What makes events true cultural anchors in NYC?
Honestly, it’s simple: they’re more than just gatherings—they’re real experiences people connect with.
I always approach our events with the goal of creating something lasting. At MASC, it’s about more than just selling—it’s about building a space where people feel connected, where stories are shared, and where NYC’s unique energy shines through. Each neighborhood has its character, and when we tap into that, we’re not just hosting an event; we’re making memories and building loyalty that lasts.
Does anyone else find that events are one of the best ways to connect with NYC communities?
Full-Stack Event Strategist | Major Event Advisor | Event Planner | Eventpreneur at Bonacube | Partner at Inlean Creative | Dad of 👦👦👧 | Empowering Event Pros to Work Smart, Not Hard at jessekiuru.com 💎
🎯 Event Impacts: Uncovering the Full Value of Hosting Major Events
From economic gains and community well-being to boosting city image and creating lasting legacies, understanding the wide-ranging impacts of major events is key to evaluating the real benefits of bidding and organizing.
It’s not just about the immediate payoff—it’s about the long-term effects on the host city and its people. When a host city (or event organizer) commits to the costly process of negotiating and bidding, they must understand the potential event’s benefits and how it aligns with their goals and criteria for major events.
#EventImpact#MajorEvents#HostCity#EventLegacy#EventBenefits
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 🎉⏳
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴!
From the famous ball drop in Times Square to quirky local versions like a giant peach in Georgia or a pickle in North Carolina, cities across the U.S. have embraced New Year’s Eve drop events as a way to celebrate the arrival of a new year.
But have you ever wondered why these events are so popular?
Here’s what makes them meaningful for communities:
🎆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : These events bring people together, creating shared experiences that strengthen civic pride and community bonds. Whether it’s a small town or a big city, the countdown to midnight is a unifying moment.
💼 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 : New Year’s Eve events draw crowds, boosting local businesses like restaurants, hotels, and shops. A well-organized celebration can turn into a significant economic driver for the city.
🎥 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 : Unique drops—whether it’s a crab in Maryland, a pinecone in Arizona, or a music note in Nashville—help cities showcase their identity, culture, and sense of fun. These events often gain media coverage, putting the city in the spotlight.
🎶 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 : With live music, fireworks, and festivities, these events give residents and visitors a safe, fun way to celebrate the holiday locally, keeping them engaged and invested in their community.
New Year’s Eve drop events are about more than just ringing in the new year—they’re about fostering connections, supporting local economies, and celebrating what makes each city unique.
#NewYearsEve#CityEvents#EconomicDevelopment#CommunityCelebration
For over a decade, I was privileged to execute events that brought hundreds together—conferences, mission-driven performances, and community projects that inspired change. Each event was a testament to the power of creativity, planning, and the joy brought from getting down on the dance floor.
These days, my focus is a little different. As a mom of two young children, my “crowd” is my family; my events are the moments of magic we create at home. On New Year’s Eve, the stakes aren’t the logistics of a 400-person gathering but the sparkle in my kids’ eyes as they count down to a new year with us at 7:30 pm.
As I dream of incorporating my experience of event planning into the public sector through social work, I carry with me the same passion, precision, and creativity that brought large-scale events to life—now infused with the heartfelt lessons from planning intimate, impactful memories for my family.
Here’s to building new connections in 2025 and creating even more magic for 4 or 4,000.
#EventPlanning#CareerJourney#CreativityInAction#NewBeginnings
What I Learned from Running My First Open Mic Night 🎤✨
This weekend, I stepped outside of my usual work as Marketing and Design Lead at Simply Creative ™ to organise my first live event – Bedford’s Got Talent - Open Mic Night at the stunning Quarry Theatre in Bedford. It was an incredible experience, filled with lessons about event planning, community engagement, and the power of collaboration.
Not only did I get to host and organise, but I also had the privilege of performing my spoken word poetry alongside my amazing friend Dominika Kalinowska MSc, DHP Acc. Hyp. who played piano beautifully. She was absolutely incredible, and the experience of blending poetry with live music was something truly special! 🎶✨
Here are a few key takeaways:
✅ Planning is everything – From securing the venue to promoting the event, I quickly learned that even the smallest details matter. Having a solid timeline and clear communication with all involved made a huge difference.
✅ Flexibility is key – No event goes 100% to plan. Last-minute changes, performer adjustments, and unexpected challenges popped up, but staying adaptable and solution-focused kept everything running smoothly.
✅ The right energy attracts the right people – The support from both the audience and performers was incredible. Creating a welcoming, inclusive space encouraged people to show up, participate, and connect, which made the event feel truly special.
