We hear the question all the time, "Do I really need to hire an event planner?" Maybe you are really organized... Maybe you are surrounded with helpful people. While there is no question that organizational skills and reliable friends can aid in an event's success - there is nothing like having a professional team to ensure your event is successful and stress free. With over 160 years of combined experience on our event planning team, we have compiled a number of memorable 'Event Planner to the Rescue' moments during our time working together. So many popped up that we had to make this a multi-part blog! Examples of how we have saved the day at events: - Guest Book Tree Stump: Some over-served guests at a wedding decided to create their own art masterpiece and ruin a bride & groom's tree stump guest book. MBD jumped into action, had the guests removed, and came up with an alternative guest book to capture the day. - Safety Pins: We have them in our emergency kits and need these at every other event. We can't tell you how often there is a fabric emergency that requires a safety pin! -Cabs/Uber: We have called countless car services to get guests home safely. 50% of our own planning team have actually been designated drivers at client events when a car service wasn't available. - Bubbles: Can't get kiddos down the aisle? We can, and have. We carry bubbles in our emergency kits. Little kids who are too small to be predictable in a wedding party will make it down the aisle if bubble are available! -Vodka Run: We have planned countless events where the amount of alcohol the client provided was underestimated and MBD ran to the liquor store to pick up more. Booze, juice boxes, ice.... you name it. We are often the wheels and credit cards behind the scenes so your fun isn't interrupted. -Bussing tables: We aren't caterers, but you would never know it. If your caterer doesn't have enough hands, or you ordered 'drop & go catering' without realizing that you need someone to serve the food and clean up.... we are often in the background, cleaning up. -Pen for marriage certificate: You just said I do. You need to make it official. Who has the marriage certificate? Who has a pen to sign it? We do. We even bring a 'pretty pen' which you would prefer to have in photographs over that pen with your realtor's address on it. -Sewing kit repairs: Our emergency kits include a sewing kit... and yes, we have run out of thread! You may be surprised how many outfit fails happen a year. We can sew too! MBD's Event Planner Saves the Day Video: Planning an event? You NEED us. Making Business Personal As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! My Big Day makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Contact MBD Marketing & Events *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us My Big Day Marketing & Events has spent hours scouring Northern Colorado for this comprehensive list of event spaces for small private events in Fort Collins. These venues are ideal for groups of 50 or less and include flexible event spaces, restaurants with private dining rooms, and activity centers. This list is PURE GOLD to those who are combing the internet, trying to find an affordable and small event friendly location for their gathering in NoCo. You're welcome! Flexible Event Spaces in Fort Collins A Social Place Light and airy, well-appointed all-purpose community space
Armstrong Hotel The Library accommodates up to 70 guests; The Parlor is an intimate space for smaller groups; Ace Gillett’s Lounge accommodates 50-80 guests
Cambria Hotel & Suites Fort Collins Offers two event rooms that can be set up in meeting style, classroom style, theater style, or banquet layout
Canvas Stadium Home of the Colorado State University Rams, Canvas Stadium has rooms for companies, organizations, and community events of all sizes
CanyonSide Campground (Bellvue) Unique campground and event center 40 miles northwest of Fort Collins in the Roosevelt National Forest
City of Fort Collins Recreation Facilities A variety of City-owned facilities and activity centers for small and large events
Colorado Feed & Grain (Timnath) Business collective, with local businesses under one roof
Edwards House Longs Peak Room accommodates up to 14 guests; Montezuma Room accommodates up to 30; Pergola Garden also available for rent, weather permitting
Gardens on Spring Creek A botanical oasis in the heart of Fort Collins and one-of-a-kind venue with multiple, flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
The Golf Club at Fox Acres (Red Feather Lakes) Country club with flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
Hilton Fort Collins Close to downtown Fort Collins and Colorado State University; the only rooms in Fort Collins with mountain views
