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  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Event Production & Fabrication

How 40 Years of the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen Built the Food Festival Movement

Get an inside look at the iconic festival’s history and surprise-and-delight moments from the 40th anniversary, plus chef, seminar, and brand highlights.

Tracy Block
July 3, 2023

Signature F&W signage with a celebratory “40” illuminated at night atop Aspen Mountain.Signature F&W signage with a celebratory “40” illuminated at night atop Aspen Mountain.Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINEASPEN, COLO.—From June 15-18, the famed FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary. Tickets for the 4,000 guests in attendance sold out in a record-breaking three hours. The four-day Icons & Innovators fete presented programming alongside 200 exhibitors and 80 culinary talents, including notable names like Andrew Zimmern, Bobby Flay, Carla Hall, Gregory Gourdet, Guy Fieri, Kristen Kish, Kwame Onwuachi, Maneet Chauhan, Marcus Samuelsson, and Stephanie Izard.

In addition to its signature five-session Grand Tasting and five-session seminar blocks, there were special first-time events, new surprise-and-delight moments (insert Stanley Tucci here!), commemorative highlights, and much more. 

“The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen has truly built a category for food and wine weekends, with its formula of cooking demos, wine tastings, Grand Tasting events, and special events,” shares Diella Allen, head of food and drink events at Dotdash Meredith, the parent company of the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. “People come from all over the world to attend this event, and so many other events that came after us modeled their programming from the style of this event.”

The Secret Sauce
So, how did Allen and her team develop their secret sauce? To start, she says there’s so much that works, which is why attendees fall in love with the weekend—and keep coming back. “We always remind ourselves of that,” she says. “I think a lot comes down to the perfect size, the balance and variety in the programming, and the expert team.” 

Allen, who has been with the brand for 20 years, brags that her team is “the best in the business” and knows that so much goes into her winning recipe. Although guest prioritization is always at the forefront, there are several contributing star ingredients. “From the production team to our editorial and marketing teams, to the over 500 local volunteers who work to make the weekend successful, there are so many people who have years of experience with this event. We have so much collective experience, and every part works together to create this memorable weekend.”

Allen adds that COVID-19 gave her team an opportunity to rethink a lot. “In the year we took off, and coming back with a modified format in 2021, we had an opportunity to look at everything with fresh eyes. If it wasn’t working, we moved on,” she explains.

Aspen AsadaOn Sunday, guests took the Silver Queen Gondola up to the top of the mountain for the first-time, Mexican-inspired Aspen Asada lunch at the Wedding Deck atop Aspen Mountain. Chefs Claudette Zepeda and Bricia Lopez grilled, chopped, and assembled fresh ceviche on tortilla chips, chicken al pastor tacos, wagyu asada, and warm churros for the feast, while Reserva de la Familia and AOC Vouvray poured the libations. Seabourn was also on hand customizing leather luggage tags.Photo: Marc Fiorito/FOOD & WINE

Firsts for the 40th
Allen is also a big believer in taking risks and trying new things, even with a 40-year-old event. “It doesn’t always work; you don’t have to do it every time, but you still need to be creative and try new things,” she says. 

In 2023, there were several firsts. These included private tours of the Grand Tasting tents, private reserve spirits tastings, and the new "Aspen Asada" Sunday lunch on top of the mountain. And in true Classic fashion, there were special events targeting talent and VIPs, including Saturday’s Kann x Tatiana x Virtue dinner, which took place at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, followed by the 40th anniversary concert featuring Tedeschi Trucks Band at first-time participating venue Wheeler Opera House. 

But what is a veteran festival without its community? The Classic is known for its commitment to local volunteers, which inspired Allen’s team to celebrate the Aspen community by offering two free seminars, which also took place at the Wheeler Opera House. 

As for new rollouts at seminars, Allen decided it was finally time for guests to receive a real taste of the cooking demo action. “This year, we gave food to our audience,” she says. “People always say they want to taste what is being cooked onstage, and this year we made that happen. This is something that I hope we are able to keep doing in the future.” 

Always Engaging
Moreover, the Classic has continued to grow with the times, and this includes taking advantage of tools that continue to boost engagement for both the FOOD & WINE brand and its flagship event. “We thought long and hard about how we would allow guests to take part in our celebration throughout the weekend,” shares Allen. “Our team wanted to give them so many different opportunities to get excited and hopefully share on social.” 

