1. White House Correspondents’ Dinner
New to the list
Washington, D.C.
Returning to D.C. after a two-year hiatus, the high-profile dinner gathered politicians, journalists, and celebrities alike on April 30. The evening was hosted by Trevor Noah, drew 2,600 attendees—including Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson, Brooke Shields, Sophia Bush, and Caitlyn Jenner—and marked the first time in six years that the President was among the distinguished crowd. The rest of the nation was able to watch the event unfold on C-SPAN. Plenty of pre-events and afterparties surrounded the dinner, such as a reception hosted by CBS News and Politico, an afterparty produced by Paramount+, and CNN’s signature Political Hangover Brunch. Next: April 29, 2023
See more: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Cue the Pre- and Post-Parties, Presidential Pleasantries, and More
Washington, D.C.
Returning to D.C. after a two-year hiatus, the high-profile dinner gathered politicians, journalists, and celebrities alike on April 30. The evening was hosted by Trevor Noah, drew 2,600 attendees—including Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson, Brooke Shields, Sophia Bush, and Caitlyn Jenner—and marked the first time in six years that the President was among the distinguished crowd. The rest of the nation was able to watch the event unfold on C-SPAN. Plenty of pre-events and afterparties surrounded the dinner, such as a reception hosted by CBS News and Politico, an afterparty produced by Paramount+, and CNN’s signature Political Hangover Brunch. Next: April 29, 2023
See more: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Cue the Pre- and Post-Parties, Presidential Pleasantries, and More
Photo: Courtesy of White House Correspondents’ Association
2. State of the Union
Washington, D.C.
More than 38 million Americans tuned into this year’s State of the Union led by President Joe Biden on March 1. During the one-hour event—which aired on NBC and C-SPAN, among other major broadcast networks—President Biden addressed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia; his administration’s COVID-19 recovery plan, outlining key aspects of the American Rescue Plan; his agenda for healthcare and the Build Back Better Act; and many other pressing topics. Next: TBD 2023
More than 38 million Americans tuned into this year’s State of the Union led by President Joe Biden on March 1. During the one-hour event—which aired on NBC and C-SPAN, among other major broadcast networks—President Biden addressed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia; his administration’s COVID-19 recovery plan, outlining key aspects of the American Rescue Plan; his agenda for healthcare and the Build Back Better Act; and many other pressing topics. Next: TBD 2023
Photo: Courtesy of whitehouse.gov/YouTube
3. ESSENCE Festival of Culture
Up from #4
New Orleans
Even with only one weekend of programming (instead of the usual two), this year’s ESSENCE Festival packed a punch with an activity and entertainment lineup filled to the brim. Nightly concerts at Caesars Superdome brought out Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, New Edition, and Patti Labelle. Vice President Kamala Harris and Stacey Abrams drew quite the crowd. And a bevy of new experiences included a tech summit, the ESSENCE Eats Food and Wine Festival, a film festival, a men’s experience, and more. In addition, the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival (pictured) returned. For the first time, the four-day hybrid festival was streamable via a partnership with Hulu. The brand also had a fun roller-skating rink activation on-site. Next: June 29-July 3, 2023
See more: ESSENCE Festival 2022: See Inside New Activations and Its Evolving Event Strategy
New Orleans
Even with only one weekend of programming (instead of the usual two), this year’s ESSENCE Festival packed a punch with an activity and entertainment lineup filled to the brim. Nightly concerts at Caesars Superdome brought out Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, New Edition, and Patti Labelle. Vice President Kamala Harris and Stacey Abrams drew quite the crowd. And a bevy of new experiences included a tech summit, the ESSENCE Eats Food and Wine Festival, a film festival, a men’s experience, and more. In addition, the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival (pictured) returned. For the first time, the four-day hybrid festival was streamable via a partnership with Hulu. The brand also had a fun roller-skating rink activation on-site. Next: June 29-July 3, 2023
See more: ESSENCE Festival 2022: See Inside New Activations and Its Evolving Event Strategy
Photo: Courtesy of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency
4. TED Conference
Vancouver
Appropriately themed “a new era,” this year’s TED Conference featured a lineup of world-class speakers (including Elon Musk), 11 insightful TED Talks, two sessions of TED Fellows talks, Discovery Sessions, as well as on-site activations, dinners, and parties at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event hosted 2,000 attendees over five days and was recorded to allow at-home guests to purchase a digital ticket and view individual or all sessions online. The annual flagship conference announced its 2023 theme is “possibility.” Next: April 17-21, 2023
Appropriately themed “a new era,” this year’s TED Conference featured a lineup of world-class speakers (including Elon Musk), 11 insightful TED Talks, two sessions of TED Fellows talks, Discovery Sessions, as well as on-site activations, dinners, and parties at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event hosted 2,000 attendees over five days and was recorded to allow at-home guests to purchase a digital ticket and view individual or all sessions online. The annual flagship conference announced its 2023 theme is “possibility.” Next: April 17-21, 2023
Photo: Gilberto Tadday/TED
5. Aspen Ideas Festival
Aspen, Colo.
