Hundreds of top event professionals from across the East Coast came together in New York to celebrate and connect at PartySlate’s exclusive two-day gathering. Designed to highlight collaboration and creativity, the experience featured a stylish welcome party, a full day of educational panels, and a celebratory cocktail event — all thoughtfully curated to showcase the best in the event industry.
The Welcome Party at City Winery
photos courtesy of: Afrik Armando
Hosted by PartySlate, the opening night was held at City Winery – Pier 57. This stunning venue set the tone for an evening of connection and celebration with elevated hospitality by City Winery, who delivered impeccable catering and beverage service.
Fulton Events expertly planned the evening, ensuring seamless execution from arrival to last call. Geoevents Creative Agency transformed the space with custom design elements that complemented the venue’s style and elevated party vibe, leaning into the wood accents in the space. Their design was beautifully enhanced by bold floral arrangements from Always Beautiful Floral, featuring premium blooms sourced by FiftyFlowers that elevated the overall aesthetic. Their arrangements, layered with texture and elegance, filled the space with lush color and depth. Luxe Event Rentals provided high-end lounge settings, including a stunning circle bar that became a focal point of the evening.
Aragon Artists curated the entertainment with a blend of vibey tunes and live performance elements, creating an upbeat, immersive atmosphere that set the perfect tone for networking. The luxurious linen selections by BBJ La Tavola provided the perfect base for each decor element. Personalized signage and printing by Bombshell Graphics and custom designs by Ceci New York added a chic, custom touch.
The Educational Event at Industry City
Day two began at the dynamic and versatile Industry City: The Box Factory. Once again produced by Fulton Events, the day delivered valuable insights and connections in a beautifully curated setting. Geoevents Creative Agency provided stunning production and design for our various speaker sessions. Always Beautiful Floral delivered over-the-top, sophisticated floral installations that beautifully complemented the event’s modern, neutral palette, with fresh, premium blooms sourced by FiftyFlowers enhancing every arrangement.
Jersey Pro Sound handled all AV while Aragon Artists provided the DJ ensuring clear sound and polished transitions between speakers and panels. Constellation Culinary Group created a thoughtfully executed culinary experience with flavorful fare, spa waters & juices for the perfect mid day sips and bites. The speaker and attendee setup was enhanced by stylish chair and plush rentals from Highstyle Event Rentals. Our fun and essential catering rentals from Party Rental LTD enhanced our food & beverage program. BBJ La Tavola’s linens once again added texture and elegance to each setting with chartreuse velvet linens and bright pinks to add color to the space.
The day’s sessions included top event professionals sharing their experiences and insights:
- The Future of PartySlate with with Julie Novack, John Haro & Phil Brown
- Fireside Chat with Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events
- Panel: Collaboration Over Competition with Afrik Armando of Afrik Armando, David Landgraf of Make It Happen Management & Mike Warren of The Plaza New York
- Panel: Mastering Digital Marketing with Brian Rolfe of Tao Group Hospitality, Jessica Boskoff of 23 Layers & Morgan Bedore of Constellation Culinary Group
- Fireside Chat with Brett Galley of Hollywood POP Gallery
Speakers received on-site hair and makeup services from Beautini, ensuring everyone looked stage-ready. Curated coffee & espresso stations were provided by Cupa Cabana Espresso & Coffee Catering.
Cocktail Event at Sony Hall
That evening, guests gathered at Sony Hall for a cocktail celebration that served as the perfect finale to the two-day experience. Produced by Fulton Events, the event radiated effortless New York style. Geoevents Creative Agency reimagined the venue for evening festivities with leafy hanging chandeliers and tree installs to further nod to the ‘enchanted forest’ theme. Their custom builds and sophisticated furniture selections from Luxe Event Rentals enhanced the rich, moody hues seen throughout the event design. Always Beautiful’s florals, sourced from FiftyFlowers, brought the greenery and creative structure to the design, perfectly complementing the event’s tone and luxury feel. Entertainment was provided by Aragon Artists, who kept the energy high with lively, engaging performances. Their 20 piece band kept guests on the dance floor all night long.
Sony Hall went above and beyond with food and beverage, even surprising guests with a hidden oyster bar on an ice sculpture by Okamoto Studio Custom Ice in their walk-in freezer. Their service and creativity added a memorable layer to the experience. Ichiban Catering elevated the culinary experience with a high-end sushi station, even hand rolling on site. Guests enjoyed sparkling rosé from Aphrodise and Perfect Serve provided a standout mixology experience that entertained guests.
