About the Client:

Created by founders for founders, Philly Startup Leaders (PSL) is a 501c3 non-profit organization helping current and future founders succeed in Philadelphia and beyond.

About the Project:

Beth is the main contact and planner for this client. Beth and PSL’s Executive Director, Kiera Smalls, discussed the merging of two of the organizations’ signature events, A Seat at the Table (Formerly Diversity Dinner) and Founder Factory into one, one-and-a-half day experience, and the need for additional event logistics and project management support.

A Seat At The Table, presented by PSL and Mogulette, kicked off the Founder Factory experience with an interactive dinner discussing the importance of building a strong and diverse company culture right from the start.

Founder Factory is a one-day conference which brings together dedicated founders and their latest innovations, and the diverse business leaders who guide them along the way. This conference energizes and enhances Philadelphia's growing startup ecosystem.

Primary: Project Management & Event Logistics

Secondary: Day-of Event Management, Volunteer Management

Processes:

After Beth’s initial conversation with Kiera, Beth met with her and the Director of Programs, Jaclyn Allen, for an overview of the event’s history, key stakeholders, and additional agencies working with the organization. Then, Beth got to work on creating an internal timeline for the team and disseminating responsibilities accordingly.

Initially, Beth scheduled meetings and walkthroughs with the two venues hosting the events, and introduced herself to the key stakeholders and partners as a secondary contact prior to, and onsite at, the events. 

Upon confirmation, sponsors were introduced to Beth directly, who ensured that the sponsor deliverables were met and any additional needs were taken care of.

Working with vendors such as Dineable, 12th Street Catering, the Center for Architecture and Design, Cliff Ross Printing, Fringe Arts and La Peg, Beth ensured that each vendor was on the same page prior to the event(s) and that details, deliveries, load-in, setup, and master schedules aligned.

Working on the back end in EventBrite, Beth made sure all speakers, sponsors, mentors, volunteers and partners were registered and ensured that printed name tags reflected all of the attendees’ information accurately.

Beth also served as a second editing eye for the conferences’ marketing materials, including presentations, signage, agendas and conference booklet.

Day of the event, Beth, managing her staff and volunteers, set up and managed registration, signage placement, vendor load-in and served as secondary contact for all key stakeholders onsite. Additionally, Beth ensured that the PSL Executive Team was kept informed as VIPs and partners checked in, and managed the master timeline.

Results:

• 350+ attendees, 2 days, 35 speakers, 2 venues and 6 outside vendors

• Successful first year merging the two events into one

• Assisted Executive Team with reaching the goal of merging two audiences into one audience and reformatting the events.