be more connections, more memories, and more fun! Call our talented team of professional event planners to receive a consultation for your next event or life celebration! Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Colorado is Back to School in person! After the 2020-2021 school year there have been a lot of questions about what the new “normal” will be this upcoming year for students. Many of your MBD team members are parents - and we all work with clients who serve and support children and students. Safety and health are very important to us. Below are a few things that the CDC has recommended to ensure the student and staff safety this 2021 school year. Masks for ages 2+ if not vaccinated. KKTV 11 News wrote that the CDC guidelines say that “Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.” If vaccinated, schools are asking for proof and then a mask is not required. Staff, Teachers and Students should stay home if they have any infectious disease. This rule refers to any infectious disease, not just COVID. Colds and flus are on the list for being a required reason to stay at home and they recommend going to see a physician as well. Teachers and staff will continue to have disinfect. Staff and teachers will be supplied with disinfecting spray, to clean high-touch areas regularly. The circulation of outdoor air inside will continue to be increased. “Screening testing, ventilation, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick and getting tested, contact tracing in combination with quarantine and isolation, and cleaning and disinfection are also important layers of prevention to keep schools safe.”[1] [1] https://www.kktv.com/2021/07/21/colorado-health-officials-release-back-to-school-guidance-covid-19/ Schools will continue to “Encouraging frequent hand washing and providing access to hand sanitation stations.”[1] [1] https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/leadership/superintendent/looking_forward_back_to_school_2021-2022 Physical Distancing 3 feet or more.
“CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk. When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, such as when schools cannot fully re-open while maintaining these distances, it is especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking.”1 We must all work together to keep our schools safe! If we can all follow these guidelines we can prevent the spread of most illnesses throughout our schools and homes. Back to school is here and everyone is excited to return to the classrooms! Check out our Pinterest board for Back to School ideas and tips! https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/education-k-12/back-to-school-ideas/ https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/20/colorado-school-guidance-covid-masks-vaccines-2021-school-year/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html MBD was proud to plan this stunning summer wedding at the lovely Bonnie Blues Event Venue in Elizabeth, Colorado. Congratulations to Tony & Nicole! A gorgeous ranch style wedding East of Denver at Bonnie Blues Event Venue. Perfect weather for romance and a summer celebration! Event Planners: My Big Day Ceremony: Bonnie Blues Event Venue Reception: Bonnie Blues Event Venue Music: DJ Connection Event Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals Bar: Peak Beverage Photographer: Ashley Tiedgen Photography Catering: Buffalo Gals Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Summer is in full effect and as we begin to see the world open back up, a number of events are back in full force. A constant favorite is golf tournaments. Thompson Education Foundation is a partner with MBD Marketing and Events and this August we have planned their first ever golf tournament fundraiser! Planning an event for the first time always takes time and energy researching how others have done it in the past and asking for helpful tips from experts. While we have planned others, no client wants a carbon copy of someone else's event. Here are some ideas on how to make any golf tournament a success! 1. Location Location is key to a successful golf tournament. Christine with MBD Marketing and Events say that “It's great to have a committed and supportive golf course partner, as they can make all the difference in the success of the event!” Part of this process involves being prepared for bad weather so having a golf course that can accommodate tents or an inside venue for your guests is something to consider when choosing a location. 2. Number of Players and Inventory The location of the golf tournament can determine how many players you can accommodate. Some golf courses will open up the entire course for your event while others like to reserve only nine holes at a time. You also need to consider the style of play. Timed play, shotgun, 'best ball' or scramble? Each has pros and cons regarding timing. Once you have your head count confirmed, figuring out inventory such as golf carts, caddies, food, goodie bags and any other things needed for the event is important! 3. Food Depending on you golf course partner, food can be offered through their kitchen and snack carts! Now it is time to decide what will be offered to your players. Will you have an early start? Breakfast, mimosas and bloody mary’s are a great way to kick off your event! Maybe you have multiple starts throughout the day and would like to offer a buffet of finger foods instead. Some like to have a banquet after the tournament is over to celebrate and give out awards and say thank you to their guests. There are usually a lot of options when it comes to the food and snacks at a golf tournament. Food and beverage can be the greatest cost at any event, so weighing that cost with ticket prices for your foursomes to ensure monies are still being raised for your non-profit require careful planning and balance. 4. Fundraising Event Sponsors Is the golf tournament you are planning for a non-profit to help raise funds for a cause? Soliciting sponsors for each hole, snack cart, golf carts and to help ensure the players are well fed can be great ways to advertise local businesses while saving on costs. You can easily have 18 sponsors with 18 holes. The rest depends on how large the golf course is and how you would like to accommodate the other sponsors. Christine said that this was part of her more exciting and interesting aspects of the planning process stating, “Creating fun sponsorship opportunities and contests for our golfers brings me the most joy in golf tournament planning.” 5. Contests, Raffles and Giveaways!