✅ Community matters – Beyond the performances, the best part was seeing local creatives come together to share their talent, support each other, and celebrate the arts. It reinforced how important events like this are for building connections and fostering creativity.
This experience has given me a whole new appreciation for event planning, and I’ll definitely be taking these lessons forward – both personally and professionally!
A huge thank you to everyone who came along, performed, or supported in any way – this is just the beginning!
Have you ever organised an event outside of work? What lessons did you learn? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 👇
#EventPlanning#Community#CreativeEvents#OpenMic#BedfordsGotTalent#Bedford#Bedfordshire
So Simple, So Genius
I had the chance last weekend to participate in a National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) Community-Building Circle ahead of their 2024 annual conference. They've set these events to foster connections and conversations among attendees both before and after the conference.
It had been a tough week and I almost skipped out on this due to the expectation of engagement. I'm so glad I didn't. It felt restorative and really energized myself and others around connecting with each other, even if we're scattered across the country. This is such a smart way to cultivate relationships before going into a large conference. Something to think about for all you event planners out there. 😊
#circle#dei#restorativejusticeLiz London, Terrini Woods, Carolyn Stilwell, Glenn Millar, Russell Rowe, Brandi Fischer
More deets about this process below...
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About Circle Process
Circle processes have their roots in Indigenous cultures around the globe, stretching back to ancient times. Circle values and practices are now known by many names, such as: community-building circles, peacemaking circles, talking circles, or simply "circles." In-person Circles usually include the following elements:
- People are seated in an open circle, with no obstructions between them.
- The group comes up with guidelines or agreements for behavior in the circle.
- Conversation moves around the circle so that each person in turn has an opportunity to speak if they want. Often, a "talking piece" is passed around the circle. The person with the talking piece is invited to speak if they wish; all others listen.
- There is some kind of opening and closing ceremony, observance or activity.
Virtual Circles (VCircles) are an online adaptation of the circle process. While they differ from an in-person Circle, many circle elements are incorporated for a virtual space. The VCircles are intended to build connection and community during this time of physical distancing.
🌟 Accessible or not Accessible, that is the question! 🌟
Yesterday, my colleague Lydia Warren
and I had the pleasure of traveling to Prof. Laura Serrant CBE PhD book signing event in SouthWest London. We had been eagerly anticipating this moment as we admire all the work that Laura has done and being a fellow TEDx speaker, including her support for our Windrush event last year.
Unfortunately, our excitement turned to disappointment when we arrived at the at the Dominica High Commission which was hosted by Janet Charles the acting high commissioner and found that there was no ramp for people with access needs.
In 2024, it is surprising to see that there are still buildings that do not comply with the equality act 2010, excluding a large portion of the population from attending events at these venues. It is easy for someone without mobility needs, to take for granted the task of planning a journey from A to B. But for those with access needs, it can be a daunting and stressful process as there are a lot of things to be considered before even setting off on thier travels.
When planning an event, it is crucial to consider the accessibility needs of your audience. Are you excluding a portion of your potential guests by not providing accessible facilities?
We were lucky enough to speak with the Dominican commissioner Janet Charles who promised to look into getting a ramp for future events and even invited us back for afternoon tea.
Despite not being to gain access, we were touched by the kindness of Bernadette T.Althea D'Oyley BowenFelicia Kwaku, who stayed with us outside the venue to try and find a solution. And to top it off, Laura came outside and personally greeted us, gifting us with signed copies of her book.
Thank you Laura for personally reaching out to both Lydia and I, in which we would like to see if we can support your offer.
My plea to all event planners is simple: please ensure that your venues are accessible to all guests. Access is just the first step – if you want to make sure your event is truly inclusive, reach out to Lydia Warren or myself for a consultation.
Drop us a DM
#AccessibilityMatters#InclusiveEvents#EqualityForAll#EventPlanners#AccessibleVenues#DisabilityInckusion#LondonEvents#EmpowerAllGuests
It was great to attend the Durham Business Group networking event today at the Poplar Tree Garden Centre, where we got to see inside the newly opened Unbox holiday lodges.
The lodges are constructed from converted shipping containers, which transported me right back to my Architectural Techology days. Even on a grey day like today, it felt so peaceful & serene. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in or visiting County Durham.
Anyway, it was lovely to meet some new people today and share a conversation about what we do at Point North.
If you’re a business (small or large) or an individual and you want to make a difference in your community, the first step that you can take is making the intention.
Once you make that intention- commit to it.
It’s never too late to start making a difference but now more than ever our communities need us. All of us. And that includes you.
So maybe it’s worth having the initial conversation with your team or even yourself.
What are your CSR/ESG responsibilities?
Do you have a plan in place?
How are you acheveing, or going to achieve, what you set out to do?
