The past year was transformative for the events industry, turning in-person events into virtual undertakings was no small fete.
Here’s a special spotlight on two virtual events we’ve recently hosted and how it changed our outlook on what’s possible.
For the past seven years Urban Elegance LLC, has hosted a ‘Howard University Alumni Homecoming Sunday Brunch’. Howard University’s premier homecoming activities were not hosted in person this year due to COVID-19. However, we remained committed to celebrating the experiences, lessons and bonds which synergistically binds us. This unique virtual experience was a huge pivot from our normal in-person filled with DJs, buffet, bottomless mimosas and the turn up (but of course).
Factoring in the disproportionate impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the African American community, Urban Elegance LLC, offered comfort, normalcy and a modicum of groove. Therefore, in October (the weekend of Howard Homecoming weekend) we hosted a virtual brunch experience (with an intimate socially distant in-person event) highlighting three programming areas: Arts & Entertainment, Social Justice and The Black Diaspora, and Howard University fundraising efforts.
Our esteemed panel consisted of the Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor Newark NJ; Dr. Bahiyyah M. Muhammad, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Howard University – Department of Sociology and Criminology; and Kenyan R. McDuffie, Councilmember for Ward 5 with moderator Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. MD, Chief Medical Examiner, Interim Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice.
We participated in the Bison Funder challenge and raised much needed funds to provide scholarships for 100 students for Howard University. Over 200 attended but more importantly, we discussed police use force and institutional racism – real talk about real issues.
Our second event was hosted in January. Urban Elegance, LLC. partnered with the Ladies of Howard University to host a virtual brunch. The brunch was titled “I Eat No for Breakfast”, and was a virtual brunch hosted by Howard alum and renowned celebrity chef, Carla Hall. The brunch was a celebration of the inauguration of our Bison Sister Vice President Kamala Harris and inspired by her words. When asked about being told that it’s not her time and she’s not ready, her response was “I eat no for breakfast!” It’s a hearty breakfast!
Brunch was a celebration of Howard women and of all women who have persevered when told “no”.
Brunch was a curated menu made of dishes contributed by our special guest chefs and food entrepreneurs and featured in the virtual program guide. Our featured guests included:
Chef Carla Hall, Host
DJ Paul Howard
Chef Kenny Minor
Chef Brent Hughes
Chef Amadeus
Vegan Chef Gueli
Visual Artist Bisa Butler
Chef Crystal Smith
Anela Malik of Feed the Malik
April Wardlaw of Popcorn Queens
Chelsea Xeron of Niko’s Spiked Gelato
Event Contractor Lab provided the website landing page and event platform development, exhibit and speaker management, technical support, panel communications, streaming facilitation and video production & editing services. DJ Paul Howard provided the music and yes, there was an after party!
Over 500 attended and over $15,000.00 was raised for the Ladies of Howard University scholarship fund. Urban Elegance was proud to support LOHUs and their advocacy.
These events taught us the importance of pivoting. Planning takes a village. Planning amid COVID takes a village, innovation and lots of prayer! The Urban Elegance team can create exceptional work with leadership and grit. We believe in working hard and playing hard and that is why we are in this business! Urban Elegance is successful because of our amazing village and the values upon which it was built.
Lastly, it taught us the importance of giving back! Urban Elegance supports and encourages partnering with companies and charities in order to pour back into the community. If you have a group that you are passionate about then we are happy to form a relationship with them and assist in fundraising efforts.
We’ve all learned how to adapt and mature thanks to recent event obstacles, and the Urban Elegance team has certainly learned that the sky’s the limit when it comes to virtual events! Whether it’s a small team meeting over Zoom or a massive conference with thousands of attendees, there’s a virtual event for you!
