Top Reasons to Have a Groundbreaking Ceremony
Construction projects require a lot of time, money, effort, and planning to pull off successfully. However, before the hard work begins, many developers choose to hold a groundbreaking ceremony to get the ball rolling. Some may see this as frivolous, but it’s an excellent way to symbolically set the construction project off on the right foot. Let’s look at what a groundbreaking ceremony is, why you should hold one, and steps you can take to ensure it goes off without a hitch.
What is a Groundbreaking Ceremony?
Most people know what a groundbreaking ceremony is, but for those that don’t, it’s a symbolic event that marks the beginning of a construction project. Groundbreaking ceremonies are typically held on the project’s site and involve developers, politicians, and local officials using a shovel to dig the first ceremonial dirt. The local media, architects, developers, and community members typically attend groundbreaking ceremonies.
Groundbreaking ceremonies can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Some involve speeches, live music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The point is to create an event that sets the tone for the project to move it forward and get everyone excited about it.
Top Reasons to Hold a Groundbreaking Ceremony
Creates Buzz and Excitement
The primary reason people hold these events is to get people excited and build momentum for the project. It’s where developers, designers, or architects detail their plans about what they’re making to generate buzz in the media and among the public. Most people like to see progress in their communities, so holding a groundbreaking ceremony is an excellent way to spread the word that the community is growing, and good things are on the way.
Brings Stakeholders Together
A groundbreaking ceremony brings stakeholders together in one place, including project owners, contractors, architects, local officials, and other people involved in the project. Gathering everyone at the ceremony ensures they’re all on the same page.
Promotes Teamwork and Collaboration
Another reason to host a groundbreaking ceremony is to get everyone working together as a team to ensure open communication and collaboration. It’s also an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate everyone’s contributions to the project.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Groundbreaking Ceremony
As mentioned, most ceremonies happen at the future construction site. However, some projects’ scopes are so extensive it’s challenging to know exactly where everyone should gather. Here are some of our tips.
Choose an Easy-to-Access Location
You want to choose a location easily accessible by everyone you aim to attend. This includes picking a spot near parking or public transportation accessible to people with disabilities.
Consider the Location’s Size
Another thing to consider is how large the venue is and what challenges it might pose. For example, you need a space to accommodate all your guests, the media, any equipment you want, and any props you might want to generate excitement about the project.
Decide on Your Setting
We said a groundbreaking ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as you want. So, decide how much effort, pomp, and circumstance you want to invest into the event and think about the things you’ll need to make it happen. For example, you may want a backdrop with various company logos involved with the project. If the project involves a historic building, pick a location that highlights its significance in the community.
How to Make Your Groundbreaking Ceremony Go Off Without a Hitch
Once you have the location and the setting, it’s nearing showtime, and you want everything to go smoothly, so here are a few tips to ensure it does.
Create a Guest List
Make a guest list of everyone you want to be there. This includes the stakeholders, the project owners, contractors, architects, and local officials. You may also want to involve some of the town’s influential members or business owners.
Invite the Media
Part of the reason for having a groundbreaking ceremony is to generate buzz and excitement about the project, and the best way to do that is to get the media involved. Reach out to local TV and radio stations and the newspaper if your town still has one.
Give Everyone the Vital Information
Finally, people want to know what you’re planning, what the project is about, how long it will take, etc. It’s a good idea to have handouts that briefly explain the goal and include renderings of the finished project. Information and renderings are perfect for people to share on social media to help create the buzz you’re looking for.
Call Us For Your Next Construction Project
New Horizon Construction Services is a licensed Florida General Contractor. We’re ready to manage your project with specialized construction services as needed. We’re fully equipped to provide the required workforce and materials to ensure your project is completed on time and within budget. Click here to get an estimate, or call us at 407–574–2164.
