Congratulations on your grand opening, expansion, or move! Hosting a grand opening is a great opportunity to attract new business, raise awareness, publicly thank your stakeholders, and celebrate your accomplishments.
Because ceremonial events managed by the owner, there are no set rules. The events range from very simple, low-cost virtual events to extravagant event productions utilizing the services of professional event planners.
Keep in mind, that following business milestones are worthy of an event:
Elements of Milestone Events
Milestone events are planned by the business, and come in all shapes and sizes depending on your marketing goals and budget. The type of event you plan depends on your target audience, brand image, and marketing objectives. some companies prefer a traditional ribbon cutting and others prefer a digital marketing campaign. Consider one or all of the following elements for your next event:
Virtual Celebrations
Not every business wants to go through the time and expense of planning an event. A growing trend is virtual grand openings. Virtual grand openings are not limited geographically and can reach reach thousands of more people. Provide useful, engaging information on your website that encourages visitors to bookmark your page. Offer a special grand opening prices and host online giveaways. Include social sharing buttons on your site so that visitors can pass the site along via email, Twitter, Facebook and on social bookmarking sites. Promote the event through social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, and via email to family, friends and colleagues. Distribute press releases to local media via their on-line portals. Click Here for More Info
Because ceremonial events managed by the owner, there are no set rules. The events range from very simple, low-cost virtual events to extravagant event productions utilizing the services of professional event planners.
Keep in mind, that following business milestones are worthy of an event:
- Notable Anniversaries
- Grand Opening
- Ground Breaking
- New Building
- New Management
- Major Re-Model/Expansion
Elements of Milestone Events
Milestone events are planned by the business, and come in all shapes and sizes depending on your marketing goals and budget. The type of event you plan depends on your target audience, brand image, and marketing objectives. some companies prefer a traditional ribbon cutting and others prefer a digital marketing campaign. Consider one or all of the following elements for your next event:
- Tours
- Reception/Meet-and-Greets
- Muti-Media Presentation
- Ribbon Cutting/ Toast
- Speeches (by owner, sales staff, family members, investors, business associates or dignitaries)
- Menu Sampling (hospitality business)
- Special Sales/Promotions (free item to first 250 customers)
- Present a Donation to a Local Charity
Virtual Celebrations
Not every business wants to go through the time and expense of planning an event. A growing trend is virtual grand openings. Virtual grand openings are not limited geographically and can reach reach thousands of more people. Provide useful, engaging information on your website that encourages visitors to bookmark your page. Offer a special grand opening prices and host online giveaways. Include social sharing buttons on your site so that visitors can pass the site along via email, Twitter, Facebook and on social bookmarking sites. Promote the event through social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, and via email to family, friends and colleagues. Distribute press releases to local media via their on-line portals. Click Here for More Info
Ceremonial events are planned and executed by the business, and the Chamber does offer business a host of tools and resources!
How the Chamber Can Help You:
Free for All Businesses!
Premium Grand Opening/New Business Services (Call for more information)
Service NOT offered by the Chamber
How the Chamber Can Help You:
Free for All Businesses!
- Post your Ribbon Event on the Chamber website calendar! Click Here
- Free Tips and Advice on our website (Click here for 25 ways to promote your event)
- FREE Shop Surprise "New Business Alert" promotional text message blast to thousands of residents (Surprise restaurants only) Click Here for More Info.
- For Free Tips on a Virtual Grand Opening Click Here
- Sample Speech for Owners
- Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Checklist and Sample Timeline
- Contacting Elected Officials (Please note that while we do provide contact information for key dignitaries, the Chamber does not send invitations or manage responses for you.)
- Free use of ceremonial ribbon, and scissors!
- The Chamber's Traffic Catcher System, is free with your membership, and will help your business get found on the internet the day it opens! (Not available to non-members)
- Chamber Home Page Feature: New Businesses Scrolling Bar
Premium Grand Opening/New Business Services (Call for more information)
- Facebook Posts
- Live Facebook Video
- Special Rates for Customer Loyalty Programs (The Chamber recommends all businesses establish a customer loyalty program immediately upon opening). Click Here
- Banner advertising on Chamber website
Service NOT offered by the Chamber
- We do not offer event planning, marketing services, photography, or run the event. See use on-line business directory to find assistance in this area.
- We can not cater food and/or beverages for events
- The Chamber does not sell or rent its customer/member list. Click Here
- We can not manage RSVP's, send invitations of contact our members on your behalf
- We do not deliver or set up our free loan equipment
- We can not guarantee attendance by Chamber members. You must have a marketing plan for the event, based on your target market and marketing goals. Please use our calendar to publicize your event to our members/community.
- The Chamber is not responsible media coverage
- The Chamber does not coordinate the schedules of any elected officials (federal, state, county or local). We do provide contact information, but the Chamber does not send invitations or manage responses for you
- Chamber Staff Attendance: During normal working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm), staff may attend your event if they are available. For events held during the evening and/or on weekends, we will do our best to have a representative there but cannot guarantee attendance. If you request the Chamber CEO to speak at your event, please provide the Chamber 3-4 weeks notice
Because ceremonial events managed by the owner, there are no set rules. The events range from very simple, low-cost events to extravagant productions utilizing the services of professional event planners.