For a city like Atlanta, it feels like some big event is always happening. From Atlanta United soccer games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the Shaky Knees music festival in Piedmont Park to DragonCon spanning between five hotels, the city has built a reputation for hosting high-profile and successful events.

Aside from geographical location, though, these events all have another thing in common: the sheer number of people they attract. In 2025, the average Atlanta United soccer game turnout was 45,600 fans, the Shaky Knees music festival crowd reached up to 40,000 people and DragonCon attendance boomed at more than 75,000 people. With crowds as massive as these, there are plenty of variables that both event organizers and city officials need to account for — depending on the event — such as waste management and potential road closures. But the variable that is always the top priority is safety.

Why Crisis Communications is Essential for Event Safety

To ensure the safety of event attendees, city officials and event organizers typically take extra measures, such as increasing security personnel, using newer technology like drones and manning command centers. However, these supplementary measures extend beyond local police teams collaborating with event security or EMTs being preemptively placed on site. They also include the creation of a crisis operations and communications plan. This blog is focusing on the communications portion of the plan.

In the event of an emergency, the distribution of information can be just as crucial in ensuring the public’s safety as the presence of additional security measures. Therefore, planning exactly how communication will work in the event of a crisis becomes the job of the event’s public relations (PR) team during the months leading up to the event.

Key Elements of a Crisis Communication Planning

Every crisis communications plan should answer five essential questions:

• What should be said?

• When should it be said?

• How should it be said?

• Who should be the one saying it?

• Who should they be saying it to?

During preparations for large-scale events, the PR team considers any potential emergencies (no matter how far-fetched) that may arise over the course of the event and starts working on a plan that can be applied in any of those scenarios. This may sound like paranoia, but it is better to be over-prepared and the last thing you want is to plan for a few basic emergencies, only to get hit with one that you didn’t plan for.

Once a “base” plan has been established, the team can prepare clear, precise and level-headed messaging, which will be delivered to the appropriate agencies, outlets and attendees when and/or if necessary.

Who Needs to be Considered in Event Crisis Communications?

In addition to this messaging, the PR team will develop strategies and procedures for applying necessary communications to the various groups of people who are likely to be present, such as law enforcement and on-site security, first responders, event attendees and media.

Coordinating Crisis Communications with Law Enforcement and Security Teams

It is important for any law enforcement or security personnel present at large-scale events to know the pre-planned messaging to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, potentially crucial information is relayed promptly, without fear of confusion. Additionally, crisis communications plans will include an “escalation chart,” which is critical for understanding the “chain of command” for communications and how event management is expected to coordinate with law enforcement and/or security — based on the nature of the crisis — so that messaging is consistent and aligned.

Communicating Effectively with First Responders During Event Emergencies

Medical emergencies — or emergencies requiring first responder involvement — should automatically be taken into consideration when starting a crisis communications plan. In these types of crises, the most essential plan details need to be easily accessible and ready to be shared among first responders and event staff as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Communicating With Event Attendees in a Crisis

Crisis communications plans will include general safety information for attendees, such as clearly and properly marked exits and how to use any city-wide mass alert notification services, such as NotifyATL (311).

The PR team also determines the best options for transmitting pertinent information among event attendees — based on what is available — as well as who manages the distribution of such information, should the need arise. Possible channels that may be used could include text alerts, intercom announcements or changes to digital signage.

Managing Media Communications During an Event Crisis

When you combine an emergency with a large number of people who can all be considered “photojournalists”, it can get extremely chaotic fast. This chaos is then easily exacerbated by any media tracking the event or responding to the scene. Therefore, communication teams must be prepared with messaging regarding any crisis event, which goes back to the five questions PR teams consider when making crisis communications plans — who, what, when, how and to whom.

The communications team will draft holding statements and general messaging capable of addressing a variety of possible incidents. They should also designate a spokesperson in advance to relay the nature of the situation, as well as any status updates and measures being taken to address it, to ensure that they can be calm and effective when relaying necessary information and to ensure that messaging will stay consistent between media outlets.

Best Practices for Event Crisis Communication Planning

To build a strong crisis communications plan, event organizers should focus on:

• Preparation: Develop messaging and protocols well in advance
• Consistency: Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on communication strategy
• Speed: Deliver information quickly through pre-approved channels
• Clarity: Use simple, direct language to avoid confusion
• Coordination: Maintain clear roles and responsibilities across teams
  

These best practices help organizations respond effectively when every second counts.

Comprehensive crisis communications plans are complex and layered, with varying levels of detail, procedure and personnel depending on both event type and specific emergency.  

For communications teams working on event coordination, these strategies are just as important as any other aspect of the planning process; preparing for the likely is a given but preparing for the unlikely means that they are never caught off guard and can respond with clarity, confidence and control.

