FIRST Global Brand Experience Agency

07/16/2024

It’s back. It’s data-PACKED. And it’s got a fresh new look…

✨ Inspiration Station: Sensory Experiences ✨

In this edition, we look at why sensory tech & experiences are such a hot topic and effective medium for brand marketers; unpick the science of the human sensory systems to see how brands can be more strategic with their ‘immersive experiences’; and spotlight some of our favorite examples from brands who have tapped into the power of the senses to:

>> Improve brand recall & increase positive brand association

>> Inspire audiences to take action

>> Surprise, delight & excite your communities

>> Utilize the latest tech to create lasting human connections

🤠 It’s in our bio - check it out!


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🧘‍♀️ Trying to be more present and reduce your scrolling-time on social media?

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03/26/2024

FIRST recently had the privilege to support Google in producing a series of training videos about the importance of neuro-inclusion. Working with the brilliant minds of Helen Moon, Ellie Middleton, and Onyinye Udokporo, we helped script and produce content focused on mental health awareness.

The series focuses on ways in which event professionals and operational teams can make small changes that make a big difference.

88% of those with chronic mental health conditions feel that event organizers don’t have enough of an understanding around their needs.

We’re honored to support big brands that are leading the charge in bringing awareness and ultimately raising the standard for events and experiences to be inclusive for all.

03/19/2024

20% of the global population is neurodivergent. 85% of which will skip events, fearing triggers and feeling overwhelmed.

We recently had the honor of working with leading advocates for neuro-inclusion, Helen Moon, Ellie Middleton, and Onyinye Udokporo MA, as they strive to make the world more inclusive.

We’re still awe-inspired from hearing their stories and by the passionate teams at Google behind initiatives such as The Neu Project - working to shape the future of events. We’re eager to bring these learnings to our own events and experiences as we continue to uplift and support our neurodivergent audiences, clients and people at FIRST.

03/10/2023

How to Balance Work and Life: 7 Tips from Inside a Global Brand Experience Agency 💡

As part of our regular internal panel series, members of our global teams got together to discuss how they achieve a healthy work-life balance. 💜

Work-life balance will look different for everyone. It’s important to understand that what works for someone else, might not be the best approach for you. Everyone has different working styles, motivators, and priorities, so finding a work-life balance that allows you to be efficient in your work while taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential.

Read the 7 tips our teams have shared on how you can achieve a work-life balance that works for YOU.
Link in bio 📍

P.S. - *Swipe to the end for a surprise*

03/06/2023

We're proud to be a part of Experience Institute (Xi) and attend Xi Days at Pier 57 in New York 📍

From learning about Neuroinclusion with The Neu Project, to color and scent psychology with Lori Weitzner and Mane, to meditating on vibrational beds with , we loved exploring how to create a sense of belonging and incorporating experimental "play" in future experiences.

02/28/2023

Tuesday. Office. Friends. Tacos… we’re here for it 🌮🌮🌮

02/14/2023

01/22/2023

Happy Lunar New Year to our clients and teams in Singapore and Hong Kong, and to everyone celebrating elsewhere across the globe.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, this upcoming year is the year of the Rabbit, which is a symbol of pureness and auspiciousness.

As celebrations for the Lunar New Year get underway across the globe, we wish everyone health and happiness as they welcome in the Year of the Rabbit!

#2023

12/22/2022

FIRST is ending the year on a high note!🙌

We are honored to be recognized on two lists:

🌟 Chief Marketer 200 Agencies of 2023 list.
🌟 C&IT Top Agencies of 2022 list.

The CM200 Agencies of 2023 list highlights the top brand engagement and activation agencies serving the U.S. Meanwhile, the C&IT Top Agencies of 2022 list highlights the top 50 events-based agencies in the U.K.

