Description:

Steps:

Pre-Event Planning

1. Press Release: Draft a press release about your grand opening and distribute it to local media outlets.
2. Local Marketing: Consider distributing branded coasters in local bars/restaurants, creating rack cards, and placing QR codes on assets.
3. Social Media: Create a public Facebook event and consider using paid advertising to promote it. Also, plan posts across other social platforms for maximum reach.
4. Influencer Outreach: Contact local bloggers and influencers who may be interested in covering the event. Consider setting up an Influencer Tour or a Giveaway Post.

Day-of-Event Execution

1. Photographer & Videographer: Have professionals on hand to document the event. Make sure the videographer is aware of the specific shots and moments you want captured.
2. Food & Drinks: Provide refreshments for attendees to make the event more appealing.
3. Ribbon Cutting or Champagne Christening: Schedule a ceremony to officially mark the opening.
4. Customer Reviews: Encourage attendees to leave reviews on Google and TripAdvisor during the event.
5. Raffle or Giveaway: Hold a raffle or giveaway to collect attendees' contact information for future marketing efforts.
6. Media Interviews: Schedule interviews with the media, either on the boat or dockside. Have mock customers on board for a realistic experience.

Post-Event Follow-Up

1. Review Collection: Make an additional push for attendees to leave reviews if they haven't yet.
2. Lead Follow-Up: Use the contact information gathered to follow up with potential leads.
3. Media Coverage: Share any media coverage you received across your social platforms and website. Utilize the raw files as creatives for your paid marketing.
4. Event Recap: Post a recap of the event on social media and your website, including photos and videos.

Resources:

1. Press Release Template - Copy and paste to draft an effective press release.
2. Facebook Event Creation Guide - How to create and promote a Facebook event.
3. Video and Photoshoot Parameters - Parameters and tips for capturing your event effectively.

Audit Checklist:

• Press release drafted and sent.
• Local marketing materials distributed.
• Social media event created and promoted.
• Influencer outreach completed.
• Photographer and videographer booked.
• Refreshments arranged.
• Ceremony planned.
• Review prompts set up.
• Raffle or giveaway organized.
• Media interviews scheduled.
• Post-event follow-up plan in place.

What Good Looks Like:

1. A well-attended event with evident excitement and engagement.
2. Quality photographs and video footage capturing key moments.
3. Positive initial reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.
4. Coverage by local media and/or influencers.
5. Successful collection of attendee contact information for future marketing.