We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christine Forster. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christine below.
Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
The events industry has undergone significant transformations in the past few years. This year, more than ever, it has been crucial to analyze emerging trends to adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Our team has compiled insights gleaned from a survey conducted among event organizers and professionals in Colorado, shedding light on changes in event attendance, RSVPs, support, costs, and emerging trends.
The survey collected responses from 157 Colorado event organizers and industry professionals regarding changes observed in event dynamics and emerging trends from 2022 to 2023. Respondents were asked to check multiple options for each question, providing a comprehensive view of trends and observations.
In our research, we found the following;
Increased Attendance: A substantial portion (40.7%) reported a significant increase in event attendance compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Event RSVPs: Last-Minute RSVPs: A majority (57.7%) reported a trend of extremely last-minute RSVPs, indicating a shift in planning behavior among attendees.
Unpredictability: Over two-fifths (42.3%) observed unpredictable RSVP patterns, suggesting challenges in gauging event turnout.
Increased Walk-Up Requests: A significant portion (23.1%) noted an increase in guests expecting last-minute ticket availability by walking up to events.
Decrease in Support: A significant proportion (48%) reported a decrease in event support, indicating potential challenges in securing sponsorships, donors, and volunteers.
Event Costs: Significant Cost Increase: A vast majority (70.4%) reported a significant increase in event costs, posing challenges for event organizers.
Factors Driving Cost Increase: Increased costs were attributed to various factors, including food and beverage expenses along with staffing.
Of the emerging trends in the events industry, respondents are experiencing the following;
Touchless Technology: Ticketing and Payment: A majority (57.7%) anticipated a surge in touchless ticketing and payment systems, aligning with evolving health and safety preferences.
Sustainability: Green Events: Nearly a third (34.6%) anticipated a rise in eco-friendly events, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability within the events industry.
Experience Enhancement:
Quality Experience: A significant proportion (57.7%) predicted a trend towards more quality-focused experiences, emphasizing the importance of attendee satisfaction.
Event Size and Format: Diverse Event Sizes: Respondents anticipated both larger (7.7%) and smaller (46.2%) events, suggesting a diversification in event formats to accommodate varying preferences.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: ADA-Friendly Events: A notable portion (26.9%) predicted an increase in ADA-friendly events, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity.
BIG DEAL Company was motivated to produce this survey as a reaction to client concerns over the obvious changes to event attendance and costs they are personally experiencing. For the past 18 years our company has been known for being nimble, creative and forward-thinking. We have embraced these industry challenges and given our clients confidence in the power of connection via events. We create experiences that make memories.
Christine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Christine K Forster, CEO
Christine lives and breathes laughter. Entertaining people and being entertained is what simply moves her. My Big Day (now BIG DEAL) was formed in 2006 after Christine received constant requests to help businesses with their marketing and event planning for various events. In 2023 she re-branded as BIG DEAL Company.
After 25+ years in media and event planning, today her passion lies in creating events for all to enjoy and campaigns that elevate businesses and non-profits. Christine serves on numerous event and marketing committees and boards for local non-profits. Giving back is a priority both personally and professionally.
BIG DEAL clients recognize Christine as their fearless partner who runs each event with a walkie-talkie, clipboard, and numerous spreadsheets. “Organized” is an understatement. The event business is a relationship business, and Christine is known for being a connector in the community, and ultimately a friend to everyone she meets! She and her team pride themselves on extraordinary service and original events.
As philanthropic leaders and community advocates, we take a specialized approach to guiding each clients’ business. Our areas of focus:
Communications
Experiences
Community
Our ideal client cares about their employees and their community. They appreciate a contracted partner who makes their business personal and treats them as if they are a BIG DEAL no matter their size.
BIG DEAL specializes in thoughtful events that provide memories for years to come. Companies large and small hire us to put together well-organized, fun, imaginative parties and for full and partial service marketing campaigns. We have a portfolio filled with large meetings, marketing campaigns, conferences, fundraisers, retreats, product launches, open houses, community events, holiday parties, and outings. It is our privilege to show employees a good time and to execute an objective filled with tons of planning details.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Having a media career that required creativity, organization, community connections — combined with a family with entrepreneurial spirits gave me the confidence to launch a business in 2006. I knew nothing about setting up an LLC, business taxes, website creation — but I learned quickly. My skills have always been in demand (soft skills and ability to deal with stressful situations with grace) so business was immediate. While event and marketing services were needed, it seemed obvious to me that it could not sustain a full-time career/income in my market. As such, I kept working in the corporate world for 16 years. I had a side hustle before the phrase was ever a thing.
BIG DEAL Company, was not an overnight success. It started with myself and occasional support from some friends. The occasional lesson was learned;
-Filing reports with the state
-How to help clients navigate lawsuits
-Having my ideas and work product stolen by a team member that launched their own business
-Coaching clients and team members on the unknown… Event Planning during a global pandemic
-A full rebrand
But through the lessons learned, growth happened. It came about organically. Nearly all of our team members are women who reached out to tell me that they loved my work, the joy we bring, and hoped to someday work for me. Our client base has grown steadily and naturally as well. When you do good work, when you truly care about clients and the community — people notice.
After 16 years of juggling passions, career, and a home-life with 3 kids under 3, I took the leap and made BIG DEAL Company my soul work focus. No safety net — I went all in. In the first month of, “Can I really do this?” we gained 6 new clients.
Pinch me.
Here I am, creating JOY for others, working with amazing women, happy clients, and delivering what we promise day in and day out.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The mission of Big Deal Company is to bring highly curated and collaborative events and business strategies to Northern Colorado. We support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events, and marketing strategies.
Community is at our core. As such, a portion of profits from our signature events go to local non-profits in Northern Colorado. We have experience in the corporate world (meetings, conferences, trade shows) in private events, concerts and charity events. We try to balance all of these areas so that we have the capacity to donate some in-kind services to our non-profit clients every year.
For the past 3 years, BIG DEAL has donated $100,000 of in-kind services to the non-profits we support — EACH YEAR. Supporting others who do good makes us feel good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigdealcompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdealcompanyco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigDealCompanyCO
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-deal-company/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BIGDEALCompany
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BigDealCompanyCO/
Image Credits
Dick Knapp Photography
Wild Bliss Photography
Memories by Kristen Mae