Purchasing Resources for Grand Opening Planning

Grand Opening Planning

Launch your new business with a great grand opening plan
By Andrea Townsley Planning a grand opening event isn't as easy as it may seem. This event is, in essence, a marketing tool, and you'll need to use your PR skills to attract as many potential customers to your opening as you possibly can.

The goal of grand opening event planning is to ensure that you have all your bases covered as far as advertising, food, activities and any entertainment you want to have at the event. Make sure that what you plan is professional and communicates your company's vision. This is the first marketing event of your business's fiscal life, so you need to make the most of it.

1. Think about what types of things would complement your business when you plan a grand opening event. For example, an upscale clothing boutique might want to serve nice hors d'oeuvres and champagne, decorate with fresh flowers and offer private VIP fittings.

2. Ensure that you advertise the event correctly so prospective customers will know to come check you out. Planning a grand opening is pointless if nobody shows up.

3. Consider all the grand opening planning resources you can find. This includes PR firms, event planners and supply vendors.

Enlist the help of a grand opening event planner

Grand opening planning services range from full-service to bare basics. Some firms will arrange literally everything for your grand opening, from the food to the advertising to the activities of the event itself, while some just advise you as to how best to plan the opening and then direct you to reputable vendors.
Try:  Find a PR event planner in your area by searching at Gathering Guide. Select your state to view local event planners at Corporate Event Channel.

Incorporate banners and accessories into your grand opening plans

The atmosphere of your grand opening should be festive. After all, you're celebrating the opening of your business and welcoming future customers. Keep the decor and activities in line with what your company promotes and remember that this event should reinforce the brand you're trying to build.
Try:  Customize a banner for your opening at BuildASign.com. Make use of giant scissors during your ribbon-cutting ceremony; you can find a nice selection at Golden Openings. Roll out the red carpet to kick off your grand opening with a customized carpet and backdrop from Red Carpet Runway.

Let everyone know that you're planning a grand opening

Your event will only be a success if people show up, so promoting it is critical. There are a number of ways you can do this, depending on your budget.
Try:  Check into the cost of using a mobile billboard through National Mobile Billboards. Get a professional press kit created for your company by KMR Communications and send it to local publications to announce your new business.

• When you plan a grand opening, make use of all the free publicity you can get. Create a press release to send to the papers and invite reporters to attend the event and write a review.

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