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Collins Upscale event spaces with the comforts of home
Marriott Fort Collins Newly-renovated, flexible event spaces
Ohana Mountain Ranch (Bellvue) Family-run ranch on 60 acres in the foothills west of Fort Collins
Poudre Landmarks Foundation – Carriage House Unique, historic backdrop with lush grounds for small events
Ptarmigan Country Club Variety of flexible event spaces available
Rist Canyon Inn – Farmhouse (Laporte) 120-year-old farmhouse and accompanying buildings set among old growth trees, lush golden pastures, and a glistening creek
Wolverine Farm Event Hall accommodates up to 60 guests
Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries With Private Party Rooms in Fort Collins Austin’s American Grill (Harmony Location)
Avogadro’s Number Music venue, bar, and vegetarian-vegan-friendly American restaurant
Beau Jo’s Colorado pizza chain with die-hard fans
Bistro Nautile Seafood restaurant with a focus on French-influenced food using farm-fresh ingredients
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Semi-private area accommodates 50-70 guests
Black Bottle Brewery Nontraditional beer and restaurant with gastropub
Blind Pig Pub and grub with vegetarian options and live music
Blue Agave Grill Two semi-private party areas accommodate 20-25 guests each
Brothers Bar & Grill Laid-back bar and grill with private and semi-private event options
Cafe Vino Restaurant with a focus on fresh, organic, locally-sourced ingredients, featuring local craft beers, over 200 wines, and decadent pastries
The Colorado Room Can accommodate 50-60 guests
Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing Onsite brewery and English pub paired with an American dining experience
CopperMuse Distillery Distillery Production Room accommodates up to 25 guests; outdoor patio/deck seats up to 40, weather permitting; Tasting Room accommodates up to 40
The Crown Pub Private basement accommodates 60-70 guests
Cups Community Coffee Locally owned and operated coffee shop serving delicious drinks and fresh food
The Emporium American Brasserie offering warm, approachable hospitality in an energetic space – emphasis on fresh, regional ingredients and extensive wine list
Farmhouse at Jessup Farm The Farmhouse can host events for 10-100 guests
The Forge Publick House Craft beer bar with a warm atmosphere and a large, colorful patio
Hello Brew Co. Small brewery with a cozy taproom in an old house in downtown Fort Collins
Fun, funky craft brewery off the beaten path
Gilded Goat Brewing Company (Midtown) Family-owned brewery and taproom with a warm, inviting space
Ginger & Baker The Teaching Kitchen seats up to 30 guests; The Wine Cellar seats up to 48; The Mill Top accommodates 50-90 guests
Hello Brew Co. Small brewery with a cozy taproom in an old house in downtown Fort Collins
HuHot Mongolian Grill Two semi-private party rooms; each accommodates up to 10 guests
Illegal Pete’s Rooftop and indoor space available for private events
Jax Fish House Upscale chain serving gourmet seafood dishes and creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting
Jay’s Bistro Upscale dining with multiple private rooms Lirano Wine Bar European speakeasy with wine and cocktails
Little On Mountain Fun neighborhood eatery for brunch and supper
Magic Rat at The Elizabeth Hotel Offbeat and unique live music venue with food and drinks
Maxline Brewing Locally owned, family-run brewery and tasting room in midtown Fort Collins
Maya Cove Bar and grill with casual fare and die-hard fans
The Mayor of Old Town Nationally recognized full bar and restaurant that specializes in craft beer
The Melting Pot Private, intimate tables and rooms available
Moot House Modern English pub fare and local craft beers served in cozy quarters with fireplaces
New Belgium Brewing Classic Fort Collins brewery with lots of indoor and outdoor space
Nick’s Restaurant & Bar Semi-private function room and patio available for events
Odell Brewing and OBC Wine Project Well-known brewery with draft microbrews, beautiful patio and mountain views
Oregano’s Family-friendly neighborhood joint serving tasty Chicago pizzas and Italian dishes
Otto Pint Local brews and signature pizzas served in an unfussy atmosphere with lots of natural light
The Post Chicken and Beer Private event room accommodates up to 50 guests
Pour Brothers Community Tavern Fun, relaxing environment with local beer, craft cocktails, and unforgettable bites
Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten German style beers in a charming, rustic brick building downtown
Purpose Brewing and Cellars Rustic brewery with a unique vibe and intimate space
