EVENT PLANNER

Process: Planning a Grand Opening event at Midtown Global Market

Owner: Events Manager
Last Updated: November 2025
Purpose: To celebrate new businesses joining Midtown Global Market, attract customers, and support vendor success through coordinated marketing and event execution.

1. Confirm Details with the Business

  • Meet with the new business owner to understand their goals and expectations.

  • Confirm:

    • Business name and concept

    • Grand Opening date and time

    • Preferred event type (ribbon cutting, sampling, live music, giveaways, etc.)

    • Budget and who covers what (Friends of Global Market, the business, or shared costs)

    • Who is the Targeted audience for the Business?

    • Who is planning the creative for the event- when can it be shared?

  • Ensure the business is fully open and operational before the event date.

2. Coordinate Internally

  • Confirm soft open date

  • Confirm date and time with:

    • Midtown Global Market Management

    • Marketing team / Friends of Global Market

  • Add event to the Master Events Calendar in OUTLOOK

  • Determine any permit or insurance needs (if activities extend into common areas).

  • Do we need additional security or cleaning on-site?

  • invite NDC Staff to promote and attend

  • Invite various NDC, MGM and FOGM Board members to participate

3. Plan the Event Format

  • Decide on activities (examples):

    • Ribbon cutting with giant scissors and photo op

    • Sample tastings or demos

    • Live music or cultural performance

    • Short remarks from owner, NDC, MGM Friends of Global Market, or city rep

  • Determine location setup (inside business stall and adjacent common area).

  • Confirm equipment needs: mic/speaker, table, chairs, signage, decorations - Complete Event Form

4. Marketing & Promotion

  • Gather details from the business: logo, photos, bio, and description.

  • Create a marketing plan that includes:

    • Social media posts (2–3 before the event, 1 recap)

    • Event listing on MGM website and digital signage

    • Press release or media alert if appropriate

    • Invitations to community partners, city reps, and MGM vendors

    • Now Open and Grand Opening Signage. Digital and printed.

  • Encourage the business to share posts on their own social media channels.

5. Event Day Preparation

  • Arrive 60 minutes early for setup.

  • Confirm:

    • Signage and decorations are placed.

    • Microphone/sound system is working (if used).

    • Photographer or staff taking photos is ready.

    • Business owner has brief speaking notes (if desired).

  • Have scissors, ribbon, and a small table for props or giveaways ready.

6. Event Execution

  • Welcome guests and attendees.

  • Conduct ribbon cutting or kickoff activity.

  • Take photos and short videos of key moments.

  • Encourage guests to visit the new business after the ceremony.

  • Share live updates or stories on social media.

7. Post-Event Follow-Up

  • Post thank-you and photo recap on social media and digital signage.

  • Send photos to the business for their use.

  • Thank any partners or city reps who attended.

  • Add notes about turnout and feedback to the internal event log.

  • Encourage the business to share how the event impacted their traffic and engagement.