Planning interesting ways for your players to interact more than just playing golf at your event can really help peak guest interest. From trophies for all sorts of reasons to silent auctions, to having “Hole-in-One” prizes are all a great way to get your players excited to be there and hopefully to make them want to come back again to future events! Everyone loves to help raise money for a good cause but when you can add in a little extra fun with side bets and giveaways, people feel even more rewarded for being a part of a meaningful event! There are always unseen challenges, Christine said that “Making our tournament unique and special, so it's not like all the rest,” was one of her more challenging tasks. “Just like any event, there are tons of moving parts, so organization is key.” Remember to have fun and plan ahead! Happy Golfing! Christmas in July? It may seem early, but now is the time to book your 2021 corporate or private holiday party with MBD Marketing & Events. As the world has opened up, demand for venues, hotel rooms, plane tickets, and event rentals have skyrocketed. We’re seeing venues booking events for 2022’s holiday season, so the time to reserve your ideal venue is NOW.
Booking a venue is one of the first steps to planning any event, including holiday parties. Here is an example of a corporate holiday party planning timeline: 12 Weeks Out
8 Weeks Out
6 Weeks Out
4 Weeks Out
3 Weeks
1 Week
3 Days
1-2 Days
When you book with MBD Marketing & Events, we do all the heavy lifting. Our holidays are already filling up with contracts, so book ASAP with our team of creative, experienced event planners for an unforgettable company holiday party. Contact MBD Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken MBD Marketing & Events has been proud to be supporting the No DUI Larimer initiative. Part of our marketing campaign includes education. At No DUI Larimer, we talk a lot about the safety implications of impaired driving. But there are legal implications as well. Deciding to Make the Call instead of driving impaired can save not just your life, but also time, money, and your license. Read on for an overview of Colorado’s DUI/DWAI laws and penalties.
Colorado DUI/DWAI Laws DUI/DWAI in Colorado In Colorado, you are considered to be Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. You can still be charged with a DUI if your test result comes back below 0.08%. You will be charged with a DUI if you refuse to submit to a chemical test while showing signs of intoxication or of being under the influence of drugs, including marijuana. Although Colorado uses Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) language during sentencing, there is no difference in the statute (law) itself. DUI laws in Colorado cover impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination of the two. First Offense DUI
Second Offense DUI
Third Offense DUI
Fourth Offense DUI
Persistent Drunk Driver/Aggravated DUI
First Offense DWAI
Second Offense DWAI
Third Offense DWAI
Fourth Offense DWAI
How many points will cost you your license? Adult Drivers (21 and older)
Minor Drivers 18-20 Years Old
Minor Drivers Under 18
Colorado’s Chargeable BAC Level In Colorado, the “legal limit” for drinking and driving is a BAC of 0.08%. It is important to note, however, that alcohol affects people differently, and a BAC of 0.05% may be enough to cause impairment. Therefore, if you show signs of driving under the influence and/or cause an accident, and your BAC is 0.05% or higher, it is a permissible inference that you drove under the influence of alcohol, and you can be charged. Providing Alcohol to a Minor In Colorado, people who “sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver or permit the sale, serving, giving, or procuring of any alcohol beverage to or for any person under the age of twenty-one years” can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. This conviction can include a prison sentence in a county jail of at least three months and up to one year. Fines range from $250 to $1,000. Avoid penalties and save your life – or another’s – by always Making the Call. Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook for tips and updates from us and our partners. |
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April 2023
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