06/12/2026
The goal with any repeat event is to keep it fresh.
So when it was time to begin planning the What's Up? Media Best of Party 2026, my challenge was to tear the event apart and start from scratch - creating an entirely new experience for attendees. I think we accomplished exactly that.
The new floor plan made the room feel more spacious. The revised timeline created moments of surprise and entertainment throughout the evening, culminating in the energy of two incredible live bands. We also introduced several new activity stations that kept guests engaged all night long.
And let’s talk about the theme…
When I was given “America’s 250,” I was excited, but also a little nervous about how to make it fun, festive, and memorable without feeling cheesy. Between the 9-foot Statue of Liberty, stars and stripes lighting over the dance floor, stunning flag bar backdrops, beautiful floral designs, and festive marquee letters and balloons, I think we struck just the right balance. ❤️🤍💙
A huge thank you to all of the incredible vendors and talented restaurants that help make this event such a success year after year. There will definitely be more to come on that soon, but for now, I’m going to enjoy the post-event glow just a little bit longer. 🌟