Business events come in all shapes and sizes—ribbon cuttings, customer appreciation days, workshops, product launches, and more. In Montgomery County, events are also a powerful tool for visibility, connection, and growth—especially when you're just getting started.

But they don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. With a bit of strategy (and a few Chamber-backed tips), you can pull off a successful business event that makes a big impact on a modest budget.

1. Know Your Purpose

Before you pick a venue or print flyers, ask:
Why are you hosting this event?

• Is it to celebrate a grand opening?

• Launch a new service?

• Build awareness for your nonprofit?

• Thank customers or partners?

Getting crystal clear on your “why” will help you decide everything else: from who to invite to what kind of setup you need.

Example: A Blacksburg startup hosting a product demo might only need a cozy conference space with good Wi-Fi and refreshments, while a Christiansburg salon might benefit from a lively open house with giveaways and local vendors.

2. Choose a Local-Friendly Venue

Montgomery County offers excellent event spaces for small businesses—and many are Chamber members ready to help.

Consider:

• The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech for educational or high-visibility events

• Heritage Park in Blacksburg for community-facing or family-friendly gatherings

• The Hilton Garden Inn, The Hampton Inn, The Highlander Hotel, and other Chamber-member venues for professional receptions

• Your own space: Hosting on-site keeps costs low and gives guests a firsthand look at your business

Many venues offer nonprofit or Chamber discounts, so be sure to ask!

3. Partner with Other Businesses

Collaboration is one of the easiest ways to expand your reach and reduce expenses.

Invite:

• A local caterer or food truck (who may offer discounted services for exposure)

• A nearby business to co-host or cross-promote

• A Chamber member photographer or videographer to document the event

• Downtown Blacksburg Inc. or Uptown Christiansburg retailers to provide gift bags or raffle items

Hosting with local partners not only lightens the load—it also draws in more attendees and strengthens community ties.

4. Promote Smart—Not Expensive

Skip the expensive ads and lean into grassroots promotion:

• Submit your event to the Chamber calendar:
  https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

• Share details across your social media platforms (tag your location and fellow Chamber members)

• Send a simple e-invite or newsletter announcement using tools like Mailchimp

• Ask your Chamber contact to help spread the word through member channels

If you’ve got a great event photo or teaser video, even better—visuals draw attention fast.

5. Prepare for the Day-Of

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you organized:

• Staff or volunteers assigned to greet guests
• A clear schedule of what’s happening when
• Signage, business cards, and brochures on hand
• Optional: a brief welcome speech, demo, or door prize drawing
• A follow-up plan (newsletter sign-up sheet, feedback form, photo sharing)

Pro tip: Assign someone to take behind-the-scenes photos or social posts in real-time. This adds value during the event and gives you content to repurpose afterward.

6. Don’t Forget the Follow-Up

Some of the best connections come after the event ends.

• Post photos and tag attendees or partners

• Send a thank-you email to your guest list

• Offer a next step: “Schedule a consultation,” “Follow us on Facebook,” “Use promo code THANKYOU”

• If you’re a Chamber member, consider writing a brief spotlight to share with our marketing team

This is where your event goes from “nice gathering” to lasting relationship.

How the Chamber Can Help

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is your event’s built-in cheer squad.

We can:

• Host and promote ribbon cuttings (free for members!)

• Add your event to our calendar and email blast

• Provide marketing tips and media referrals

• Connect you with venues, caterers, or speakers

You don’t have to go it alone—we’re here to help make your first (or fifth) event a success.

Ready to Plan Your Next Business Event?

Whether it’s your first launch party or your fiftieth appreciation night, the Chamber is here to help you make it work—strategically, affordably, and with plenty of local support.

• Submit your event or ribbon cutting: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

• Ask us how we can help promote your next milestone: marketing@montgomerycc.org

• Learn more about how we support business growth: https://www.montgomerycc.org