Opportunities ranged from the commemorative welcome cocktail can from Tip Top Proper Cocktails at badge pickup to the Icons & Innovators portal stationed at the entrance of the Grand Tasting pavilion to celebrate the weekend’s rich history to the giant "40" sculpture in the courtyard to “F&W40” channel letters at the Top of the Mountain event—which illuminated after sunset. 

“We also presented a whole new look and feel for our design,” Allen says. "The 40th gave us an opportunity to think about the design and brand treatment. We wanted to be sure it felt more ‘2023.’ We changed the colors and updated logos and all the signage.” The special logos were in honor of the 40th, but the new colors, logo, and signage will remain long term. 

Highlighting the Wins
Furthermore, with four full decades under its belt, how does the team assess growth? “We spent a lot of time looking back at the history of the event and understanding the evolution,” Allen shared. “You can see how the event really followed the industry change from mostly cookbook authors to the rise of a celebrity TV chef to a greater focus on global cuisine,” Allen says. 

In terms of wins, Allen is proud of how the FOOD & WINE editorial team focused on increasing diversity and bringing in a wider representation throughout the weekend. “They’ve selected an incredible list of both iconic talent and fresh-thinking innovators who are transforming the industry,” she explains. “Editor in chief Hunter Lewis felt strongly that the event should more accurately reflect how much the food world has changed—and you saw that in not only the participating talent but also the topics and the special events.”

Juneteenth at Aspen MeadowsOn Sunday afternoon, chefs and remaining guests headed to the Bauhaus oasis known as Aspen Meadows for the official Juneteenth closing celebration. Chefs Erick Williamson, JJ Johnson, Gregory Gourdet, and Aspen’s own Mawa McQueen cooked hearty eats, Tahiirah Habibi curated the wine, and DJ DoughBoy served up a soundtrack in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.Photo: Daniel Bayer

Allen also considers the Classic’s commitment to sustainability a huge point of differentiation. “We have been at the forefront of reducing the impact from our event for several years, working in partnership with the City of Aspen,” she shares. There is a passionate “Green Team” of volunteers ensuring everything is being directed to the best waste management—they also monitor the impact on the city's grasses and property. 

And, although Aspen has long been on the map as a posh ski town each winter, the Classic kicks off the summer season, which offers a cultural moment for the City of Aspen. Because of the Classic, people now look to the town as a great culinary destination. “Not just during the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, but as part of the identity,” says Allen. 

Words of Wisdom
Finally, from her two decades fully immersed in the Classic, Allen openly offers inspo to fellow event profs seeking to emerge in the food and wine space. She says in addition to finding a great location, amazing talent, and choosing the right time of year for when the event is hosted, the most important ingredient to an event’s success is the team of marketers, partners, and producers who will work on the event all year. 

“Build a team that is super organized, dedicated, and passionate about hospitality,” she says. “Surround yourself with creative, solution-focused people who have a vision and an understanding of the events and culinary industries and the brands that target that space. Large culinary events are so multifaceted that it truly takes a village to bring them to life. But for those of us who love the food, wine, and hospitality industries, the payoff is huge when you see the team’s hard work come together in real life.” 

Keep scrolling to check out our extensive gallery of food, beverage, and production highlights from the Classic’s showstopping 40th year...