Rally5* Local crafted eats including gourmet burgers, power bowls, mac and cheese, and salads – private event rooms coming spring 2023* Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Delicious TexMex and margaritas in downtown Fort Collins
Simmer Relaxed neighborhood eatery for hearty American classics, beer, wine, and cocktails
Smokin’ Fins Regional restaurant concept featuring a unique menu of seafood, sushi, and BBQ
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse Locally owned fine dining restaurant
Snowbank Brewing Award-winning brewery with a unique taproom, focused on innovation and a passion for the Colorado lifestyle
Stodgy Brewing Company Friendly neighborhood brewery and taproom with a unique atmosphere
Sunset Lounge at The Elizabeth Hotel Intimate, elegant indoor rooftop lounge in downtown Fort Collins
SweetWater Brewing Company Full kitchen, taproom and patio with brews, hard seltzers, teas, and more
Timnath Beerwerks (Timnath) Authentic, one-of-a-kind northern Colorado beer experience in the historic Timnath Feed & Grain Building.
Tony’s Bar and Rooftop TV, billiards, and other bar staples in an industrial space
The Whisk(e)y Pub grub, hundreds of whiskeys, and live music in a warm atmosphere with leather booths
415 Updated American classic restaurant with multiple event spaces available
Activities for Private Events in Fort Collins Ascent Studio Rock climbing and fitness facility
Board & Brush Creative Studio DIY project and painting studio with beer and wine offering wood sign painting parties
Chipper’s Lanes Horsetooth Activity center with bowling, laser tag, pool, volleyball, and a full restaurant and bar
Cinemark Movie theater with private watch parties and birthday parties
City of Fort Collins Pottery Studio Educational and recreational facility offering diverse classes, activities, and opportunities for all ages; participants learn a wide variety of basic clay techniques
Color Me Mine Paint-your-own ceramics studio
The Cooking Studio A place where amateur cooks, aspiring young chefs, teams, families, and friends come to learn, explore, and unleash their inner chef
The Dinner Detective Murder mystery dinner experience
Fly High Trampoline Park Amusement center with trampolines, indoor soft play, foam pit, indoor basketball court, and dodgeball court
Fort Collins Escape Room Premier escape room experiences - 3 experiences available
Fort Fun Massive family-friendly, lakeside recreation center with mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, a skating rink, and much more
The Gorehound’s Playground Unique event space and store for horror movie buffs
Looking Glass Escape Lounge Exciting escape rooms featuring a bar and lounge
Old Town Putt Indoor mini golf course and bar for 21+ parties
Painting With a Twist Have a night out sipping, socializing, and creating
Pinot’s Palette Upscale painting and wine experience
Rollerland Skate Center Family-friendly activity center with roller rink, laser tag maze, indoor playground, and arcade
Somewhere Secret Escape Room Explore the room and complete puzzles to find the treasure chest at the highest-rated escape room in Colorado
Urban Air Adventure Park Indoor adventure park with playground, climbing hill, climbing walls, dodgeball, Go Karts, trampolines, rope course, virtual reality, warrior course, Slam Dunk Zone, and giant inflatable airbag
X-Golf Premier indoor golf and entertainment venue
830 North – Chipper’s Lanes Activity center featuring bowling, laser tag, arcade, pool, volleyball, and a full restaurant and bar
*************************************** For help planning your event and day-of coordination, book the northern Colorado experts at My Big Day Marketing & Events. We take on the behind-the-scenes stress, so you can enjoy your event. For business and private event tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Making Business Personal
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! My Big Day makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Contact MBD Marketing & Events *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us There is planning events.... and there is PLANNING EVENTS! This community event is a massive undertaking that takes nearly the entire year to plan! Our friends at Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain have enlisted MBD for the past 2 years to assist with this event they inherited. In it's 56th year of tradition in Longmont, this experience did not disappoint! 4 homes, countless vendors, over 100 volunteers, Habitat staff, and an army of event planners..... the community was able to enjoy shopping and home tour delight! MBD provided event planning guidance, onsite event managers, and event marketing. Learn more about this spectacular tradition in Longmont HERE.