I read many mom stories on social media about women quitting their job before the 3-month mark because they couldn’t stomach the thought of leaving their baby (LOL not me!) and I almost felt guilty in a sense because I didn’t feel the same way. Of course, I didn’t want to leave her, but my reticence was mostly because I was now used to a more leisurely routine. Alongside the fear was curiosity — and even eagerness. I couldn’t wait to step back into my career and discover what this new version of my life would look like. A corporate baddie boss mom. Mamacita (Love Islanders, you know). That title was meant for me!

Before becoming a mom, I thought I understood balance. I traveled for leisure, managed responsibilities and even balanced life as a proud dog mom. But motherhood (with a real person) changes the equation. Now it’s travel, babysitters, deadlines, diapers, feeding schedules, maintaining a clean home, nurturing a relationship and still showing up fully in every room I enter. It is a lot, but so exciting!

This Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means when we say women can “do it all.” It doesn’t mean we do everything perfectly or that we never feel tired or overwhelmed. It means we rise to the occasion. We adapt. We evolve. We stretch beyond what we thought were our limits and most times shock ourselves.

History is filled with women who broke barriers in boardrooms, laboratories, classrooms and communities. But there’s also power in everyday history being written right now — in living rooms, at daycare drop-offs, at late-night networking events and in early morning meetings.

Returning to work as a new mom has shown me something profound: I am capable of more than I ever imagined. Motherhood didn’t diminish my ambition — it sharpened it. It didn’t weaken my drive — it deepened it. I move differently now, with greater purpose and perspective.

I’m also incredibly grateful to work for a company that truly supports its people through every phase of life. A four-day work week and flexible work-from-home options have made this transition gentler, allowing me to show up fully — both at work and at home — with a little more peace of mind. That kind of support makes a real difference, and I am grateful for communications 21.

As Michelle Obama writes in Becoming, “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.” Right now, I’m embracing that forward motion — evolving as a leader, a mother and the woman I’m still becoming.

Women can do it all. Not because it’s easy — but because we are resilient, resourceful and relentless when we set our minds to something. This season of life is stretching me. It’s teaching me. It’s empowering me in ways I didn’t expect. And yes, I am tired. But I also know this season won’t last forever.

What I do know is that I have never felt stronger or more determined to show my daughter what it looks like to build a career, chase big goals and still show up fully as a mom. To show her what a hardworking, ambitious, unapologetic woman looks like. Her grandma did it. And I’m proud to continue that legacy.

Does Event Marketing Work?

At communications 21, we’ve seen firsthand how thinking outside the box transforms ordinary events into unforgettable experiences. Creative events don’t just entertain, they build relationships, start conversations and generate the kind of organic buzz that marketers dream of.

In fact:

• 77% of marketers say events are the most effective marketing channel for their organizations.

• Marketers also ranked in-person events (52%) and webinars (51%) as the most effective distribution channels.
• Those who implemented event marketing strategies were 75% more likely than those who didn’t to see a growth rate over 50% in 2023.
• What’s more, 93% of marketers using event marketing said they are meeting their companies’ revenue and/or pipeline goals, compared to 76% of those who do not host events.

Well-done events are shared stories, and in the marketing world that’s like getting a golden ticket. Attendees post photos and (hopefully!) tag your business or use pre-planned event hashtags on social media, and share those stories with new people and connect with colleagues. Guests create memories and those memories help shape future events and connections.

Make It Memorable: Event Ideas That Stand Out

Some events follow standard requirements – a location that comfortably accommodates everyone, food and beverages, speakers sharing important information and time for networking. If the client and the budget allow, using your creative ideas to design a more unique and memorable event is the best way to have a truly lasting impact.

Here are a few examples of how c21 has gone well beyond the basics to create events for our clients that leave people talking long after they’ve concluded:

• Metro South Community Improvement District’s Truck “Road-eo” - A Different Approach to Road Design

The Metro South Community Improvement District (MSCID) hosted a Truck Road-eo that featured community engagement and transportation planning in a fun and interactive way. This event, which was part of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s ongoing work with Kimley-Horn for the Thurman/Cedar Grove/Old McDonough Roundabout Feasibility Study, invited the public to witness and even participate in an innovative approach to road design.

Using a full-scale, temporary layout of the proposed roundabout recreated in a giant parking lot, the event enabled 18-wheelers, fire truck operators, commercial towing and other large-vehicle operators to test the design in real-time. With lunch served beforehand and community members cheering on the participants, the Truck Road-eo turned transportation planning into an engaging, educational and uniquely collaborative experience that had real outcomes for the engineers planning the roundabout design.