Bravo’s 'Top Chef' Welcome Party at The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Bravo’s 'Top Chef' Welcome Party at The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Thursday’s welcome party rolled out the red carpet for an all-star list of celebrity chefs and winemakers. One of the photo backdrops featured a greenery wall, florals, “40” signage, and an array of staggered Champagne bottles with commemorative labels.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Erick Williams, June Rodil, Aspen Mayor Torre, Devin Padgett, Ray Isle, Bobby Stuckey, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan, Carla Hall, and Tom Bair did a group Champagne sabering to kick off the festivities.
Erick Williams, June Rodil, Aspen Mayor Torre, Devin Padgett, Ray Isle, Bobby Stuckey, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan, Carla Hall, and Tom Bair did a group Champagne sabering to kick off the festivities.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Former and current FOOD & WINE editors in chief Dana Cowin and Hunter Lewis surprised Bobby Flay with his 1992 past-due Best New Chefs award. Flay never received the original due to a change in programming at the Classic 31 years ago.
Former and current FOOD & WINE editors in chief Dana Cowin and Hunter Lewis surprised Bobby Flay with his 1992 past-due Best New Chefs award. Flay never received the original due to a change in programming at the Classic 31 years ago.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Sonoma at the Summit (Top of the Mountain Party)
Sonoma at the Summit (Top of the Mountain Party)
Sonoma County Winegrowers and S.Pellegrino presented the annual Friday night Top of the Mountain Party, which, in true Classic tradition, kicked off with celebrity chefs posing in front of postcard-worthy sunset views of Aspen Mountain as their backdrop.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Drumbots made an appearance at both the Grand Tasting and the Friday night soiree.
Drumbots made an appearance at both the Grand Tasting and the Friday night soiree.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Signature F&W signage with a celebratory “40” illuminated at night atop Aspen Mountain.
Signature F&W signage with a celebratory “40” illuminated at night atop Aspen Mountain.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Seminars
Seminars
On Friday afternoon, Guy Fieri’s “Welcome to Flavortown” seminar was a popular event. The Food Network icon wooed fans with lobster and cooked with the help of his son Hunter. The demo also showcased Fieri’s Santo Tequila.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
On Saturday afternoon, FOOD & WINE restaurant editor Khushbu Shah moderated “The Top Chef Effect: How 20 Seasons of a Cooking Competition Show Changed Food Culture” in the Cooking Tent. Panelists included Gail Simmons, along with chef contestants and winners Kristen Kish, Tiffany Derry, and Buddha Lo. Many Top Chef alumni were spotted in the audience.
On Saturday afternoon, FOOD & WINE restaurant editor Khushbu Shah moderated “The Top Chef Effect: How 20 Seasons of a Cooking Competition Show Changed Food Culture” in the Cooking Tent. Panelists included Gail Simmons, along with chef contestants and winners Kristen Kish, Tiffany Derry, and Buddha Lo. Many Top Chef alumni were spotted in the audience.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
On Friday morning, award-winning author, Bevinars founder, wine expert, enthusiast, and showman Mark Oldman presented an “Out of Aspen” safari-themed seminar called “World’s Best Special Occasion Wines.” His animated lesson featured eight worldly pours ranging in price from $170 to $1,500 per bottle. In addition to sabering Champagne with a machete, Oldman created custom swag for attendees, including safari-themed buttons, stickers, and luggage tags. South African winemaker Travis Braithwaite was in attendance to present his $500 Pangaea red blend and handed out branded hats for the occasion.
On Friday morning, award-winning author, Bevinars founder, wine expert, enthusiast, and showman Mark Oldman presented an “Out of Aspen” safari-themed seminar called “World’s Best Special Occasion Wines.” His animated lesson featured eight worldly pours ranging in price from $170 to $1,500 per bottle. In addition to sabering Champagne with a machete, Oldman created custom swag for attendees, including safari-themed buttons, stickers, and luggage tags. South African winemaker Travis Braithwaite was in attendance to present his $500 Pangaea red blend and handed out branded hats for the occasion.
Photo: Rising Sun Photography
Anniversary Concert
Anniversary Concert
On Saturday night, FOOD & WINE hosted an intimate, invite-only anniversary concert featuring Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Wheeler Opera House. It was the 503-seat auditorium’s first time hosting an official Classic event.
Photo: Marc Fiorito/FOOD & WINE
Grand Tasting
Grand Tasting
La Marca Prosecco was stationed in the Grand Tasting courtyard with a summertime Positano-inspired bar featuring the brand’s vibrant blue. Guests toasted with tastes of the popular prosecco and indulged in spiked Bellini-flavored peach sorbet.
