Looking For Advice On Organizing a Networking Event/Company Launch Party

You might want to pick the brains of a few event planners.  Suhair Kallabat comes to mind.  Eventfullyours@aol.com.  She's local.  I'm sure there are a few others in the group.   If this is going to be a huge event, it will be less stress on you and possibly less money to have an event planner.  The event planners do get discounts on product and venues.  Good Luck!

Danielle,

I would love to help you plan your event.  Please call me at 248 723-0134.  We also have a great booking bonus right now. We recently did a "Green" wine dinner.

Wendee Rex

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Thanks Lisa and Wendee for the great suggestions! 

Danielle,

I am not sure where your company is located, but I suggest that you also look at joining your local Chamber of Commerce. Most Chambers will help you organize a Ribbon-cutting ceremony (even if it's a home-based business) to help officially launch your company. These official ceremonies help bring the press in and create more awareness. And joining a Chamber is a great way to show your support for your local community.

Good luck & let us know the link to your new e-commerce site!

Jennifer Roosenberg

Hi Danielle, you need to take a number of things into consideration:

1. Attendance goal


2. Location - is it central, or are you aiming for a certain city?


3. Budget - footing the whole bill or sharing?  I attended a networking event where the host sent out like 500 - 1000 evites and said there was a $25 fee, which covered the F&B and facility rental.  So there it was a shared expense or possibly free to him.


4. Event agenda - program, goals for you, for the guests

How that helps a bit! We've host a number of events from 25 people on up, as well as many "green" conferences, so I speak from experience.

Have a great day!

Anthonie Burke

That's a good point, Anthonie.  I hadn't thought of an agenda or goals for the event in detail.  I actually was able to find a restaurant, Commune, that would let us use the room for free and has a cash bar.  So I think right now I just need to promote the event. Thanks for the great advice! 

Danielle, please invite me or share your business information.  I believe my clients may be interested in your products.

Best,

Catherine Hilker

Hello Danielle. Congratulations on forming your new company that features eco-friendly home decor and for planning an upcoming local event!

Danielle, I would be happy to share a few ideas/suggestions to get you started:

. Consider collaborating with non-competing, local "green" companies -- it will create a win-win opportunity

. Create an event theme to promote along with your company name/brand throughout your event, via signage, handouts and products

. Plan an activity or host a contest at the event to draw people to your website

. Target your audiences well by speaking to their needs, beliefs and desires as they pertain to "green/eco-friendly" living

. As you consider news media to target, think about story angles that media and their readers, listeners and viewers may find relevant, edgy and helpful pertaining to "green/eco-friendly" topics

Danielle, I would be happy to meet with you. My marketing/branding/pr company, Integrity Communications, has strategized and implemented impactful events ranging from 10 to 600 people. The best to you!

My best,     Anahid

Danielle, It appears you are all covered for your event based on the replies above from some great people here on MCC.

I would only recommend bringing like minded (GREEN) business' / professionals / companies / affiliates / etc on board to promote and be apart of this event painting a broader stroke into your marketing for the actual event (AND LAUNCH) with more on the panel / board / etc for this event the better it will be as well as more exposure in your industry / niche' for your new product launch.

I have created and hosted several networking themed events throughout the years. If you need any further advice in addition to the great tips and support you are already getting you can contact me via email at keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

Thanks and Good Luck,

Keith Stonehouse

I am a local event planner. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs for a launch event. I can offer you unbridled creativity, affordable rates and a wealth of local resources to meet all of your event needs. Please give me a call on my cell at (248) 797-6758.

Danielle,

I can give you some advice on event planning. I have 15 years of sales and marketing and could help you plan your event. I'm having a Ladies Night Out on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Hamlin Pub on 22 & Hayes. Please feel free to come to that event. It is a women's networking and intro of my company KLM Creative Solutions. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more info. (586) 212-5808.

Karen

Hi Danielle,

You have been getting lots of good advice.  I suggest continuing your promotion of your company with other like businesses the week of November 15. November 17 is Use Less Stuff Day. Part of Useless Stuff is using less resources to make and package products. It promotes people and companies making more sustainable product choices which include eco friendly, recyclable, environmentally safe, biodegradable & compostable. May be a way to attract some media attention. http://use-less-stuff.com

I know of 2 local companies that revolve around the home such as you business. One offers green cleaning service and the other others organic pest control. The first is Contemporary Maids. You will want to speak to Marzanna  248-726-0674. The second is Abbott's Organic Pest Control. You can reach Art @ 248-656-6075.

Good Luck on the launch of your new business!

Thanks Paige!