Congratulations, new business owner! You’ve honed your concept, raised the money, found your perfect space, conducted interviews – and now it’s time to open your doors, with the MBD Marketing and Events team’s tips on how to host a ribbon cutting for your new business. What is a ribbon cutting? A ribbon cutting is a ceremonial opening of your business, usually a formal event where a company representative or local public figure commemorates your new venture. The name “ribbon cutting” comes from the tradition of cutting a large ribbon with supersized scissors to “open” the doorway to the new storefront. Fun fact: The origin of giant scissors can be traced back to the Bronze Age, over 3,000 years ago. Modern ribbon cuttings need not involve the literal ribbon, though it is still a popular practice. The main purpose of a ribbon cutting is to gain publicity for and raise awareness of a new or renovated business. Ribbon cuttings and grand openings are not one and the same. Grand openings are typically the first time a storefront is open for regular business, while a ribbon cutting is a special event focused on ceremony and dissemination of information. Follow these steps to get the most out of your ribbon cutting: Plan First things first, you’ll need to set a date and time for your ribbon cutting. Your local Chamber of Commerce or an event planner can tell you the ideal day and time to host your event. You’ll also want to check the schedule of any officials or public figures you’d like to attend, before settling on a date. Be sure to allow enough time to plan the logistics of your event and to get the word out. Next, you’ll want to start on promotion (see “Promote” below). While you’re spreading the word about your event, you’ll need to prepare and send invitations to VIPs. Planning the ceremony itself involves considerations about who will host and answer questions, whether you will have any speakers, food, entertainment, seating, photography, and swag such as branded gift bags. Hiring a local event planner like MBD Marketing & Events can streamline this process, and we’ll use our huge network in northern Colorado to get you the best deals from your vendors. Promote You’ll want to get the word out about your upcoming ribbon cutting as much as possible. There are free and paid methods for creating word of mouth about your event in your community. Consider promoting your event through:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of hours promoting your new business while you’re, well, getting ready to open that new business, you’re not alone. Our marketing and events team can handle all of the above for you! Execute Many people, even business owners, don’t realize what goes into putting on an event behind the scenes – but we are experts. Sticking to your event timeline can be a challenge when juggling multiple vendors and inevitable last-minute mishaps. Having an event planning team working in the background ensures your day will run smoothly, but if you don’t, plan to at least have someone to coordinate vendors and logistics the day of your event. Consider things like:
Publicize
Ideally, your early promotion efforts enticed local publications to attend your ribbon cutting and/or write about your new business. But you can publicize your event, too. Share photos and information about your event on your business’s website and social media pages. If your website includes a blog, dedicate a post to your successful ribbon cutting. Your event guests are a great source of free publicity. Encourage them to share your event by creating a specific hashtag for posting about your event – this allows you to easily search for posts made by guests. A selfie wall, or eye-catching backdrop for guests to take photos in front of, is a source of entertainment and visual publicity for your ribbon cutting. For help planning your ribbon cutting 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 more business marketing and event tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. One of our favorite unique elements of hosting the Loveland Valentine's Day Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony is the fantastic gift bags that every couple receives. Every year, local businesses offer up goodies to gift our couples and discounts on services! Wedding couples also have the opportunity to win a huge gift basket as well! Thank you to the following partners for gifting our wedding couples with something special in our gift bags and gift basket! Partners 2023
2023 brings a once in a lifetime opportunity to get married ON THE ICE at The Budweiser Event Center - prior to an Eagles Hockey Game! *Registration must be made online in advance Wedding & Vow Renewal Package includes: •Custom Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony in the Sweetheart City, Loveland CO •Romantic Ceremony & Background Music •Your Marriage Certificate Signed by the Officiant •Signature Wedding Cupcakes from B Sweet Cupcakes •Gift Bag from Participating Loveland Businesses •Keepsake Photo with Custom Backdrop •Keepsake Lock you can Use to Permanently 'Lock your Love' on the Famous Loveland Sculpture from Visit Loveland! •A Chance to Win a BIG Gift Basket from Local Businesses! •Tickets for you to Attend the Eagles Hockey Game After Your Ceremony! •Discounted game tickets for your family (limited number) •A Chance to Win a Ride in the VANBONI During the Hockey Game. MBD Marketing & Events has proudly supported the No DUI Larimer initiative through marketing services for 3 years. The statistics don't lie. We have an issue in Northern Colorado and we are determined to help shed light on it and to support Partners in their efforts to encourage Larimer residents to "Make the Call." The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving. Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency–please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired. Areas of focus for this group include:
Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, that’s one person every 50 minutes. In 2019 more than 8,500 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Colorado. A needs assessment completed in October 2018 found that DUI/DWAI offenses are a significant issue in Larimer County due to a number of factors on which the dedicated members of the steering committee will focus through education, outreach, and policy change. In 2020 roughly 65% of drivers arrested for a DUI tested positive for at least one drug (including alcohol) and 25.3% for two or more drugs. 25% of Larimer County adults reported binge drinking in the past month. This is higher than the state (18%) and national (16%) average. Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thanks for doing your part. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE: Partners, who absorbed this project from the former nonprofit, Team Wellness & Prevention, is the lead agency on this five-year project which is now in its fourth year. Partners has engaged a steering committee, and named the project NO DUI LARIMER. Want to receive information on No DUI Larimer? Please email Shayna Kefalas, Program Director [email protected] (970) 484-7123 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 Our mission at My Big Day Marketing & Events is to bring highly curated and collaborative events and business strategies to Northern Colorado. We support businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events, and marketing strategies. In other words - Community is a BIG DEAL to our company. Giving back is just one way we live out our mission every day. This past year, My Big Day Marketing & Events donated $120,980 in Marketing & Event services to Northern Colorado nonprofit organizations. We value the work that they do and want to make it easier for them to succeed. Please consider joining us and finding a nonprofit that you believe in as part of your year-end charitable giving! It's the perfect time to offer financial support to the organizations and nonprofits that do the good work you believe in. 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 Northern Colorado is a destination for conferences, retreats, weddings, sporting events, trade shows and personal travel. MBD Marketing & Events receives countless requests for transportation recommendations for clients visiting and traveling around Colorado. Below is a list of reliable transportation resources to get you from the Denver airport to Northern Colorado - or from hotel to activity to unlimited experiences! Transportation List
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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.
Alianza NORCO is a non-profit organization formed largely by immigrants from our northern Colorado community. In partnership with multi-ethnic allies and pro-immigrant groups, our goal is to break down the obstacles we face as immigrants and empower our families and communities to change the systems that oppress us.
Learn more 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:
Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley is hosting a time-honored event, now approaching its 56th year of holiday magic. The Gift of Home Tour is a beautiful Longmont holiday tradition. With a focus on charitable giving, making memories, and supporting local businesses, The Gift of Home Tour is Colorado's largest self-guided holiday home tour. Homes will be “dressed up” for the holidays by decorators and decor stores, all with their own theme. The homes will feature items for sale and decorating ideas to get you ready for the holidays.
Event Dates: Tour Dates & Times - December 2022 December 1: Opening Night Party 6-9pm December 1: Opening Night Home Tour 6-10pm December 2: Home Tour 1pm-7pm December 3: Home Tour 9am-3pm The opening night party is expected to sell out! St. Vrain Habitat is proud to be the host and beneficiary of the 2022 Gift of Home Tour. In 2020, Longmont Meals on Wheels graciously passed ownership of this event to Habitat. A holiday home tour flows beautifully with the mission and work of Habitat for Humanity. Event website: www.thegiftofhome.org Habitat appreciates our vendors: Adorn Home and Gift Gallery, Adornables Little Ones Boutique, Beth's Bath Shop, Bitterroot Studios, Bricks Retail Inc., Danish Furniture Colorado, Habitat's International Development Committee, Kate LeCerf Interiors, Longmont Florist. Habitat wishes to thank our Gingerbread Home Sponsors: Bob Braudes and Nancy Clairmont, Allstate Liz Hogan's Agency, and Stapp Interstate Toyota. About Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley (St. Vrain Habitat) is dedicated to providing decent, affordable homeownership for working families in the St. Vrain Valley and Estes Valley School Districts. Established in 1988, Habitat's mission is 'Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.' At Habitat, our vision is a world where everyone has a decent, affordable place to live. Work That Matters For 34+ years, St. Vrain Habitat has partnered with families in our community to help them achieve the dream of owning a home. One in 7 Colorado families pays more than half their income on housing. Every month families are forced to make tough decisions about what they can afford: rent, food, child care, transportation, or health care. All Habitat homeowners complete a rigorous application process where they demonstrate a clear need for housing, the ability to pay a mortgage, and a willingness to partner through 'sweat equity' hours and preparedness classes. Through Habitat, families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. The long-term impacts of homeownership include: enhanced wellbeing, improved educational outcomes, improved health, safer neighborhoods, increased safety, and reduced need for public assistance. Habitat Contact: Hannah Williams, Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected] 303-682-2485 x111 Event Planning Contact: Christine Forster, President, MBD Marketing & Events EMAIL 303-886-3068 |
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