2024 NYC Event Trends - Check this list for your next event
As a frequent party vendor, I’ve been to so many events in New York City, and I’m here to share some trends— if you’ve been wondering what is popular at events these days this is the article for you. Events are happening all over New York City— corporate events, fundraisers, school proms and graduations, weddings, and more. As the summer approaches, use these trends to boost your NYC event.
Booking a Theater or Entertainment Club as a Venue: The first thing I’ve noticed is having your event at a theater or music/comedy venue. I worked an event this month at The Bell House in Brooklyn, and the venue was a hit! If you’re hosting an event where awards will be given, speeches will be given, or you need space for dancing and activities, a place like this is a really popular option. It has the “cool” factor because guests feel like they are getting exclusive access to a cool, iconic place in the city.
Extravagant Charcuterie Boards: Extravagant charcuterie boards are also a hit. I did a corporate event this spring with a training and development company that took place at Industrious, near Rockefeller Center. Going a step beyond a regular charcuterie board and hiring someone to create something extravagant and Instagram-worthy, and having meats, cheeses, and fruits available to munch on are a great addition! Want someone to make it for you? Check out Graze Craze online.
Photo Booth Entertainment Service: This is a quick plug, but having a Photo Booth that goes beyond good photos and actually has a fun attendant who is entertaining and encouraging can really add to the entertainment value of your party! Having a great Photo Booth attendant who can get people laughing, bonding, dancing, and celebrating really gets the party going! Good news, you’re already on the website of someone like this!
Hiring a Comedy Act: Hiring a comedy act! We have all heard of magicians, mentalists, etc., but hiring a truly funny comedy act can be an amazing addition to your party. As stated in the New York Times in a recent article, improv comedy is back in NYC. So many people are engaging in comedy in a way that hasn’t happened since before the pandemic. There are sketch groups (think SNL), improv groups, musical comedy acts, stand-up comedians, and more— and you can hire someone to do 20 minutes of comedy at your party— it really adds to the cool factor of your event to get people laughing. Just make sure you’ve seen them perform first! Hint: Check out Sounds Funny for a variety of awesome comedy acts!
Ice Luge: At a recent party for Via Ridesharing, an amazing ice luge was created for the guests. Having a signature drink come from an ice luge can be a fun and exciting factor that really adds to the wonder of the party! Check out FunLuge.com for some awesome options!
Live Jazz Band: A jazz band! DJs are wonderful but depending on your event, hiring a live band can really add to the vibe of your event. In 2020 and during the pandemic, we were robbed of opportunities to hear live music— so these days, people absolutely love hearing live music!
Fancy Desserts as Party Favors: Fancy desserts as a party favor are huge right now! At a recent event, which was an auction for a nursery school in the Upper East Side, the event was fun, but what was extra fun was the desserts they passed out at the end. They passed out customized white chocolate-covered Oreos, and they were not only delicious but made a lasting impression. Check out Brookie’s Cookies for some awesome options!
In conclusion, staying ahead of the curve with these trending elements can elevate any event in the bustling landscape of New York City. Whether it's the allure of a historic venue, the indulgence of gourmet treats, or the laughter sparked by live entertainment, incorporating these trends promises to create unforgettable experiences for guests. So, as you plan your next event in the Big Apple, consider weaving these elements into your vision for a celebration that truly stands out in the vibrant tapestry of NYC's social scene.
