A record-setting NYC program planned in five weeks flat, and designed to bring everyone to the table
Role: Strategist, Executive Producer, Program Lead
Timeline: Rapid planning and execution, high-level stakeholder management, cross-functional negotiation, multi-audience engagement strategy, brand messaging, fiscal agility
The Opportunity
In late July 2024, I received unexpected news: a surprise budget surplus needed to be spent before the fiscal year closed on August 31. I had just five weeks to plan and fully prepay for a high-impact event that would take place in the next fiscal year.
Most people’s first reaction to a surprise budget surplus with a five-week deadline? Panic. Mine? Possibility.
The timing was tight—but I saw opportunity. I came up with the idea to use the surplus to fund a first of its kind multi-audience program that would’ve otherwise been impossible under new budget constraints.
A great venue in Midtown Manhattan had limited 2025 availability that aligned with both my programmatic calendar and Emory College’s NYC Career Trek, a program that brings students to New York to meet alumni, explore careers, and practice networking. Typically, the Career Trek and I would host separate events during the same fiscal year, duplicating costs and competing for constituent attention. Pairing a high-visibility divisional event with this existing student initiative conserved resource, avoided calendar fatigue, and created something new: a regional Emory gathering that brought alumni, current students, incoming students and their families, parents, and donors all under one roof. It was the first time current students had ever been featured at a regional event and alumni loved it.
We called the event Writing the New Rules of Work.
The Approach
The event would feature a fireside chat with a high-profile Emory alum in conversation with an Emory staff member, the Assistance Vice President of the Emory Alumni Association. The topic—emerging workplace trends and leading through change—was one I selected specifically to resonate across generations and constituencies.
Planning the logistical details of a multi-audience event on this scale in just five weeks required tight project management and clear strategic alignment. Negotiations with Emory College and the speaker’s corporate team took place over the course of several months. I worked closely with both to shape an event that met their needs while ensuring the broader division’s goals remained centered.
I oversaw all elements of the production—from messaging and programming to the design of a unique guest experience. The evening began with a student elevator pitch session marketed as an optional pre-reception. That was followed by cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and informal mixing before the featured conversation and post-program reception.
I also developed and led the external marketing plan, managed all logistical and creative vendor relationships, and collaborated with one of our writers to craft all the conversation prompts for the moderated fireside chat.
The Outcome
Despite the tight planning timeline, the event was a standout success. It became Emory’s largest New York City event to date and proved that even “all-call” events—those open to all members of the Emory community—could attract high-capacity prospects. In fact, nearly one-third of attendees had the potential to make six-figure gifts.
Writing the New Rules of Work wasn’t just an event. It was a masterclass in making big things happen fast. It showed how smart strategy, fast execution, and inclusive design could bring together diverse audiences and deliver real donor value.
It also demonstrated my ability to pivot quickly and keep teams energized—even amid uncertainty. Just days before this event, we learned that Emory’s campaign close—an effort I’d spent 15 months planning—had been canceled due to a university-wide spending freeze. Moving forward so quickly after a major pivot was no small feat, but keeping momentum (and morale) high after a major setback is one of the things I do best.
The Most Meaningful Part
The finance team told me they didn’t think I could spend the budget surplus in time. I did.
They said it couldn’t be done. I said, “Watch me.” Five weeks, one iconic venue, and one high-profile alum later—we had an unforgettable night already paid for before the books closed.
But the real win wasn’t beating the clock—it was building something that brought people together. Watching current students, future students, alumni, parents, and donors all connect in one space was a reminder of what these events can do when we get them right.
Key Takeaways
Planning this event reminded me that great work can happen on even the tightest timelines—as long as you’re clear on the goal and willing to lead with focus and flexibility.
- Constraints can be catalysts. Tight timing forced bold decisions—and led to one of our strongest NYC showings ever.
- Don’t underestimate a wide net. “All-call” events can still drive major gift conversations when thoughtfully executed.
- Relationships make it work. Balancing needs across corporate partners, academic units, and campaign priorities required trust, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.
- Pivot with energy. The event came together just days after a major program cancellation—and became a celebration, not a consolation.
- One moment, many messages. With smart planning, one evening created impact across constituencies and storylines.