These awards are a testament to the incredible work that our talented global teams have accomplished this past year.✨

We are excited to end the year celebrating these awards and we cannot wait to see what 2023 has to offer.💜

12/16/2022

This holiday season, FIRST is giving back by donating to four charities around the globe that are working to create a better world for current and future generations.💜

The four charities are:
• Daughters of Tomorrow (DOT) - Supporting underprivileged women in Singapore.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness - Working to end homelessness in the U.S.
• Cool Earth - Partnering with indigenous people and local communities to tackle deforestation and climate change.
• And Safe Passage - Helping unaccompanied children and vulnerable adult refugees from around the world find safety in the U.K.

We encourage you to follow and learn more about these incredible organizations and see how you can support their work and donate if you can!

12/05/2022

FIRST’s Director of Event Technology, Weijie Huang, will be on a panel with SpotMe and B2B Marketing discussing omnichannel events.

The event will take place virtually on Thursday, December 8th, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST🗓️

Omnichannel events are helping event professionals across the globe to create personalized event experiences that every attendee can enjoy.

In this panel discussion, attendees will learn:

💡Why an omnichannel event strategy is key for high audience engagement.

💡How Fortune 500 companies build omnichannel events that audiences love.

💡How leading event professionals measure the success of omnichannel events.

📍Check out our LinkedIn page for more information on how to register for the event!

12/01/2022

In partnership with FIRST, Google has launched The Neu Project, an initiative aimed at creating more inclusive experiences for neurodivergent people 💜

Hosting inclusive events is crucial to boosting creativity, innovation, and ensuring that people feel heard, seen, understood, and appreciated.

According to The Event Professionals Guide to Neuroinclusion & Neuroinclusive events, there are several factors to consider when designing a neuroinclusive event. This includes:

• Using non-stimulating colors.
• Providing clear and concise information to attendees prior to the event.
• Accessible formats and content.
• Offering quiet rooms

💡Here are a couple of tips on how to build inclusive events and experiences for all brain types.

📍Click the link in our bio to read more!

12/01/2022

In partnership with FIRST, Google has launched The Neu Project, an initiative aimed at creating more inclusive experiences for neurodivergent people 💜

Hosting inclusive events is crucial to boosting creativity, innovation, and ensuring that people feel heard, seen, understood, and appreciated.

According to The Event Professionals Guide to Neuroinclusion & Neuroinclusive events, there are several factors to consider when designing a neuroinclusive event. This includes:

• Using non-stimulating colors.
• Providing clear and concise information to attendees prior to the event.
• Accessible formats and content.
• Offering quiet rooms.

💡Here are a couple of tips on how to build inclusive events and experiences for all brain types - Swipe left👆

📍Read more by clicking the link in our bio.

11/22/2022

Understanding Neuroinclusion 💜

DE&I is an essential practice in 2022. However, neuroinclusion remains a gap in the industry, particularly in corporate events and experiences.
Neurodiversity is a valuable form of human diversity. It includes all brain types — both neurotypical and neurodivergent.

Neurodivergence comes in many different forms, including:
▫️ADHD
▫️Autism
▫️Dyslexia
▫️OCD
…just to name a few.

📍Check out our blog on Google's Neu Project's guide to exploring the topic of neurodiversity, its benefits, and tips on creating events & experiences that are inclusive of all neurotypes by clicking the link in our bio. ✨

11/16/2022

For the 2nd year in a row, FIRST has been named on the Eventex Top 100 Event Agencies list!👏

The Eventex Top 100 honors event & experience agencies across the globe who displayed consistent excellence across the industry over the last 3 years.

To make the list again is a testament to all the incredible people at FIRST and the strength of our leadership team.

📍As we approach a new year full of opportunities, check out our open roles on our website to be a part of our 2023 success story!

11/10/2022

We recently worked with one of our clients for their Sustainable Future Reception 🟢

Our teams were tasked with delivering a networking cocktail reception to showcase & celebrate our client’s investment in sustainable futures.

With sustainability being the focus of the reception, FIRST wanted to ensure that this reception was meaningful and impactful.

To do this, our teams ensured that it was produced using the best sustainable practices, including:

- Using biodegradable supplies, like straws, stirrers, and napkins ♻️
- Utilizing “No Waste Catering.”
- Ensuring that 100% of non-hazardous waste, timber, and build materials were recycled, reused, or otherwise diverted from landfill ♻️

📍Check out the full case study in the link in our bio.