A photo booth experience from NYC Party Booth gave guests the chance to take home fun memories with holographic prints. Party Rental LTD provided key pieces for food and beverage service, while BBJ La Tavola’s linens tied everything together. Draping by Perez Drape Company provided a grand entrance into the building – creating that WOW moment. Guests toasted the end of a magical two days with curated cocktails and keepsakes.
Special Thanks
PartySlate’s East Coast Summit was one to remember, and we’re incredibly grateful to have partnered with top-tier creative teams to capture it all. Afrik Armando captured the energy and elegance of the event through candid, editorial-style photography — from joyful guest moments to stunning design details. Meanwhile, Bridges Cinema documented the experience with cinematic precision, producing a dynamic video that immerses us in the event’s spirit from start to finish. Both teams are trusted collaborators, known for their ability to preserve the essence of an event through timeless visual storytelling.
A special thank you to Ceci New York, whose artistry elevated the entire guest experience. From custom invitations and event signage to menus and everything in between – Ceci’s signature aesthetic added a layer of luxury and cohesion across every touchpoint — seamlessly tying together the branding and design. We’re always grateful to LM Media Worldwide / Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks for securing hotel accommodations for the hundreds of guests who traveled in from all over the country and beyond, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay throughout the celebration.
The event’s success was made possible in part thanks to event sponsor Rock Paper Coin, who supports event pros with streamlined digital planning tools, and sponsor Minted. Minted is an online marketplace of premium design goods created by independent artists and designers. They offer a free Trade Program just for wedding and event pros including exclusive discounts, free product samples, and personalized support for you and your clients. Choose the track that fits your role to learn more and join: Wedding Planners | Venues | Photographers
Welcome Party team:
Venue, Catering & Beverage: City Winery NYC
Event Planning & Design: Fulton Events
Production & Design: Geoevents Creative Agency
Entertainment: Aragon Artists
Florals/Decor: Always Beautiful Floral
Rentals + Lounge: Luxe Event Rentals
Catering Rentals: Party Rental LTD
Signage & Printing: Bombshell Graphics
Invitations & Graphic Design: Ceci New York
Photography: Afrik Armando
Videography: Bridges Cinema
Wholesale Flowers: FiftyFlowers
Hotel Room Block Provider: LM Media Worldwide / Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Sponsor: Minted
Attire Guide: Agency Eight Bridal Stylist
Sponsor: Rock Paper Coin
Content Creator: Jelo Pacana Photo
Educational Event team:
Venue: Industry City
Event Planning & Design: Fulton Events
Production & Design: Geoevents Creative Agency
Catering for Education: Constellation Culinary Group
Entertainment: Aragon Artists
AV/Production: Jerzy Pro Sound
Florals/Decor: Always Beautiful Floral
Rentals + Lounge: Highstyle Event Rentals
Catering Rentals: Party Rental LTD
Signage & Printing: Bombshell Graphics
Invitations & Graphic Design: Ceci New York
Photography: Afrik Armando
Videography: Bridges Cinema
Wholesale Flowers: FiftyFlowers
Hotel Room Block Provider: LM Media Worldwide / Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Hair & Makeup for Speakers: Beautini
Coffee Cart: Cupa Cabana Espresso & Coffee Catering
Sponsor: Minted
Attire Guide: Agency Eight Bridal Stylist
Sponsor: Rock Paper Coin
Content Creator: Jelo Pacana Photo
Cocktail Event team:
Venue, Catering & Beverage: Sony Hall
Event Planning & Design: Fulton Events
Production & Design: Geoevents Creative Agency
Entertainment: Aragon Artists
Florals/Decor: Always Beautiful Floral
Rentals + Lounge: Luxe Event Rentals
Catering Rentals: Party Rental LTD
Signage & Printing: Bombshell Graphics
Invitations & Graphic Design: Ceci New York
Photography: Afrik Armando
Videography: Bridges Cinema
Photo Booth: NYC Party Booth
Sushi Catering: Ichiban Japanese Catering
Wholesale Flowers: FiftyFlowers
Hotel Room Block Provider: LM Media Worldwide / Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks
Sparkling Rosé: Aphrodise
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Ice Sculpture: Okamoto Studio Custom Ice
Sponsor: Minted
Attire Guide: Agency Eight Bridal Stylist
Draping: Perez Drape Company
Mixologist: Perfect Serve NYC
Sponsor: Rock Paper Coin
Content Creator: Jelo Pacana Photo