Photo: Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE
“Reinvent the Iconic” was the theme of Philadelphia’s corner activation in the Grand Tasting tent. The renowned cream cheese brand gave attendees a first taste of its new plant-based cream cheese, which launches nationwide this summer.
“Reinvent the Iconic” was the theme of Philadelphia’s corner activation in the Grand Tasting tent. The renowned cream cheese brand gave attendees a first taste of its new plant-based cream cheese, which launches nationwide this summer.
Photo: Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE
At Sunday’s final Grand Tasting session, award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi partnered with Lexus to serve hearty shrimp croissants inspired by his mom.
At Sunday’s final Grand Tasting session, award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi partnered with Lexus to serve hearty shrimp croissants inspired by his mom.
Photo: Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE
FOOD & WINE Best New Chef Emily Riddell of Machine Shop in Philadelphia served petite pâte à choux bites as her Grand Tasting offering.
FOOD & WINE Best New Chef Emily Riddell of Machine Shop in Philadelphia served petite pâte à choux bites as her Grand Tasting offering.
Photo: Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE
FOOD & WINE welcomed guests to the Grand Tasting tents with their official merchandise space, which featured exclusive items from Yeti, Tilit, and a commemorative sweatshirt featuring Jacques Pepin, as well as products from some of their favorite purveyors. This year, they expanded to include picks from the FOOD & WINE Faves team, which were available for purchase online.
FOOD & WINE welcomed guests to the Grand Tasting tents with their official merchandise space, which featured exclusive items from Yeti, Tilit, and a commemorative sweatshirt featuring Jacques Pepin, as well as products from some of their favorite purveyors. This year, they expanded to include picks from the FOOD & WINE Faves team, which were available for purchase online.
Photo: Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE
Andrew Zimmern, Brooke Williamson, Stephanie Izard, Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, and Claudette Zepeda posed and toasted by the “40” sculpture stationed in the courtyard of the Grand Tasting.
Andrew Zimmern, Brooke Williamson, Stephanie Izard, Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, and Claudette Zepeda posed and toasted by the “40” sculpture stationed in the courtyard of the Grand Tasting.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
The sculpture was a social media focal point throughout the Classic.
The sculpture was a social media focal point throughout the Classic.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Stoli Chamoy presented an ice sculpture with frozen fruit, which doubled as a vodka slide to chill and serve samples.
Stoli Chamoy presented an ice sculpture with frozen fruit, which doubled as a vodka slide to chill and serve samples.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Visit Newport Beach’s bloody marys with shrimp and crab were a popular grab throughout the weekend.
Visit Newport Beach’s bloody marys with shrimp and crab were a popular grab throughout the weekend.
Photo: C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE
Stanley Tucci and S.Pellegrino
Stanley Tucci and S.Pellegrino
S.Pellegrino’s Grand Tasting booth was inspired by the classic Italian street market. Named “Bar Pellegrino,” guests tasted S.Pellegrino Essenza flavors.
Photo: Courtesy of S.Pellegrino
Stanley Tucci attended the FOOD & WINE Classic alongside partner S.Pellegrino, celebrating the continuation of their multiyear partnership and encouraging fans to savor and create more of life’s perfect moments.
Stanley Tucci attended the FOOD & WINE Classic alongside partner S.Pellegrino, celebrating the continuation of their multiyear partnership and encouraging fans to savor and create more of life’s perfect moments.
Photo: Courtesy of S.Pellegrino
Aspen Asada
Aspen Asada
On Sunday, guests took the Silver Queen Gondola up to the top of the mountain for the first-time, Mexican-inspired Aspen Asada lunch at the Wedding Deck atop Aspen Mountain. Chefs Claudette Zepeda and Bricia Lopez grilled, chopped, and assembled fresh ceviche on tortilla chips, chicken al pastor tacos, wagyu asada, and warm churros for the feast, while Reserva de la Familia and AOC Vouvray poured the libations. Seabourn was also on hand customizing leather luggage tags.
Photo: Marc Fiorito/FOOD & WINE
Juneteenth at Aspen Meadows
Juneteenth at Aspen Meadows
On Sunday afternoon, chefs and remaining guests headed to the Bauhaus oasis known as Aspen Meadows for the official Juneteenth closing celebration. Chefs Erick Williamson, JJ Johnson, Gregory Gourdet, and Aspen’s own Mawa McQueen cooked hearty eats, Tahiirah Habibi curated the wine, and DJ DoughBoy served up a soundtrack in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.
