iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%97+67.2Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 97Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.97SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#22 of 77 event plannersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 72%
5.0★★★★★21 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate The Great Event five stars based on twenty-one reviews, noting the owner responded to eighty-one percent of feedback. Clients frequently cite punctuality, clear communication, and reasonable pricing for services including setup, takedown, and themed activities like carnivals or casino nights. Recurring themes highlight professional coordination, creative decor, and staff who keep events organized and engaging for corporate groups. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, as all reviews are positive.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 21 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 21 Google reviews (19 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 81% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
The Great EventEvent Planners median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Great Event: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
97
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Great Event: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Great Event: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 40.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
21 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars21100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 19 written reviews
96%praise
Praise2796%
Complaints14%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude829%
Quality & results518%
Would recommend518%
Communication414%
Speed & response311%
Honesty & trust27%
Price & value14%
What customers talk about
We read 19 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“From early planning to the day of, the staff involved was communicative, friendly, helpful and accommodating to our needs.”
“…iated during the planning stages leading up to our event, but their attention to detail, professionalism, and overall helpfulness during set-up and th…”
“Highly recommend for all corporate event planning needs!”
“Derek and Tom have listened to our requests and improved every year.”
“Derek is super responsive and very easy to communicate with.”
“Everything ran smoothly, the vibe was excellent, and our team genuinely enjoyed it!”
“Used The Great Event to plan a great company picnic for the team at a reasonable price.”
People customers mention
Tom5 reviews
Derek5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Aileen7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
What a great event it was! Thank you so much for all of your hard work in making our summer picnic such a wonderful success! We truly appreciate everything your team did to make the day run so smoothly, from the setup and takedown to all of the coordination and details in between.
A special thank you to Tom for…
Pauline2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
A big thank you to the team for delivering such a fun and engaging experience! Everything ran smoothly, the vibe was excellent, and our team genuinely enjoyed it!
Team building event coordination
Fernando6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a year ago★★★★★
The Great Event Staff has put on great Picnics for us the past 3 years. Derek and Tom have listened to our requests and improved every year. Positive reviews from employees and headcount has increased annually. Looking forward to many more!
Jane4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Our company hosted our annual firm summer outing with The Great Event this August. It was a wonderful! From early planning to the day of, the staff involved was communicative, friendly, helpful and accommodating to our needs. We had our outdoor event at McNears Beach in San Rafael. It was a beautiful location…
Buck5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
They offer outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to ensure every detail of your event is handled with care and professionalism. Their extensive selection of games and props provides endless possibilities, allowing you to perfectly match any theme or occasion. With their expert guidance and diverse…
Ari2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
We had an amazing day at our Company Picnic, and I wanted to take a moment to thank your team for making it such a memorable event.
Greg and the team were outstanding—everything ran smoothly, and their professionalism made a big difference. The food was delicious, and everyone had a great time. Special thanks to…
What a great event it was! Thank you so much for all of your hard work in making our summer picnic such a wonderful success! We truly appreciate everything your team did to make the day run so smoothly, from the setup and takedown to all of the coordination and details in between.
A special thank you to Tom for being such a fantastic MC and helping keep the event fun, engaging, and organized. And please extend our sincere appreciation to the kitchen team for the delicious food- everything was enjoyed by all!
We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and care your entire team put into making our summer picnic a memorable event for everyone. Your hard work did not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate everything you did to make the day so special, even in the heat ;)
Thank you again for everything!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure working with your team and helping bring the summer picnic to life. We’re so glad to hear that everyone enjoyed the event and that the day felt smooth, organized, and fun from start to finish.
We’ll be sure to share your thoughtful feedback with Tom and the kitchen team. They’ll be thrilled to know their efforts helped make the event so memorable.
Thank you again for trusting The Great Event with your celebration. We truly appreciate your support and hope to work with you again in the future!
Pauline Chen2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Pauline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
A big thank you to the team for delivering such a fun and engaging experience! Everything ran smoothly, the vibe was excellent, and our team genuinely enjoyed it!
Services: Team building event coordination
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you so much, Pauline! It was a pleasure working with your team. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the event. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to working with your team again soon!
Fernando Lopez6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Fernando has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Great Event Staff has put on great Picnics for us the past 3 years. Derek and Tom have listened to our requests and improved every year. Positive reviews from employees and headcount has increased annually. Looking forward to many more!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your continued trust and support and look forward to another great event with you and your team.
Jane Tolbert4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jane has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our company hosted our annual firm summer outing with The Great Event this August. It was a wonderful! From early planning to the day of, the staff involved was communicative, friendly, helpful and accommodating to our needs. We had our outdoor event at McNears Beach in San Rafael. It was a beautiful location right by the Bay. They provided a Carnival theme with face painters, carnival games, a bounce house and a delicious BBQ lunch for over 70 of us.
Everyone was so kind and worked hard to ensure we all had a great time.
A big thank you to Derek Mox and Tom Short who both made sure we had a successful event. I highly recommend The Great Event!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for the kind words and glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that your summer outing was such a success. It was a pleasure working with you and your team from the early planning stages all the way through to the big day. McNears Beach really was a perfect backdrop, and we’re so glad the Carnival theme, activities, and BBQ lunch helped make the day special. We’ll be sure to pass your compliments along to Tom and the rest of our crew—they’ll be delighted to hear them. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to making your next event just as memorable!
Buck Neu5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Buck has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They offer outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to ensure every detail of your event is handled with care and professionalism. Their extensive selection of games and props provides endless possibilities, allowing you to perfectly match any theme or occasion. With their expert guidance and diverse inventory, you can create a memorable experience tailored to your unique vision.
Ari Gaal2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ari has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had an amazing day at our Company Picnic, and I wanted to take a moment to thank your team for making it such a memorable event.
Greg and the team were outstanding—everything ran smoothly, and their professionalism made a big difference. The food was delicious, and everyone had a great time. Special thanks to Derek for the seamless planning and coordination.
We will definitely be booking with you again for our next event!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Many thanks for the kind words. I'll make sure to pass on the kudos to Greg and the team! We are looking forward to your Holiday Casino Party this December.
Sean Alexander2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sean has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As PTSA President at Tam High, I cannot think of a better events company to work with for our Safe and Sober Grad Night. They are an exceptional full-service top-tier events company. Not only was their advice and vast experience much appreciated during the planning stages leading up to our event, but their attention to detail, professionalism, and overall helpfulness during set-up and throughout our event was an immense help to us.
We are full of gratitude to Derek, Tom, and their crew for making our event a success and so memorable for our graduating seniors! A fantastic experience from beginning to end!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Many thanks for the kind words, Sherri. I'll pass them on to the crew. It was a pleasure working with you and your team again this year for Mt. Tams Grad Night, and we look forward to another great event next year.
Kelly Vernon1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Great Event is the GREATEST! We have contracted them for two consecutive years to coordinate our Carnival event and they are a convenient one-stop-shop. From pre-production coordination to day-of logistics, Derek and his team cover all the bases and make the process smooth and seamless. We look forward to working with them on next year's event. Many thanks, The Great Event!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to write a review about your experience Kelly! We are excited to be back on campus next year to help support your event needs. Have a great Summer!
shivansh kelkar2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews shivansh has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.