• Cumberland CID’s The New Day Palisades Phase One Ribbon-Cutting and Community Day

This one-of-a-kind celebration perfectly blended community spirit, outdoor adventure and appreciation for the Chattahoochee River’s natural beauty. Hosted by the Cumberland CID and One Cumberland, the event invited attendees to witness the official ribbon-cutting to re-open the park and explore the revitalized Paces Mill Palisades area through the One Cumberland Trail Challenge - a scenic one-mile nature walk enhanced with a scavenger hunt along the way.

Guests, including their families, also enjoyed interactive games such as Giant Jenga and Connect 4, a putting green, skeeball, checkers and cornhole. They explored exhibits and educational booths designed to inspire outdoor adventures and environmental stewardship. With its mix of learning, exploration and celebration, the event offered a truly unique way for the community to connect with nature and one another while commemorating a significant milestone.

• Greater Women’s Business Council’s Open House and Invest Atlanta WEI Graduation Event

The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC^®) joined forces with Invest Atlanta and its Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) for a truly inspiring event celebrating the launch of The WBE Collaborative, GWBC^®’s new coworking space in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Held at the Bank of America Plaza, the event featured an open house for the coworking space, followed by WEI’s cohort graduation ceremony.

What made this event especially distinctive was the inclusion of a Small Business Fair, where women-owned enterprises hosted booths showcasing their products and services. The fair provided exposure and networking opportunities, allowing these women entrepreneurs to connect with potential clients, partners and community leaders they might not have otherwise reached. It was an inspiring celebration on the 55^th floor of one of Atlanta’s skyscrapers and embodied collaboration, innovation and the growing power of women-owned businesses.

• Marsy’s Law for Georgia and the Local Community Paint a Mural of Hope in Cobb County

In a powerful display of creativity and collaboration, Marsy’s Law for Georgia joined forces with the Cobb County Family Justice Center and nonprofits Paint Love for a community mural event designed to bring healing and hope to those impacted by trauma and violence.

Survivors, volunteers, staff, community partners and artists came together to paint a stunning 14-foot-tall hummingbird mural at the Cobb Family Justice Center in Marietta, Georgia. The hummingbird, a universal symbol of resilience and renewal, now brightens the halls of the Center, a place where survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault find safety, legal support and assistance. This vibrant piece not only beautified the space but also serves as a lasting reminder that healing can begin through community, creativity and compassion.

Events that include art are always a big hit, but if you can also allow the community to participate and become a part of the art piece, that will be a memory they will never forget.

• Gateway85 CID’s Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event Showcases Robotics and Innovation

Gateway85 CID’s Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event, held in March 2025, brought together leading voices in Georgia’s technology and innovation sectors for a one-of-a-kind experience that merged cutting-edge robotics, drone technology and public safety innovation.

The event featured live demonstrations and discussions about the use of robotics and drones, showcasing how metro Atlanta is driving advancements in automation, artificial intelligence and defense-related technology. Industry experts from Georgia Tech, Flock Safety, Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab and Partnership Gwinnett explored how robotics and intelligent systems are reshaping industries from public safety to agriculture. There were several futuristic robots that could respond to commands and even shake the hands of attendees.

These kinds of unexpected twists bring energy and personality to events that could otherwise feel typical and repetitive. Unique events encourage participation and create lasting memories while helping your company connect with the people who matter the most to them.

Add a Unique Aspect to Your Next Business Event

If the entire event isn’t centered around a memorable twist, think about adding one or more of these smaller options:

• Tours add a great deal of interest to an event and draw a crowd that might not have been interested otherwise. Recently, the c21 team attended an event called the Centennial Conversation with Delta and Atlanta, hosted at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta. This event included a panel discussion with the CEO of Delta Air Lines and the GM for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Before and after the panel discussion, attendees were free to tour  the museum, which features a full-size jet in the middle of the building and several other aircraft throughout.
• What about including a VR or AR experience? c21 held a Marsy’s Law for Georgia board meeting that featured Exploring Digital, a technology company, which provided a demo of a virtual reality training program for Georgia police officers.
• At a recent Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) event, the keynote speaker provided two raffled prizes that offered women entrepreneurs the ability to train, learn and consult with her company – at a value of $16,000. A simple raffle can bring in more guests than expected and provide a memorable win!
• Instead of hosting an event that features food and drinks, consider creating a wine, whiskey, or beer event with educational aspects, allowing attendees to learn about the creation of these beverages while enjoying the taste and networking with one another. Wednesday Wine Downs are another GWBC event created this year to bring people to their coworking space, teach them about wine and connect with other women business owners.
• Give your evening a theme, such as Casino Night! A few years ago, PTCREW hosted a casino night at the North Carolina A&T Alumni-Foundation Event Center, where attendees played blackjack, roulette and other casino games.
• We’ve seen events where you can create something to take home, such as a custom T-shirt, a tea blend, candles or a bookmark. Let your attendees embrace their creativity with DIY stations and they will never forget your event!
• You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where an artist paints a scene from the wedding live, during the ceremony and reception. People can watch them paint and see the fantastic result. These artists aren’t only available for weddings, so consider a Live Art Installation for your next event.

