Insights for Hospitality Brands – our takeaways from the RSVP NYC Gala
The RSVP NYC Gala is a premier event that brings together leaders and innovators from the events industry. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the gala is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. It attracts top event planners, designers, and hospitality experts who gather to network, share insights, and discover new ways to elevate their work. With a focus on creating unforgettable experiences.
We recently sat down with Motti from MY DRAP to discuss the brand’s experience at the RSVP NYC Gala, a prestigious event that brought together key players from the event industry. The conversation provided insightful takeaways for hospitality brands looking to enhance their presence at industry events. Below, we share highlights from our interview with Motti on how MY DRAP leveraged the event to connect with high-end event planners and strengthen its brand presence.
What was the overall vibe of the RSVP NYC Gala, and who was the primary audience?
Motti: The event had a very lively atmosphere, almost like a celebration of the events industry itself. It’s essentially a networking hub where everyone from event planners and photographers to décor specialists and caterers gather to connect. For us, the focus was on engaging with event planners, particularly those involved in weddings and large-scale celebrations. This is a perfect fit because these planners are constantly on the lookout for premium products that can elevate their events.
How did MY DRAP position itself during the gala?
Motti: We approached the event with a very targeted strategy. Our entry point was through sponsoring the napkins for the gala—both customized napkins featuring the event’s branding and our Ceci New York collaboration line. This allowed us to seamlessly integrate our product into the flow of the evening, ensuring attendees could experience the quality firsthand. The goal was not just to showcase our product but to make it part of the overall event experience.
Can you share more about the impact of customization on attendee engagement?
Motti: Customization was a major talking point. Attendees, especially those in the high-end event planning space, loved that our napkins were not only made of premium cotton but could also be tailored to suit their brand or event theme. It set us apart because it’s not something they typically see—single-use napkins that are both sustainable and customizable. For hospitality brands, offering personalization can be a game-changer, especially when dealing with clients who value exclusivity.
What advice would you give to hospitality brands about engaging with potential clients at industry events?
Motti: One of the biggest lessons is to focus on building relationships rather than going in with a sales-heavy approach. At the RSVP NYC Gala, it wasn’t about pushing our products directly—it was about making genuine connections. I found that being approachable and taking the time to have real conversations with attendees made a much stronger impact. For hospitality brands, the key takeaway is to focus on the long game: establish trust first, and the business will follow.
Were there any memorable moments or standout interactions that highlighted the value of attending this event?
Motti: Absolutely. There was one planner who had known about our product but had never really engaged with us. During the gala, he took the initiative to connect us with his entire team on the spot. It was a great reminder that sometimes people need that in-person connection to solidify a partnership. That’s something hospitality brands can learn from—never underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions in strengthening business relationships.
How did the sustainability aspect of MY DRAP’s products resonate with attendees?
Motti: Surprisingly, sustainability wasn’t the main focus for most attendees at this event. While our eco-friendly and biodegradable features are a huge part of MY DRAP’s identity, the planners here were more focused on the quality, customization, and presentation of the product. It’s a reminder that while sustainability is important, understanding your audience’s immediate needs can help tailor your messaging effectively.
What’s the follow-up strategy after an event like this?
Motti: Post-event follow-up is crucial. We make it a point to connect with everyone we met within a few days. For the RSVP NYC Gala, we’re reaching out to planners who showed interest in our products, reminding them of our offerings and exploring potential collaborations. It’s all about keeping that momentum going and staying top of mind. For hospitality brands, this approach can help convert initial interest into lasting partnerships.
Key Takeaways for Hospitality Brands
- Blend Your Product Into the Experience: Instead of relying on traditional displays, consider integrating your product into the event itself to create a natural touchpoint.
- Embrace Customization: Tailoring your offerings to fit the event’s theme or branding can set your product apart and resonate with planners seeking a unique touch.
- Focus on Authentic Engagement: Prioritize meaningful conversations over hard pitches. Building real connections can lead to longer-term collaborations.
- Adapt to Audience Priorities: Tailor your messaging to what your audience values most at the moment, whether that’s quality, customization, or sustainability.
- Have a Post-Event Plan: Nurture the connections you make by following up thoughtfully to keep the momentum going.
MY DRAP’s presence at the RSVP NYC Gala provided valuable lessons in how to effectively engage with industry professionals. By focusing on personalization, authentic interactions, and thoughtful integration, MY DRAP demonstrated that success at such events isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up with intention. For hospitality brands, these strategies offer a blueprint for maximizing brand impact at industry gatherings, turning moments of connection into lasting partnerships.
