#EVENTSTRONG: Volume 1: No. 6

LEAN ON ME, NYC

Last night, Thursday, April 23rd at 7:02 PM EDT, New York City got to do what it does best…celebrate others together. 

 (Reuters) - It starts as it has around the world with people leaning out of windows and standing on balconies clapping, cheering and banging pots and pans to honor essential workers still operating during the coronavirus pandemic. And then a rousing collective rendition of the Bill Withers 1972 song "Lean on Me" begins. "It's amazing," said Robert Hornsby, director of fundraising at the Peace of Heart Choir non-profit in New York City, after he had finished playing the song from his window in Manhattan's Upper West Side. "The amount of energy that we've received, and the amount of energy that we're giving, has really lifted the spirits of New Yorkers, and we hope people across the nation, too. "Organizers of the "New York Sings Along" event said the goal was to boost morale and honor all workers on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and to share the healing power of music while obeying social distancing rules. 

(Reporting by Aleksandra Michalska, Editing by Karishma Singh and Michael Perry) 

 As event professionals we just love that feeling of creating and planning that unforgettable moment we can all share together. We will again.

Watch New Yorker's singing "Lean on Me" from their balconies. 

WE HEAR YOU, WE SEE YOU, WE ARE THINKING OF YOU

For many of our closest partners and collaborators in the events and entertainment industry, business has come to a screeching halt. We want to speak to each of you today - photographers, rental companies, event designers, bands, DJs, valet companies, catering staff, security personnel, florists and so many more - we see you, we hear you and we are thinking about you.

There are so many people and businesses who are in difficult circumstances right now; it is easy to feel like our industry is falling between the cracks of larger issues. This is why our CEO & President, Michael Cerbelli, felt it was necessary to speak out on a national platform. Last week, Michael interviewed with CNN and represented the live event industry and many small businesses in our event community who are being financially impacted. 

We understand what everyone is going through at this moment. We are certain that we will come out of this stronger if we support one another. This was the impetus for starting #EventStrong and we see it as our mission to serve, unite and encourage our industry of creators, innovators, designers and artists. 

In light of social distancing and bans on events, the significance of live events and spending time together, face to face, has become evident. The live events industry is essential, important and vital to creating lifelong memories, building friendships and family bonds, crafting everlasting experiences and telling stories.We craft vibrant occasions. We create incredible moments for people to connect, laugh, dance, celebrate, learn, educate, inspire and encourage one another. The future is uncertain, but what is certain is this: you matter. Our industry matters. We will get through this... together. #EventStrong.

WHAT #EVENTSTRONG MEANS TO ME 

?By Evan Carbotti, Co-Owner of Carbotti Experiences

As a designer, if I have learned anything throughout the years, it is that the success of a design or concept is only as good as the meaningful impact it has on those that experience it. We have the privilege as event professionals to customize experiences with our imaginations—to constantly reinvent how we deliver content and build memories. And so, as an industry, if we are doing it right (in my opinion), we will take chances because we see so clearly how our art form and creativity leave impressions and connects the hearts and minds of so many. 

As I spoke with an industry friend, Kevin Molesworth, recently, I was reminded how there is undoubtably an art in being able to create for mass appeal. Large ad companies, for example, have a wide reach, and they are effective. They implement ideas and ways of telling the stories that work, but it often appears formulaic. Perhaps more risk-taking would create even more powerful messages. So how, then, can the creative minds of our industry elevate the messaging for our clients? I do not run and ad agency, but I cannot help but wonder if there exists some kind of opportunity loss due to the similarities of so many commercials these days.

Designers don’t often love formulas. But designers often limit their own reach by failing to acknowledge that there are tried and true mechanisms that connect our creations to our audiences. So, we need balance. Our job as event professionals, now more than ever, is to constantly reimagine ways to link ideas and imagination to real experiences.

