This year, the Bonita Springs Film Festival turned 10! What began as a simple idea to bring the community together has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition—celebrating a full decade of local talent, cinematic storytelling, and unforgettable nights under the stars (and on the big screen indoors!). Each year, local filmmakers “compete” by creating films tied to a specific theme, offering their unique POV of Bonita. Over time, the festival has grown into a cultural gem on the Southwest Florida arts calendar now being recognized by Mayor Mike Gibson presenting a proclamation recognizing the festival’s tenth anniversary, noting its role in promoting arts and culture in the region.

Hosting a gathering for an anniversary is always a great way to not only bring the community together, but also to spread the word and meet new people. More often than not, when people hear about an “anniversary,” they become curious—drawn in by the long-standing relationship between the event and the community. In this blog, we’ll dive into some common Q&As when it comes to planning an anniversary celebration.

Q & A

What kind of anniversary milestones are worth celebrating?
Any anniversary is a milestone worth sharing as long as it came with growth or impact within surrounding communities.

How do you know if an anniversary is really worth celebrating?
Look at the impact. Has the event or organization shaped your community? Has it grown in a meaningful way? Have more people started to participate? Have people talked about it with pride or excitement? If your organization/businesses created memories, moments, or change—then yes, it’s worth celebrating. Even a one-year milestone is something worth sharing!

How do you get people excited to attend?
Building anticipation with any event is key to getting the most attendees. If you don’t advertise it-how will people know about it? Showcase sneak peaks, testimonials, and any throwback photos or video to really get the hype going.

Should you include fundraising or sponsorships in an anniversary event?
Absolutely! Anniversaries are a great way to get board members or volunteers re-engaged as the event is fresh in their minds. Offer sponsorship tiers, name recognition, or VIP experiences as part of the celebration and as a way to help with expenses!

What do you do if you have a low budget?
With any event, there are always budget-friendly options—focus on the heart of the event. People attend for the business or organization, not for the extras; those are just perks. Cost-effective ways to create impact include a slideshow, a short film, or a heartfelt speech—all of which can leave a lasting impression and budget friendly.

If you’re looking to host an event or thinking about celebrating your company, we at TLC would love to help. Every celebration is worth celebrating—and we’re here to take the stress off your shoulders! Give us a call today: 239-405-8115.