New York event planners don’t just curate memorable experiences. You have a unique opportunity to unite communities, bring people together, and contribute to the greater good. If you need inspiration for various NYC events you can put together to unite communities, keep reading. These are just some of the proven ways event planners like you can make a difference in your own backyard.
1. Host a Back-to-School Donation Event
Families are gearing up for another school year. And event planners can capitalize on this late summer season by hosting a back-to-school event and collecting school supply donations. Consider partnering with area schools to procure lists of in-demand items for students and teacher classrooms alike. Then host a themed event and invite the community, individuals and businesses alike, to participate. You can create donation events for all kinds of seasonal community needs, too. Get inspired for non-perishable food drives, winter coat drives, blood drives, and holiday toy drives for the community!
2. Host a Job Fair or Career Development Event
Consider partnering with area businesses, organizations, and learning institutions to host a job fair or career development event. These trade shows can welcome job seekers and hiring managers alike. Add in presentations and keynote speakers about skills improvements and career coaching. Make top recruiting professionals available to all attendees and make an effort to improve local citizens’ opportunities to find great jobs.
3. Host a Red Carpet Fundraising Gala for a Community Cause
People love an excuse to dress up. And they also love opportunities to support local charities and non-profit organizations. As a New York event planner, you can unite communities with black-tie or red-carpet events and fundraising galas to appeal to both! Choose a regional or local charity organization to support. Then collaborate with area businesses to sponsor and fund the event itself. Put on an elegant engagement with impeccable food, thrilling designs, and captivating entertainment. Maybe even wrangle a celebrity guest to boost awareness.
4. Celebrate Community History with an Event
Every city, region, county, and community has a unique history. And as an event planner looking to unite communities, celebrating heritage with a festival or event is a great way to do just that. Collaborate with area historians to weave the tales relevant to the community’s past. Connect with businesses, local leaders, and area influencers to help boost awareness and celebration. Invite participants and guests to contribute to historic food, historic trades, and all kinds of entertainment.
5. Unite Communities with Music
Organize a day or weekend-long concert series and get the whole community involved! You can host a charity concert to benefit a local non-profit. Or, you can introduce up-and-coming artists with a series of musical performances in the park. Procure advertisers and sponsors to help finance your musical event. And even promote ticket sales for high-profile performances.
6. Promote Area Restaurants with a Food Festival
Consider hosting a food festival and invite your community and neighboring communities to sample the best fare in the region. Participating restaurants, eateries, food trucks, and bakeries can all sell and offer free samples of their biggest hits. And it’s a great way to showcase diverse and cultural cuisines. Get area businesses involved as sponsors and advertisers, and watch guests flock to your food festival by the hundreds and thousands!
7. Community Marketplace Events
Event planners can spearhead plans for mega-market events to unite communities. These events can feature farmers’ market produce, local craft artisans, area artists, and retail wares. Bring in the petting zoo and a fun lineup of entertainers, and you’ll draw thousands of participants and guests eager to shop, show off their talents, and discover rare local finds.
Get inspired by these event ideas and use your event planning skills to unite communities! Learn more about how to engage your local market and support area communities from top events industry pros at The Event Planner Expo 2023! Tickets, exhibitor booths, and sponsorship opportunities are still available!