11/10/2022

Recently FIRST’s Executive Advisor, Jeff Kalpak, spoke at an NYU class led by NYU associate professor Richard Aaron. Professor Aaron is an Associate Professor at NYU’s School of Hospitality, teaching graduate and undergraduate events management and event marketing classes.

Jeff’s class session was conducted in an interview format, allowing for an open discussion and optimal student interaction.

The class focused on the events industry, helping clients define their goals, and the importance of storytelling when producing an event. Jeff also spoke about FIRST and what makes us unique.

💡Here are some of the biggest takeaways for students💡

• It is essential to ask the right questions and always listen to the client to identify the best way to provide value.
• Storytelling is an essential and powerful tool to use while building and producing events and experiences.
• Cultivating strong teams is the ultimate way to create success.
• Remaining open to constant learning is a superpower.

11/09/2022

FIRST is proud to have partnered with Google to help launch The Neu Project, an inspiring initiative aimed at creating an inclusive environment for the neurodivergent community by empowering event professionals everywhere.

To make this launch special, we wanted to celebrate the people behind The Neu Project with a powerful video, amplifying their stories and experiences.

We are so excited to see what the future holds for The Neu Project and neuroinclusivity in the events industry.

📍To read more about the launch of The Neu Project, click the link in our bio.

11/08/2022

💡Venue Sourcing Market Trends to Know💡

Our Director of Venue Sourcing, Victoria DeLuise, talks about the current state of venues and venue sourcing in our industry.

Choosing the right venue is crucial to an event's success, as it can help create an immersive and engaging experience that leaves a memorable impression on attendees and clients. That's why it is necessary to understand the current industry status and how event productions may be affected by various geopolitical and economic factors.

📍Find out more and see how the current state affects our industry and your upcoming events. Link in bio!

11/04/2022

Continuing our awards celebrations, we are proud to announce two members of our FIRST teams, Venue Sourcing Manager - Ebony Richards, and Executive Producer - Ziana Juma, have been honored on ’s A-List! 👏🏻

The C&IT A-List celebrates 35 outstanding event professionals under 35 years old.

This past year, both Ebony and Ziana have produced exceptional work and demonstrated that they are among the top rising talent within the industry. 🏆

Please join us in celebrating Ebony Richard’s and Ziana Juma’s accomplishments!

📍Read more about Ebony and Ziana by clicking the link in our bio.

11/04/2022

Continuing our awards celebrations, we are proud to announce two members of our FIRST teams, Ebony Richards and Ziana Juma, have been honored on ’s A-List! 👏🏻

The C&IT A-List celebrates 35 outstanding event professionals under 35 years old.

This past year, both Eboni and Ziana have produced exceptional work and demonstrated that they are among the top rising talent within the industry. 🏆

Please join us in celebrating Eboni Richard’s and Ziana Juma’s accomplishments!

11/03/2022

We are excited to announce that our work with Fresenius Medical Care North America on their 2021 Fresenius Kickoff event, is a finalist for the Best Virtual Event or Experience category at this year's Chief Marketer Pro Awards! 🎊

Congrats to all of our teams for their incredible efforts in turning this virtual event into a success story!

Winners will be announced later this month!

📍If you're looking to join an award-winning brand experience agency with some of the best global talent, check out our open career opportunities by clicking the link in our bio.

10/31/2022

As Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, our FIRST Cares team planned several ways in which we could think pink and come together to raise awareness for the cause.

We hosted a global “Wear-It Pink Together,” which was a virtual meet up in each region to toast each other with pink cocktails and mocktails while wearing pink, connecting with each other and sharing important resources for Breast Cancer Awareness. Additionally, US teams in New York and Silicon Valley participated in Making Strides walks.

When we come together we can work to end Breast Cancer.🤝

10/18/2022

In today’s workplace, corporate executives and human resource leaders face some of the most pressing circumstances of their careers. How do organizations maintain a unified office culture when the ever-evolving landscape keeps presenting so many new challenges?

