Tips for Planning a Successful Ground Breaking Ceremony

• Media Outreach -  Create a basic press release (who/what/when/where) and publish it in a digital format to media, on your website and via social media.

• Timing -  If your ground breaking event will be in the Florida summer or rainy months, use your best judgement.  Order a tent (you will likely need a permit for this).  Then, position it diagonally in relationship to the sun, so it's not directly in the eyes of your speaker or your audience.

• Event Narrative - Create a supplemental back-story for your event with interesting details about the new property or building - something unique about the project or neighborhood or event your company's journey. Publish this in a digital format on your website and link to it from your press release and through your social channels - avoid sending wordy press releases.

• Guest List - Include employees, partners, vendors, friends and your new neighbors.
• Securing Dignitaries - Reach out to government officials in your township, city and county. Confirm officials (for your new zip code) by checking for example: Orange County Board of Commissioners and Orlando City Council. 

• Partnership Development - Leverage this opportunity to  reward your vendors and partners by connecting them with local influencers with a mini-event right before or after your Ground Breaking ceremony. 

• Budget for Logistics -  Ground Breaking ceremonies can be done very inexpensively but some common expenses can include:  tents, permitting, podium, microphone, photographer and customized hats and shovels.