If you’re looking for an affordable, versatile, and all around great location for a wedding or large scale event in Downtown Fort Collins, look no further than Everyday Joe’s. My Big Day Marketing & Events had the pleasure of hosting in this fabulous location, and we highly recommend it to anyone that wants that downtown event feel! They have a large open space that can serve as a ceremony spot as well as a dining and reception hall. The space can fit up to 170 guests for a ceremony. With a quick turn around, it can seat up to 120 guests for a meal. A bonus for this location – it is one of a handful of local establishments where couples can bring their own alcohol, and the Everyday Joe’s staff have bartenders that are insured, certified, and available upon request. They even have staff available to help with set up, and tear down – something all event planners LOVE! As you can see, Everyday Joe’s offers a hip, urban, vibe for any event - wedding or party celebration! Everyday Joe’s facts:
It always feel good to be appreciated and Keystone Financial does a great job at letting their clients know that they are treasured. MBD Marketing & Events was asked to help plan Keystone's annual Client Appreciation event and we loved every minute of it! What a wonderful, thoughtful group of people! We were tasked with finding:
MBD Marketing & Events reached out to all of the venues that were suitable, sent RFPs to many caterers, and vetted about 25 entertainers! We quickly got everything booked and ready for invitations to be sent out. Keystone Financial hosted their largest gathering yet - and gave their clients a very fun night! Thank you for trusting MBD to do what we do best --- Bring JOY to the Job! Making Business Personal
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! My Big Day makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Contact MBD Marketing & Events ***Bringing Joy to the Job*** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us MBD preaches the importance of bringing the added touches to every event that make it memorable and extra special. Showing appreciation for your event host is one way to bring that EXTRA to the event! Whether you're staying with friends for the weekend or attending a party thrown in your honor, thanking your host is an important step in ensuring future goodwill. Here are a few ideas to acknowledge the effort made on your behalf. See our free printable below.
Making Business Personal
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! My Big Day makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Contact MBD Marketing & Events ***Bringing Joy to the Job*** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us What is a corporate recipe for success when it comes to building healthy and successful professional (workplace) relationships? A sprinkling of a positive company culture that promotes interaction and connection between coworkers. How do employers promote these connections? Easily through team-building activities and exercises. Team building exercises or activities are games, meetings, experiences and events that are designed to motivate group members to get to know and respect each other - often times on a different level that what they are used to in the office. While often silly or far from “work-related”, team-building exercises are activities that are thoughtfully designed to encourage teamwork. They produce a variety of benefits, including - thoughtful communication between participants (coworkers), motivation to try new approaches to problem solving, creative thinking, and building trust. The 5 main types of corporate team-building Ultimately, the activities you choose to focus on depend on your goals. Some experiences are strictly designed to foster relationship building, while others focus more on developing specific skills. There are 5 main types of team-building:
Icebreakers Quick games and icebreaker activities are a great way to kick-off a professional gathering. They are often used to motivate employees to participate. Some easy meeting icebreakers are:
Communication Activities that focus on healthy and thoughtful communication patterns are a great way to develop strong communication skills in a low-risk environment.
My Big Day Marketing & Events has developed a variety of scavenger hunts for corporate clients – some focusing on the communication part, some focusing on fun.
Problem Solving Activities that focus on creative problem solving often lead to better results in the workplace. Escape Rooms could again be used to hone these skills, but here are a few other activities that will help your group find creative solutions to challenges:
Creative Thinking Encouraging creativity in play often translates to success in the board room!