Join our Chief People Officer, Pam Sacree, on her panel discussion during this year's advertising week @ The Innovation Factory stage at Market Line, presented by Healthline Media & New York Interconnect, where she'll be talking about the challenges and opportunities of creating an engaged office culture in these unprecedented times✨

📍Register via the link in bio.

10/11/2022

Inspiration alert! 💡

The newest edition of our Inspiration Station series with is here and dives into what companies like JPMorgan, Starbucks, and more are already heavily investing in... Web3.0 ✨

From social media to entertainment, finance, sustainability initiatives, and more… Web3.0’s impact on various industries knows no bounds.

📍 Dive into some of our recent findings on how brands are currently adapting to this new digital era and discover the endless opportunities it has to offer for our industry. Link in Bio.

10/05/2022

How can data privacy and security be utilized in operations?🔏

This is what FIRST’s VP Risk and Compliance Officer, Sam Sherman, recently discussed as a special guest lecturer for a Privacy and Cybersecurity course at 🎓

Sam’s audience included students of the New York City campus and international professionals earning certificates in Corporate Ethics & Compliance from various industries, including tech and finance.

In her lecture, Sam discussed the integration of data privacy and security with operations, including maintenance, compliance matters, third-party vendors, and more.

As technology continues to advance, the issue of data privacy and security is only going to become more relevant to our society.

📍Read more about Sam’s discussion on data privacy and security by clicking the link in our bio!

09/28/2022

We are excited to announce our new CFO Scott Heydt!👏

As CFO, Scott oversees everything finance related here at FIRST and Clive, whether it be accounting, business support, tax functions, financial planning, analysis and more. His experience, knowledge and passion will prove to be beneficial for our teams and brands.🙌

As former interim CFO and outside consultant for FIRST, Scott brings with him extensive knowledge of the company and brand. Moving into his permanent role as CFO, Scott also has experience working in the landscape. He started his career as a CPA at Ernst & Young and evolved into a long-time advertising and music industry veteran, holding leadership positions, including CFO, at Warner Music Group, LBi (now Publicis), Tribal Worldwide, and VaynerMedia. To add to his list of accomplishments, Scott founded Heydt Air, a consultancy firm focused on bringing his business and financial expertise to companies in order to aid them in reaching their goals.

Prior to his business ventures, Scott was a recording artist from 1999-2003! He was a guitarist and member of several bands including Sound of URCHIN, and they would go on to record multiple releases and tour throughout the US and Canada. However, Scott’s favorite, and most recent, gig is being a Dad to four kids. Their family band, , can be heard putting on a show for the entire neighborhood from their makeshift home studio! 🎸🎼

Join us in welcoming Scott!

09/23/2022

We are excited to announce that has named FIRST on their Top 100 It List for 2022!✨

The Event Marketer list recognizes the top 100 event agencies of the year. Through FIRST’s continued growth and innovation we were able to earn a spot on this list.

For all your event needs, FIRST has award winning teams to help you reach your goals.✅

📍And if you’re looking to join one of the top agencies, check out some of our open roles in the link in our bio.

09/22/2022

And we’re back! 🎉 Action! 🎥 - *Camera’s Out*

Whether through unprecedented times or not, we've always made sure that each Upfront or NewFront experience turned into a success story! ✨

See how we've helped some of the biggest media brands disturb the Upfront & NewFront week 🚀

*Desktop folks 🤳🏼 Scan the QR code to check out our latest Upfront & NewFront Reel 🎥🔥 or simply click the link in our bio.

09/08/2022

⚡ Event Activations ⚡

One of the most highly effective ways to create a positive and long-lasting impact on attendees in this era of constant digital connectivity and social media! 🌎

For years, we've been creating successful and for some of the world's biggest media brands. With activations strategy playing a vital role in these success stories, we've always left attendees impressed and engaged, both physically and digitally 🤳🏽

In other words, we know what it takes to disrupt the Upfronts and NewFronts week!

If you're looking to captivate your audiences at your next event, take the FIRST step. We can help! ⚡

📍Get in touch via the link in our bio.