The Aspen Institute collaborated with NBCUniversal News Group for this year’s event which gathered more than 300 global leaders to engage in deep discussion of current hot-button topics spanning politics, science, the arts, education, and more. Top anchors and journalists from NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC, and Noticias Telemundo led the interviews, fireside chats, and panels throughout the two-part, seven-day event. Topics of conversation focused on the theme "Heat, Power, Connection, Trust, Money, and Beauty." For the first time, the event introduced Aspen Ideas Digital, a new digital pass that gave remote attendees access to virtual-only Q&As and a sample of the best in-person sessions. Next: June 24-30, 2023
The Aspen Institute collaborated with NBCUniversal News Group for this year’s event which gathered more than 300 global leaders to engage in deep discussion of current hot-button topics spanning politics, science, the arts, education, and more. Top anchors and journalists from NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC, and Noticias Telemundo led the interviews, fireside chats, and panels throughout the two-part, seven-day event. Topics of conversation focused on the theme "Heat, Power, Connection, Trust, Money, and Beauty." For the first time, the event introduced Aspen Ideas Digital, a new digital pass that gave remote attendees access to virtual-only Q&As and a sample of the best in-person sessions. Next: June 24-30, 2023
Photo: Courtesy of Aspen Ideas Festival
6. The New Yorker Festival
New York
Each year, The New Yorker’s signature event gathers award-winning actors, directors, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers, artists, and chefs to participate in the weeklong festival that features a mix of talks, panel discussions, live performances, screenings, and experiences. Presented by Google, the 23rd annual event in October drew 13,000 in-person attendees who sat in on engaging conversations with Bono, Ben Stiller, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Corden, and David Chang, among many other notable names. The event also generated more than nine million livestream views. Next: TBD 2023
Each year, The New Yorker’s signature event gathers award-winning actors, directors, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers, artists, and chefs to participate in the weeklong festival that features a mix of talks, panel discussions, live performances, screenings, and experiences. Presented by Google, the 23rd annual event in October drew 13,000 in-person attendees who sat in on engaging conversations with Bono, Ben Stiller, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Corden, and David Chang, among many other notable names. The event also generated more than nine million livestream views. Next: TBD 2023
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for The New Yorker
7. Netroots Nation Conference
Pittsburgh
Organized annually by Netroots Nation—a nonprofit that supports progressive activists through training, resources, and connection opportunities—the event draws upward of 4,000 attendees and continues to be the largest of its kind for progressives. After two years of virtual programming, the three-day conference returned IRL in August at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Budget constraints kept organizers from building out virtual programming, but some in-person content was recorded and shared with the event’s remote audience. On-site attendees had access to more than 100 panels and training sessions, plus keynotes and fun social events. Next: July 13-15, 2023
Organized annually by Netroots Nation—a nonprofit that supports progressive activists through training, resources, and connection opportunities—the event draws upward of 4,000 attendees and continues to be the largest of its kind for progressives. After two years of virtual programming, the three-day conference returned IRL in August at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Budget constraints kept organizers from building out virtual programming, but some in-person content was recorded and shared with the event’s remote audience. On-site attendees had access to more than 100 panels and training sessions, plus keynotes and fun social events. Next: July 13-15, 2023
Photo: Courtesy of Netroots Nation Conference Livestream
8. Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
New York
The 77th annual white-tie fundraiser (named for the country’s first Roman Catholic presidential nominee) was held at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Peggy Noonan served as keynote speaker for the evening that drew more than 600 distinguished guests who helped raise $5.6 million for the foundation. Annual proceeds from the $5,000-per-plate dinner benefit Catholic organizations that provide aid to refugees and support women and children in need. The event was also livestreamed to a remote audience. Next: TBD 2023
The 77th annual white-tie fundraiser (named for the country’s first Roman Catholic presidential nominee) was held at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Peggy Noonan served as keynote speaker for the evening that drew more than 600 distinguished guests who helped raise $5.6 million for the foundation. Annual proceeds from the $5,000-per-plate dinner benefit Catholic organizations that provide aid to refugees and support women and children in need. The event was also livestreamed to a remote audience. Next: TBD 2023
Photo: Matthew Adam Photography
9. Scotiabank Giller Prize Gala
Toronto
Canada’s premier literary gala was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and hosted by Indian-Canadian author, artist, and performer Rupi Kaur and award-winning actress and producer Sarah Gadon. More than 300 authors gathered to celebrate the crème de la crème of Canadian publishing. This year’s coveted award went to novelist and University of Calgary professor Suzette Mayr for her novel The Sleeping Car Porter. The event was broadcast live on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Next: TBD 2023
Canada’s premier literary gala was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and hosted by Indian-Canadian author, artist, and performer Rupi Kaur and award-winning actress and producer Sarah Gadon. More than 300 authors gathered to celebrate the crème de la crème of Canadian publishing. This year’s coveted award went to novelist and University of Calgary professor Suzette Mayr for her novel The Sleeping Car Porter. The event was broadcast live on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Next: TBD 2023
Photo: Ryan Emberley & Kennedy Pollard
10. Blue Metropolis
Montreal
The 24th edition of one of the largest multilingual literary festivals in North America included an array of 200-plus contemporary literary conversations with emerging and established authors from across the globe. Spanning public discussions, roundtables, debates, readings, master classes, and podcasts, this year’s in-person programming took place at multiple venues, including Hotel 10, the Grande Bibliothèque, and McCord Museum. Meanwhile, remote attendees enjoyed an online series of three headline interviews with major artists Gloria Steinem, Kamel Daoud, and Francesca Melandri, plus a selection of four films in partnership with the Montreal Israeli Film Festival. Next: April 27-30, 2023
The 24th edition of one of the largest multilingual literary festivals in North America included an array of 200-plus contemporary literary conversations with emerging and established authors from across the globe. Spanning public discussions, roundtables, debates, readings, master classes, and podcasts, this year’s in-person programming took place at multiple venues, including Hotel 10, the Grande Bibliothèque, and McCord Museum. Meanwhile, remote attendees enjoyed an online series of three headline interviews with major artists Gloria Steinem, Kamel Daoud, and Francesca Melandri, plus a selection of four films in partnership with the Montreal Israeli Film Festival. Next: April 27-30, 2023
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Metropolis