Photo: Daniel Bayer
Plato’s Restaurant and Deck played stunning panoramic host to the event, which offered endless, 360-degree views of the lush, surrounding mountains.
Plato’s Restaurant and Deck played stunning panoramic host to the event, which offered endless, 360-degree views of the lush, surrounding mountains.
Photo: Daniel Bayer
Outstanding in the Field
Outstanding in the Field
On Friday night, Oustanding in the Field hosted a special dinner at McCabe Ranch in Snowmass, prepared by chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Beverly Hills.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdiz
During the outdoor cocktail hour, guests enjoyed local lamb sliders served inside mini, eye-catching, pink-branded boxes.
During the outdoor cocktail hour, guests enjoyed local lamb sliders served inside mini, eye-catching, pink-branded boxes.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdi
Due to weather conditions, the family-style dinner was relocated inside the McCabe Ranch barn. String lights complemented by an old tractor and the natural design of the space lent to the massive circular arrangement of the farm-to-table, family-style dinner, which featured local ingredients from more than a dozen Colorado suppliers. Kitchen Garden Textiles provided linens, Heath Ceramics supplied plating, and florals were from Juniper Flowers.
Due to weather conditions, the family-style dinner was relocated inside the McCabe Ranch barn. String lights complemented by an old tractor and the natural design of the space lent to the massive circular arrangement of the farm-to-table, family-style dinner, which featured local ingredients from more than a dozen Colorado suppliers. Kitchen Garden Textiles provided linens, Heath Ceramics supplied plating, and florals were from Juniper Flowers.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdi
Cauliflower tacos were a refreshing plant-based pass-around.
Cauliflower tacos were a refreshing plant-based pass-around.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdiz
A beautiful bowl of salad featuring 10 local microgreens from Chamberlin Farms and Gotham Greens was a stunning start to the meal. All food was prepared on site in a designated chef’s tent. Main courses included risotto into the wild and polenta with beef cheeks.
A beautiful bowl of salad featuring 10 local microgreens from Chamberlin Farms and Gotham Greens was a stunning start to the meal. All food was prepared on site in a designated chef’s tent. Main courses included risotto into the wild and polenta with beef cheeks.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdiz
Chef de partie Christine Kuo of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Beverly Hills presented a gala apple tart with streusel topping for dessert.
Chef de partie Christine Kuo of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Beverly Hills presented a gala apple tart with streusel topping for dessert.
Photo: Catherine Dzilenski/@cathdiz
Amex Trade
Amex Trade
In its 33rd year, the Amex Trade program featured a series of seminars and networking events, including a private Saturday luncheon by shuttle, which took place at T-Lazy-7 Ranch. Guests were welcomed with photo moments stationed on both sides of the 30- by -70 tent, along with cocktails from Alba Huerta of Julep in Houston and intentional vino by Go There Wines.
Photo: Steve Mundinger/Amex Trade
Beth Gill and her team from Aspen Branch were at the helm of the decor. Inside the tent was a massive centerpiece over the farm-style tables, which were accented with handwoven baskets; palm fronds; a garland of corn husks; and vibrant orange, pink, and purple tropical flowers. Tables were topped with matching runners that included additional corn husk garland, citrus-hued ceramic vases, and an array of fresh florals.
Beth Gill and her team from Aspen Branch were at the helm of the decor. Inside the tent was a massive centerpiece over the farm-style tables, which were accented with handwoven baskets; palm fronds; a garland of corn husks; and vibrant orange, pink, and purple tropical flowers. Tables were topped with matching runners that included additional corn husk garland, citrus-hued ceramic vases, and an array of fresh florals.
Photo: Steve Mundinger/Amex Trade
Chefs Silvia Hernandez and Erika Rojas, the first graduates of Comal Heritage Food Incubator, teamed up for the luncheon to cook an authentic Mexican feast, which included refreshing shrimp ceviche cups, as well as a mushroom option.
Chefs Silvia Hernandez and Erika Rojas, the first graduates of Comal Heritage Food Incubator, teamed up for the luncheon to cook an authentic Mexican feast, which included refreshing shrimp ceviche cups, as well as a mushroom option.
Photo: Steve Mundinger/Amex Trade
Winemaking Is Freedom
Winemaking Is Freedom
On Thursday, restaurateur Rose Previte and husband David Greene, former national host of NPR’s Morning Edition, showcased seven pours from winemakers around the world at a private “Winemaking Is Freedom” tasting event, followed by a tented dinner.
Photo: Aspen Public Radio/Nik House Media