I might have more questions than answers when it comes down to it these days, but I do know one thing; creative leaps and the ability to adapt have always been what drives our progress and relevance. Our company and our industry have always moved forward through challenges because we have the courage to tell stories in new and beautiful ways. This is what #EventStrong means to me. We are motivated by the challenge not just to create, but to recreate and reinvent—to do what is not just popular now, but what will be regarded even more highly later as our ideas build upon ideas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over 40 years of combined experience, Jordan and Evan Carbotti continue to design custom experiences throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. As the sons of special event Hall of Famer, Richard Carbotti, The Carbotti brothers were virtually born into the industry, designing events and speaking at major industry conferences by the age of 18. Jordan and Evan truly have a love of all things creative, and continually work towards ensuring that each creative project reflects their positive lifestyle and cool aesthetic. As co-owners of a company that has existed for more than three decades, Jordan and Evan pride themselves on being able to fuse a youthful modern perspective with an understanding of classic style and refinement. It is this blend of their father's influence with their own vibrant energy that draws clients to the Carbottis from all over the world.  

We are honored to have Evan Carbotti as the first contributor of #EventStrong. If you would like to be a part of future newsletters and submit a positive, supportive message to our event industry colleagues, please send your idea and topic to [email protected]

FROM THE DESK OF DAVID ADLER: WHAT COULD BE NEXT?

"One thing is clear: The world that we knew is over. It’s now time to reinvent and reimagine. Our industry has been devastated in the short term, but it could be a vital force in planning the future of an even better industry—with more purpose and respect for the power of live gatherings." -David Adler, Founder and Chairman of BizBash

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

RECORD-BREAKING EVENT INDUSTRY LINK UP

Cerbelli Creative wants to give a huge THANK YOU to all who attended our Engaging Virtual Ideas webinar with ILEAnyc this past Monday, April 20th. With over 1,000 people from 7 different countries, we were honored to share a moment with our peers in the meetings and events industry. This webinar was more than a platform to allow us to share ideas - it was a brief period that we could connect with one another. In that hour, we were able to be together (virtually) and know that none of us are alone in this. We are here to support and uplift each other. 

Special thanks to: Matt Bonavita, Mark Catuogno, Jaclyn Zendrian, Melissa Balzejewski, the ILEAnyc team, Doug McKenzie, Ryan Oakes, Harrison Greenbaum, Brett Culp and all of the amazing attendees.

A FEW VIRTUAL IDEAS FEATURED IN THE WEBINAR

“AlakaZoom!” is the virtual version of Digital Deception, a tech-savvy, two-man magic and mentalism act. Magicians Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes have built an entire repertoire of magic and illusions that can engage your participants right through their own phone or computer. No stage? No problem!

AFISHAL is a visual DJ who creates completely customizable, musically-themed live shows! AFISHAL uses DJ Decks, his Visual DJ Rig, and the TREMOR to perform this themed set live - triggering sounds, drums and vocal samples at the hit of a stick.

Make the popular sip & paint outing a virtual experience! Utilizing the Sketch app on your ipad, phone or tablet, Artist Jessica Gorlickywill lead attendees through drawing a colorful, abstract image of your choice. Learn the basics of shading, color theory, depth and contrast. 

Join Harrison Greenbaum for a stand-up comedy performance, "Two Drink Minimum". Harrison includes humor & magic while interacting virtually with the crowd, creating a unique and one-of-a-kind comedy show that you'll never forget! Bring your sense of humor and get ready to be heckled.

For information on these ideas and more, email [email protected]

TEAM CERBELLI ON THE AUX: VOLUME 1

If you've been to our office, you know music is always playing - well, even while WFH nothing has changed. Music helps keep the Cerbelli team energetic and motivated, so introducing to you: #EVENTSONG. Tune in each week for our custom curated playlists.

This week, Michael shares his favorites!

If you or anyone you know has a story to be told during this time, we would love to feature you in our weekly newsletter. Reach out to [email protected] - we look forward to hearing from you.