Ribbon Cuttings

1. Clear Planning and Organization

• Set Clear Goals: Define the purpose of your event—whether it’s to generate buzz, build relationships, or celebrate a significant milestone. Be clear on what success looks like for you.
• Choose the Right Date and Time: Select a time that works best for your target audience. We found that late afternoons on Tuesday & Thursdays, as they tend to attract a good crowd. However, we are flexible and will work with you to select the best date and time based on the type and size of your event. Avoid scheduling conflicts with other major local events to maximize attendance.
• Create a Detailed Agenda: We’ll help you outline the event flow, including welcome remarks, speeches, introductions, the ribbon-cutting moment, networking opportunities, and any planned tours or demonstrations. Our experience with many other businesses and organizations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable event.

2. Inviting the Right Guests

• Leverage Chamber Resources: The Gretna Chamber will help you create graphics, if needed and promote your event on social media if you wish to have the event open to the public. We also post the event on our Chamber website calendars. We’ll also spread the word through our networking events like coffee & connections and Business after hours events.
• Invite Your World: Reach out to your friends, family, key vendors, suppliers, and social media followers to join in the celebration.
• Send Timely Invitations: Ensure your personal invites are sent well in advance using a mix of email, social media, and traditional mail. Follow up with reminders as the event approaches.
• Encourage Media Coverage: Reach out to local newspapers, TV stations, and bloggers to cover the event. If your event is large enough, the Ozark Chamber will assist by providing a formal press release.

3. Create an Exciting Atmosphere

• Decorations and Setup: Use branded decorations, banners, flowers, balloons to create a festive environment and ensure your location is ready to be showcased.
• Provide Refreshments: Offering light snacks, refreshments, or catered food can create a welcoming atmosphere and boost attendance if these amenities are promoted in advance.
• Engage the Audience: The Gretna Chamber will lead guest engagement by encouraging introductions and allowing you to share your story. We will also provide the ribbon and scissors for the big moment!

4. Smooth Event Execution

• Assign Roles and Responsibilities: While the Gretna Chamber will handle most of the event duties, you may need additional help if the event is particularly large. Consider assigning roles such as greeting guests, managing registration, guiding tours, or assisting with refreshments.
• Prepare Speeches and Materials: Keep speeches brief and engaging, and ensure you have any handouts, brochures, or promotional materials ready to distribute.

5. Leverage Marketing and Promotion

• Promote on Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote the event before, during, and after. Use a dedicated event hashtag and encourage guests to share posts and videos.
• Capture the Moment: The Gretna Chamber attempts to capture key moments of your event, if Chamber staffing allows occasionally we do go "live" on Facebook but we can’t guarantee that for every event. You may also hire a photographer or assign someone to take high-quality photos and videos to share on social media, your website, and with local media.

6. Provide a Memorable Experience

• Add Personal Touches: Personalize the event with thank-you notes, small branded giveaways, or special offers to encourage future business. Consider collecting business cards or contact information for a prize drawing, which also allows for follow-up communication.