Plan a Strategic Ribbon Cutting: Lessons from the St. Bernard Circle Celebration

At 30|90, we're usually behind the scenes at milestone events, the ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and grand openings that mark major steps in a project’s life. And while we love planning them, we enjoy getting a front-row seat to a well-executed event just as much.

This spring, we had the chance to celebrate the opening of St. Bernard Circle Apartments in New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward. Developed by HRI Communities and New Orleans Restoration Properties, the event marked the completion of a 51-unit mixed-use, mixed-income housing development, including two ground-floor retail spaces and 40 affordable homes for families earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

This event centered on an affordable housing development, but it was a powerful example of how to plan a ribbon-cutting effectively. Here’s what we saw and what we believe every milestone event needs:

1. Start with the Story 

   Milestone events are storytelling opportunities. At St. Bernard Circle, the full arc of the project from early vision to final delivery was threaded throughout the program. Josh Collen, president of HRI Communities, personally introduced every speaker, highlighted challenges, and recognized the partnerships that helped make the work possible. That kind of narrative invites people into the process and creates connection.

2. Lead with Community 

   Ribbon cuttings aren’t just about businesses or buildings, they’re about people. St. Bernard Circle honored the neighborhood's identity by weaving in cultural touchpoints throughout the program. A second line band set the tone. A spoken word poet brought heart to the message. Every detail reflected the heart of 7th Ward, and that authenticity made the event memorable. 

   
   

3. Build Advocacy Into the Program 

   Every project needs champions, and milestone events offer a chance to cultivate them. The team behind St. Bernard Circle made smart moves: inviting legislators from both sides of the aisle, drawing the media, and articulating a clear message about the role housing plays in community revitalization. Attendance like that doesn’t happen without intention. It takes early list building, targeted outreach, and follow-up.  

   
   

4. Master the Logistics 

   Even the strongest message can fall flat without good execution. St. Bernard Circle delivered a seamless experience: great sound, locally sourced refreshments, and well-placed greeters to guide guests. There was a clear run of show, and the agenda ran on time. Strong logistics let the story shine.

5. Maximize the Moment 

   Events like this require investment, so make the most of it. Whether through professional photos and video or staff-led documentation, be sure to capture the highlights. You can reuse these assets for post-event outreach, social media, collateral, RFPs, and award submissions. A single event can fuel engagement long after the ribbon is cut.

   
   

The Takeaway: We toss our beads to HRI Communities for a well-planned, well-executed event that hits all the right notes. Not every team has the bandwidth to plan a milestone event in-house. If you're looking to host a celebration that feels as thoughtful as the work behind it, 30|90 Marketing is here to help.