Employee Bonding Happy people produce good work! You can encourage relationship building outside of the office with these suggestions:
My Big Day Marketing and Events has a team of professional planners and facilitators who can help you plan engaging activities for your team. We can develop an itinerary that will help you reach your team-bonding goals, which in turn will help you find success - both in and out of the office! For more inspiration, you can check out these curated Pinterest Boards dedicated to Company Retreats and Adult Party Games. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates and tips. Small Business. Big Impact.
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in the creative touches so many marketing campaigns & events these days are lacking. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! Allow us to WOW you and your guests! As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! 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 Take it from us, your professional event planners - we never work an event without having an emergency checklist! Even the best plans can fall short and the most experienced event planners can stymied by unforeseen circumstances. Having an emergency checklist and the right supplies on hand can allow you to handle anything that comes your way. Things that move but weren't supposed to: Duct tape fixes everything, right? That's almost true! Having a variety of tape, depending on the situation, is essential. Clear tape, gaffer tape, clothing tape, removable adhesive strips and double sided tape are important tools for fixing things that should be immobile. Sewing kits, safety pins, zip ties, locks and other theft-prevention measures fall into this category as well. Things that don't move but were supposed to: Now it's time to introduce duct tape's other half - WD40! A lubricating spray can be helpful for loud doors, removing sticky things and more. Scissors and wire snips are essential tools as well. An extra cake knife / serving utensils may also be helpful. Climate control: Is the event outside? If so, bug spray and sunscreen are a must. Anti-itch cream and antihistamines for those bites that inevitably happen can also save the day. An ice cold airconditioned event hall? Toe warmers under the table cloth may be needed. Look your best: In the case of a wedding, photo shoot or keynote speaker, appearance matters. Stain stick, oil absorbing sheets, static guard and a lint roller are important tools to make sure that your clients (and you!) be camera ready. Power it up: Extension cords, power strips, batteries, extra charging cables - we've all seen the situation where the cord just isn't long enough. Having additional supplies to provide power will never do you wrong. Additionally, think about what you would need if the power goes out completely - flashlights, lighters and candles. Mobile office: Permanent markers, pens, highlighters, extra paper, paper clips and binder clips, rubber bands, etc. If you're planning an event with registration or that will take payment, throw in extra money envelopes and receipt paper as well. Extra name tags and acrylic sign holders are also life savers. Safety and wellness: A couple of snacks (remember food allergies) and bottles of water are critical when there's no time for lunch. Basic first aid supplies and pain relief will also keep you and your guests going. Cotton swabs and tweezers have a variety of purposes, and a basic tool kit to hammer in a wayward nail or bend a protruding wire will serve you well. Rubber gloves and trash bags can also help contain messes safely. Example packing list:
You can download our FREE printable checklist below!
MBD has been in business for 16 years and we have a team of 15 industry professionals who have learned a thing or two over the years about company events.
What do you NEED to know? ​ Download our free printable!
Small Business. Big Impact.
​As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in the creative touches so many marketing campaigns & events these days are lacking. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! Allow us to WOW you and your guests! As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! 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 We had a wonderful time at the 2022 Meals on 4th event! We are so grateful for all of the sponsors, community partners, volunteers, attendees, and donors! You matter! You make a difference! Our friends at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud hit their fundraising goal! We are proud to help put this event on. It is a heavy lift with over 100 people working in the background to make this happen. Great people - great cause! Thank you Lauren Leary for the photos. Small Business. Big Impact.
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in the creative touches so many marketing campaigns & events these days are lacking. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! Allow us to WOW you and your guests! As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! 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 |
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Making Business Personal. We pride ourselves on giving you something to look forward to. We are a connected collective of creatives - owned an operated by outstanding women. Want More?Never miss an event or opportunity. Sign up for our newsletter!
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April 2023
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