Empowering Innovation: The Black Innovation Alliance Sustainability Summit 2023
OneTouch Events had the privilege of organizing and executing the 2nd Annual Black Innovation Alliance Sustainability Summit in Miami, Florida.
The Black Innovation Alliance (BIA) is a coalition of 116 member organizations, to date, dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by building pathways that provide equitable access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities to Black entrepreneurs, tech founders, and creative technologists. The summit’s primary focus was to bring together executives, industry leaders, and members for a comprehensive 5-day program centered around sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
Seeking a reliable partner, the Black Innovation Alliance entrusted OneTouch Events with the planning and execution of the event in its entirety. This allowed the BIA’s internal executive team to concentrate on securing sponsorships, engaging in press opportunities, and fostering meaningful interactions with attendees. In addition to event planning and onsite management, OneTouch Events also took on the role of the exclusive travel planning company for the summit, securing all flights, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations for all participants, sponsors, and partners.
Venue Selection
After assuming the role as the primary event planner, our first step was to initiate the site selection process and secure a venue for the 2nd Annual Black Innovation Alliance Sustainability Summit.
Leveraging our extensive network, we identified and secured optimal venues for the summit’s various activities. After querying nearly 10 venues, OneTouch Events worked with BIA to narrow it down between 2 and ultimately selected the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, FL as the main conference venue. Throughout the process, negotiations were conducted with a careful eye on the client’s budget and requirements, ensuring the most favorable terms.
Event Planning & Design
Once the venue is secured, the excitement truly begins as we immerse ourselves in the intricate details of event planning. At this stage, our focus expands to securing service providers, refining the event agenda and programming, and curating the ambiance of our event spaces. Drawing upon our extensive experience in conceptualizing and executing large-scale programs, we collaborated closely with the Kimpton EPIC to refine and enhance key aspects of the event planning process.
Our multifaceted responsibilities encompassed the logistical intricacies and the creative elements that contribute to a memorable event. Designing the floorplans of the event spaces was a meticulous task that involved maximizing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. We aimed to create an environment that seamlessly accommodates the flow of activities while providing an engaging and visually pleasing experience for attendees.
In addition to spatial considerations, our team curated the culinary experience that caters to the diverse tastes and dietary preferences of the group. The selection of healthy menus with options for various dietary restrictions was a priority, ensuring that every attendee could savor the event without any culinary concerns.
Furthermore, we meticulously curated a schedule that strikes a balance between informative sessions, interactive activities, and moments of networking. Our goal is not just to organize an event but to craft an immersive and enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression on every participant.
Offsite Excursion Planning
Offsite excursions often stand out as the highlight of an attendee’s multi-day conference experience, and this event offered multiple engaging offsite excursions! The first was a cross-pollination + affinity dinner at Ceviche 105, where guests indulged in delightful Peruvian cuisine. Beyond the culinary experience, this special gathering played a crucial role in fostering networking and collaboration among attendees. It created a unique opportunity for informal interaction, laying the foundation for a collaborative environment that resonated throughout the rest of the event and future post-event partnerships.
As the summit approached its conclusion, guests were treated to the Spirit of BIA Awards dinner at the Joia Beach Club. This awards ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of select BIA members from the past year. OneTouch Events was pivotal in supporting the venue selection process, designing the event space layout, managing transportation, and securing entertainment to ensure a grand and memorable finale to the 5-day summit.
One of the event organizers, Jenna Scott, had this to say after the conclusion of the event:
“I hired OneTouch Events to plan my wedding almost 10 years ago and the amazing impression they left me with kept them in my mind when I needed event planning for my organization and they delivered as expected… an amazing journey in the planning and a wonderful execution. The team at OneTouch puts all the attention in the details and they are so professional and personable. We plan on continuing this partnership for all of our future event planning needs.”
From meticulous event strategy to flawless onsite management and comprehensive travel planning, our team ensured the success of every aspect of the summit. This case study highlights our commitment to delivering excellence in event planning, allowing our clients to focus on their core objectives while we handle the intricacies of execution.