Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubree Topai.
Hi Aubree, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hey there! I’m Aubree, the proud owner of ABW Events and Bus Party! Colorado. With over 15 years of expertise in corporate event planning, I’m passionate about fostering connections and building communities. Beyond work, I’m a dedicated music enthusiast, always eager to catch live performances. My playlist features diverse acts like Odesza, Rufus Du Sol, String Cheese Incident, Goose, The Killers, Coldplay, Vampire Weekend, and countless others. Having frequented Red Rocks over 200 times, I consider myself a seasoned aficionado. This profound love for music and community connection was a driving force behind the inception of my business.
So why did I start Bus Party! Colorado?
The concept for launching BusPartyCo struck me while enjoying a ride on a party bus bound for Red Rocks. I couldn’t help but notice the effortless networking and camaraderie that flourished in the lively party bus atmosphere. Friendships formed, and sparks flew, all within the confines of a bus. It felt like the perfect breeding ground for fostering community connections.
The cozy confines of a party bus inherently spark conversation and camaraderie. With the ability to engage with multiple individuals simultaneously and being stationary for a while, it creates an environment akin to a bar—complete with drinks (hello, liquid courage) and a comfortable space to unwind. However, the party bus adds an exciting twist: adventure! Everyone onboard is on a journey together, perhaps to an outdoor mountain venue requiring a daunting climb of 196 stairs, all for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Adventure becomes the common thread, tightly weaving the bonds of human connection. Once the thrill of adventure kicks in, passengers naturally form friendships because they’ve shared the experience. It’s a genuine phenomenon (seriously, once you notice it, you’ll see it everywhere).
Drawing from my background in Anthropology and my professional experience in organizing networking events, I pondered: “Could party buses serve as strategic tools for nurturing and strengthening communities? Might they offer a platform for music enthusiasts to forge connections beyond concert venues?” Confidently, I assert that the answer is a resounding YES, leading to the creation of Bus Party! Colorado Social Club.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For two years, I juggled two jobs—my corporate event planning role during the day and running Bus Party Colorado at night. I’d be in meetings from 8am to 4pm, then rush straight to check-in for BusPartyCo events from 5 to 7pm. Most nights, I’d come home and still have work to do for both jobs, sometimes staying up until 10 or 11pm just to keep up. After a while, the pace really wore me down. I hit a point where I had to make a tough call: keep grinding at both jobs or go all in on my business.
In 2023, I took the leap and became a full-time entrepreneur. It was terrifying, honestly. I didn’t have a crystal-clear picture of how the finances would work out, but I believed in what I was building. I’m so glad I trusted my gut and went for it.
That said, it’s been far from easy. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is the sheer number of drunk drivers in Denver. It’s a serious issue that no one seems to be dealing with properly. In just six months, my husband and I were hit three separate times by drivers under the influence. One slammed their brakes in the middle of the road, another literally drove through our office building, and the third hit one of our party buses on the way to Red Rocks. None of the accidents were our fault—it was just horrible timing, over and over again.
Each incident took a massive toll. Dealing with insurance, paperwork, revenue losses, scared employees… it was overwhelming. Honestly, it was the hardest year we’ve ever had in business. We thought about walking away more than once. But we pushed through, and we’ve come a long way in healing from all of it. Still, I can’t help but feel frustrated that Denver’s drunk driving problem isn’t being taken more seriously. It’s something that needs to be addressed properly by the Major.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a creative at heart and kind of a Swiss Army knife—I’ve got a lot of skills and tools I can pull from depending on what’s needed.
I am a graphic designer, website designer, email marketer, social media manager, video editor, voice over actor, event director, project manager, professional organizer, and interior design decorator.
I have designed many of my own websites and set up all of the back-end automation and triggers, which is what helps members earn loyalty points and have active member profiles. I also design all of the video and print assets you see.
Design is one of my creative outlets. I feels like art to me.
I am also an expert at spatial art – meaning curating the perfect event environment that triggers emotion and collaboration. I did that with my corporate job for large-scale conferences around the world. I treated all of my events like my artwork. It always had an Aubree-stamp on it which made it unique and different.
I bring that same energy and attention to detail into the BusPartyCo experience. Everything is designed with intention—from the custom networking name tags (with personality types to spark conversation), to the Kandi bracelet exchange, to the pre-event text with a custom map. Every detail is thought through to help music fans feel comfortable, welcomed, and excited to connect with others.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a creative kid at heart. I used to spend hours playing interior designer with my Barbies—which probably explains why I still love curating spaces so much! haha.
I was a bit of a shy, nerdy kid, but also dramatic and fun. I spent a few seasons working in the theater department and played competitive sports for years—volleyball, tae kwon do, and basketball. I also loved riding my bike around the neighborhood, which is still one of my favorite ways to relax and reset.
I also was also signed up for a lot of AP classes in high school, which kept me busy!
Pricing:
- $55 per person roundtrip for the BusPartyCo experience
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buspartyco.com
- Instagram: @buspartyco
Image Credits
Bryan Outwest, Photographer
[email protected]
[email protected]
@bryanoutwest (IG)