Washington, D.C.-based chef Eritrea Mehary cooked African food pairings for the fundraiser.
Washington, D.C.-based chef Eritrea Mehary cooked African food pairings for the fundraiser.
Photo: Aspen Public Radio/Nik House Media
Epicurean Passport Weekend
Epicurean Passport Weekend
DJ Jadaboo spun tunes at a booth decorated with ingredient jars and succulents at the La Casa del Sol reception Thursday, which kicked off Hotel Jerome’s Epicurean Passport Weekend programming.
Photo: Emily Mae Photography/Courtesy of Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort
Friday night, the intimate Black on Black Chef’s dinner in the Garden was curated by chef JJ Johnson. Notable guests included Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Samuelsson, Dlynn Proctor, and the McBride sisters of the largest Black-owned winery brand.
Friday night, the intimate Black on Black Chef’s dinner in the Garden was curated by chef JJ Johnson. Notable guests included Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Samuelsson, Dlynn Proctor, and the McBride sisters of the largest Black-owned winery brand.
Photo: Emily Mae Photography/Courtesy of Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort
Petrossian Caviar and Casa Dragones teamed up Friday and Saturday to offer reservation-only scenic respites on Hotel Jerome’s private Sky Terrace.
Petrossian Caviar and Casa Dragones teamed up Friday and Saturday to offer reservation-only scenic respites on Hotel Jerome’s private Sky Terrace.
Photo: Emily Mae Photography/Courtesy of Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort
Bonterra Event
Bonterra Event
Invited buyers and industry guests enjoyed one of Bonterra's featured vintages. Rose Gold Collective designed this custom photo moment wall with organic-inspired floral.
Photo: Courtesy of Rose Gold Collective
Mijenta Tequila 'Art of Tequila' Pop-Up
Mijenta Tequila 'Art of Tequila' Pop-Up
For its second year at the Classic, Rose Gold Collective's annual event partnering with Mijenta Tequila transformed Forré Fine Art Contemporary Gallery into a tequila pop-up. Decor highlights included custom window decals and two custom-built bars. Bartenders served mixology-forward cocktails with catering pairings.
Photo: Courtesy of Rose Gold Collective
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50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Sports
See Inside Sport Beach—The Game-Raising Activation That Had Everyone Talking at Cannes Lions
Event Production & Fabrication
Robin Hood's 2025 Benefit Gala Had the Home Field Advantage—How a Sports Theme Helped Raise $72 Million
The event delivered its most immersive night yet, transforming the Javits Center into an arena of impact.
Michael Strahan kicked off programming at the 2025 Robin Hood Benefit Gala on May 12.
Brands & Event Pros
Meet the 2025 BizBash 40 Under 40
BizBash highlights impressive industry leaders who have made an early mark on the meeting and event industry—before even celebrating their 40th birthday.
Bb40u40 2025 Meet The Winners 880x496 Article Header
Event Production & Fabrication
Secrets, Spirits, and Surprises: Inside Monkey 47’s Mysterious Event Tour
Monkey 47 cloaked an educational experience about the gin brand’s roots as a series of mysterious events that surprised and delighted guests from the moment they received the invite. Here’s how.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin embarked on a three-city experiential tour across the U.S. that immersed spirits industry trade professionals in it brand DNA.
Event Production & Fabrication
See Inside the 'Most Sustainable Large-Scale Music Festival on the Planet'
Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival, in partnership with Sunbelt Rentals, sets the bar for sustainability in large-scale events, blending top musical acts with energy-efficient rentals and impactful environmental advocacy.
In addition to big-name headliners Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, and Luke Combs, a standout moment of this year's event—held April 4-6—was the Conservation Village Powered by Sunbelt, which featured interactive exhibits highlighting marine conservation efforts and everyday ways fans can protect ocean ecosystems.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 11 Planners, Designers & Producers Who Are Defining the Next Era of Events
This creative crew is using standout designs, smart engagement strategies, and flawless execution to move the event industry forward.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Planners Designers Producers
Event Production & Fabrication
How to Launch a New Event Agency in Decadence and Style
Ashley Woody hosted industry professionals for "A Night of Revelry" in honor of her new boutique event agency, Maison Madera. See all the surreal details—and read her tips for throwing a successful launch event.
To celebrate the launch of her new boutique event agency, Ashley Woody recently hosted 'A Night of Revelry' for professionals in entertainment, hospitality, and fashion at her Los Angeles studio.
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