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WM Events was honored to produce an empowering event for our client the Black Economic Alliance (BEA) Foundation, which brought together thought leaders and C-suite business leaders to inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Including a showcase of student work, a roundtable with business leaders and academics, and an impactful networking cocktail reception, the day’s activities were filmed to create multiple video messages that will be shared by BEA and its major funder Bank of America to advance the foundation’s mission to “train, produce, and support the next generation of Black entrepreneurial talent.”
BEA recently launched a partnership with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, two of Atlanta’s esteemed HBCUs, and the multifaceted entrepreneur event was held at venues on both campuses, which are part of the Atlanta University Center.
Innovation Meets Inspiration
Things got started when 40 executives headed to the Spelman Innovation Lab, where they enjoyed a showcase of entrepreneurial student projects. These presentations were filmed documentary style for the videos we produced.
Following the innovative student presentations, guests were transported to the nearby Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College via executive coaches for a thought-provoking roundtable, whose panelists discussed the importance of creating generational wealth in the Black community and how to boost the efforts of HBCUs to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
We set up the main stage with a custom-made “Red Table Talk” meets “State of the Union” round table and captured the discussion among some of the top business figures today on film. The roundtable coverage would be combined with other footage shot throughout the day to produce both long- and short-form videos for BEA and BOA.
Following the inspiring discussion, guests moved to the Center’s lobby to enjoy a chef-driven catered reception with passed hors d’oeuvres where they were joined by the Innovation Lab students. Students and the C-Suite business leaders spent the next hour or so networking – the present and the future of Black entrepreneurship converging in one space.
We styled the reception with luxe lounge furniture in royal blue and deep red velvet paired with gray, metallic and glass accents, décor that offered a nod to Bank of America’s brand palette. We brought in highboy and cocktail tables, which were draped with white and blue-patterned linens and topped with floral centerpieces.
Capturing It on Film
In addition to producing the multifaceted event and managing transportation, our team was responsible for providing the full-scale video services that recorded the events of the day and delivered programming to meet the client’s request afterwards. We handled everything from pre-production installation to post-production editing.
First, we styled an on-site studio space for testimonial-style interviews with the invited CEOs, BEA board members, and other stakeholders. Our styling created a high-design cinematic look for these one-on-one interviews.
Throughout the day, we continued capturing all that was happening. We shot b-roll, filmed the Innovation Lab demos, and recorded the roundtable using multiple camera angles. All the footage was edited and produced into various types of video content that could be used by the Black Economic Alliance Foundation and Bank of America.
Our team was proud to be part of this meaningful event. Logistically, we gave our clients a flawless day that made the most of two venues and left guests enthusiastic about meeting the call of our responsibility to future generations. Best of all, the videos we produced will spark more innovation in entrepreneurship for years to come.
