Our introduction to Big Buzz Idea Group started as a referral, and has now grown into a collaborative partnership in just a year.   Being a unique NPO, we were looking for a creative partner that understood our mission and were willing to put their reputation on the line to help us grow.

I have been a member of NAWBO for 20 years and am a Past President. I’m currently on the Board of Directors. I’ve worked closely with Melissa for numerous years and find her to be a special person. As a leader, she is a role model for other women business owners and her success exemplifies her capabilities.  As an individual she lives by her values and treats all people equally. She is results-driven and directly steered our chapter back to financial solvency. She is equally at home with corporate partners and sponsors as she is with members.

Melissa stepped in as our management company during a period of turbulence for the organization. Her strength in process and systemization put us back on solid footing. Among other responsibilities, she was responsible for smooth handling of our events and facilitating contracts with our sponsors. We never before experienced the expertise she brought to every program and project. Tasks were handled promptly and with a strong dedication to accuracy.

If I were in a position that required a person of Melissa’s talents, with a team behind her that parallels her passion to her work, I would hire her in an instant. She would be a great strategic partner and loyal employee. I can only add that Melissa will be an asset for any organization.

Big Buzz is not just an event agency. It is an agency one takes on when looking for a partner that will understand the nuances of your association. They are a partner who listens, discerns and with extreme sensitivity guides you through a program to maximize your potential. Melissa, the principle of this agency has a natural uncanny way of assessing the needs and strong points of your event at the onset so the end result is the best possible outcome leaving the smallest footprint behind. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Big Buzz work their magic with several clients in the area from big to small—all benefiting from their guidance and professionalism to get things done in innovative ways, always keeping an eye on every detail from outside in and inside out no matter how small, valuing the community and the bigger audience at stake. They don’t have a one size fits all systems, they have a very personalized approach that leaves you feeling you are their only client and they are indeed your trusted partner.

Big Buzz Idea Group saved our organization when we were dealing with a serious financial crisis. Within three years after partnering with Big Buzz Idea Group, we went from a financial brink to a very healthy reserve. And the best part is that the members loved the personal attention and contact no matter how large or small the member company was.

Big Buzz Idea Group is a great fit for any organization that needs a management team.

As one can imagine, putting together your first fundraising event is definitely nerve wrecking.  Thanks to Melissa, she personally made sure that the event ran smoothly and she kept us on track with our budget and deadlines.  The board members of both the foundation and the hospital (Norwegian American Hospital) were very impressed and thrilled with the huge success of the event. Thank you Big Buzz, we could not have done it without you on our side.

I met Melissa Lagowski and Big Buzz when I was the Co-Chair of a annual event known as BenFest, a summer festival hosted by St. Benedict Church in Chicago. BenFest had the distinct pleasure of being the oldest continual running family festival in Chicago. While that is a great moniker, the fact was we made very little money.

The event was a two-day festival (Friday night and Saturday) that coincided with the birthday of our parish patron Saint Benedict. The focus of the event was family, fun and community. BenFest had a kids area and then a band area which culminated with a “better band” on Saturday night.

We were lucky to make about $5,000 over the two days and many hours of volunteers. We knew we needed help. Enter Big Buzz. To say Melissa turned the event on its head is an understatement.

First she implemented it to a three-day event. Next she redesigned the entire layout, then booked bands for the three days that drew large crowds. Finally she expanded the size of the event to encompass three surrounding side streets as well as the courtyard.

Rather than going into more boring details, I will just give one that says it all—what was once an event that would make $5,000 dollars in a good year has grown to over $40,000 and that number increases every year

While I am no longer on  the committee, BenFest is fortunate to have Melissa and Big Buzz spearheading this event every year

If you are in any situation and are looking for someone to take command of your event, I highly recommend Melissa and her team.