At Sequence Events, creativity isn’t just something we strive for—it’s the very essence of who we are and what we do! Whether we’re orchestrating a grand gala or an intimate corporate conference, our team is constantly fueled by inspiration from both personal passions and professional experiences.
Here’s a closer look at some of the many ways our creative team stays inspired.
1. Collaboration and Client Discovery
One of the most powerful sources of inspiration for our team is the collaborative process with our clients. By tapping into the essence of their brand and their event’s purpose, we’re able to unlock ideas that truly resonate and bring their vision to life.
"The best ideas are usually right in front of you,” says production manager Lindsey Michelle Gradwohl. “More often than not, we're aiming to tie elements of an event—decor, activations, content—into an overarching theme or concept. Sometimes that concept is already in place, and sometimes we're developing that theme for the project."
This collaborative process is particularly fruitful when we dig deep during the discovery phase. As Lindsey explains: "We like to have an in-depth discovery with the client to get to the heart of why we're bringing this project to life. That 'why' is the key to sparking ideas."
For example, when working with a client on a series of offsite events, our goal was to foster connection among their remote employees. "After a discovery process, we created a thematic design inspired by 'connecting the dots,’” she says. “This idea was brought to life through branding, digital design, and various activations that made the attendee experience feel cohesive and meaningful."
2. Art, Architecture, and Design
Art is at the core of many of our team's creative processes. “I come from an arts background, having spent many years working in museums, so a lot of my inspiration comes from the art, architecture, and design world,” says executive producer Jen Fleischer. “I like following the latest trends at art auctions and fairs and then trying to incorporate those ideas into events.”
This connection between art and events can be seen in how we bring themes to life.
"For the Fountain House Gallery Art Auction Events, for example, we were able to pull inspiration directly from the art being auctioned off to build out the thematic, decor, and branding,” she explained. “This allowed us to highlight the art while still creating a cohesive and creative event.”
3. Digital Platforms & Pop Culture
“One of my go-to sources is the endless well of creativity on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram,” says creative coordinator Alissa Bolbat. “Scrolling through the stunning visual work of artists like Roberta Boffo (@robertaboffoart) and her incredible, intricate line drawings is endlessly captivating. I love how she builds up these detailed compositions through tiny brush strokes, and how the overall picture emerges when you step back. It reminds me a lot of the way we approach event planning at SEQ—meticulously crafting each individual element to come together into a cohesive final product.”
“I’m always finding new inspiration on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms—for example, I saw a video of a woman in a Champagne dress roaming around a cocktail party,” agrees event production assistant Sydney Weinstein, who later pitched the idea when the team was looking for unique entertainment ideas. “Seeing cool ideas while scrolling often sets off a light in my head, reminding me that nothing is so far out of reach, and maintaining this ‘go-getting’ attitude can translate positively to the industry.
4. Travel—and NYC!
Being based in a city like New York also plays a big role in finding inspiration, Alissa adds. “Whether it's stumbling upon a retail pop-up, taking in the architectural grandeur of a landmark building, or just observing the energy and creativity buzzing through the streets, this city never fails to fuel my imagination. Seeing the way artists, designers, and visionaries continuously reinterpret and redefine the urban landscape gives me endless ideas for how we can innovate our own events.”
Liz Kamiel, Vice President of Business Development, agrees. “I find inspiration just walking the streets of NYC, looking into store windows, seeing the creative billboards and advertising found throughout the city, and by people watching,”
Travel is also a great source of creative energy, offering new perspectives and ideas that influence the events we produce. “I reflect back often on my study abroad experience during college where I traveled to places all over Europe,” says Sydney. “The culture in Paris, the architecture in Rome and Barcelona, and the beach vibes and food in Greece all stick out in my mind for how various cultures and landscapes can spark new ideas for menus, themes, and designs.”
5. Family, Tradition, and Personal Experiences
For some of us, inspiration is rooted in personal experiences and traditions, particularly the joy and connection that comes from bringing people together for events like weddings and bat mitzvahs.
In addition to family events, Liz also draws inspiration from day-to-day interactions with her kids. “Observing them grow up in the era of technology and social media and their perspective on contemporary culture has been interesting, to say the least,” she says. “Watching how Gen Z engages with their peers, the way they learn, the power of influencers, and the insights they share on trends, interests, pop culture, and consumer behavior continues to provide a great source of inspiration and authenticity.”
6. Our Own Team!
For some of us, inspiration comes from within our own diverse team. “I've only been interning with Sequence for two months, but it's my first time in the events industry and I can't understate how inspiring it is to see other young women confidently executing their professionalism and creativity,” said creative intern Ava Franchi.
Ava reflects on how seeing her colleagues juggle various responsibilities with confidence has not only inspired her work but has also shaped her outlook on the future. “As a 21-year-old woman about to graduate college, the workforce can be very scary and intimidating. Sequence was a perfect introduction into the corporate world and an industry that I now know I'm very interested in, because I constantly see people succeeding that were once just like me,” she says.