Investing in a creative event is the difference between a one-time interaction and a lasting impression. As you plan your next meeting, conference or awards show, think beyond the standard format. Ask yourself: what would surprise and delight my audience? How can I reflect my brand in a way that is both interactive and memorable? Because while SEO may help your audience find you, providing a creative event helps people remember you.

If you’re ready to dive into brainstorming or planning for your next memorable and creative event, contact c21!

Once I’m in the office, I do my Monday morning routine: I catch up on emails, read articles and get ready for our team meeting. The c21 team meets every Monday morning. We start by talking about our weekends — a fun way to get to know each other more and ease into the week — then we dive into updating the team on our clients, followed by everyone sharing their schedules for the week ahead.

After the team meeting, I take some time to work on client social media posts. Some days I feel like I live in Canva — and trust me, I wish I could. The rent would be cheaper than anything in Atlanta. Anyway, graphic design is one of my favorite things about my job at c21. I love getting to design social media content, email banners, magazine ads, website headers, etc. — the list goes on. There are always opportunities to create and expand my knowledge of graphic design.

Once I get off Zoom, I write a recap of our meeting and share it with our client just to make sure that we’re on the same page and are aware of what tasks and deadlines are coming up. After sending the recap with the blog calendar and blog draft, I go back to working on socials. After I draft the copy and graphics for socials, I put the drafts into our scheduling platform and send a link to my team for them to review.

As my day comes to a close, I log all my time, exit my many tabs, say goodbye to the team and get ready for another productive day ahead.

As a full-time PR and marketing vice president and a part-time filmmaker, I have noted many similarities between managing a film set and managing a client account. Both projects require patience, attention to detail, prioritization, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Admittedly, my levels for each of these are on various ends of the spectrum, but I do my best with what I have available to me.

Teams Have to Be Multitalented

It is impossible to “do it all” or be successful on your own. As President Obama once said, “… when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.” So, in turn, producing a film or managing an account requires a team of people and the ability to lead that team to the desired result and sometimes provide support as well.

Planning an indie film entails not only knowing the right people for the jobs but knowing what each of the necessary jobs actually are. At minimum, a film set will have the director, the director of photography (DP) or camera operator, location sound recorder (boom op), a lighting expert (gaffer), electrician (grip), production assistant (PA), script supervisor (scripty) and the actors (talent). If you’re lucky, the gaffer, grip and PA can be one person, but the individual skills for each position are critical to a production. In a small agency, the content creator, proofreader, graphic designer, video editor and event coordinator are often the same person, and like a film set, each individual skillset is vital for success.

Planning Is Key

The key to managing both is creating a plan. For film, we call this a call sheet and a shot list. On set, the call sheet details everyone’s roles, each person’s arrival time, contact information, emergency information and the schedule for the day. And because the editor, an essential member of the crew, is not usually on set, the shot list details the look and description for each action sequence while also providing the DP important information for them to best determine how to set up each shot.

As account lead for a marketing/PR client, planning is also imperative. I draft a marketing plan, detailing goals and objectives for the year and the avenues in which to achieve them. I also describe each target audience and break down the best platforms and messaging to reach each audience. I continue ongoing planning with content calendars with drafted and pre-planned social media posts; blog or newsletter schedules; and for events, a run of show, detailing the logistics of vendors, speakers and timing of proceedings — much like a call sheet.

Making Connections and Building Rapport

Working both a set and a client account requires building connections. As a small/one-person production, I can’t just call on skilled craftspeople and expect them to just agree to film one of my projects. Getting to know the right people took years in the making by working on other projects (for free), networking and building rapport. The crew that works with me knows me and wants to be there for me because of the trust and relationships I have built and nurtured.

With a client, it also takes time to build that relationship to a point where their trust in me to understand them, their brand and messaging is implicit. It also takes time to build an association with the client’s affiliates, so when I need to reach out with questions, to request content or to ask for favors, I am known to them and am a trusted representative of the client — because, essentially, I am acting as an extension of that client.

For the client campaign that was recognized by IABC, I (with help from my team) reached out to various Georgia landmarks to request illuminating their facades in purple LEDs to raise awareness for my client’s cause. In addition, I coordinated several award presentations and drafted media alerts and press releases to highlight these events and those individuals who championed my client’s focus on victims’ rights. I could not have accomplished all of this without having a relationship with my teammates, with my client and with the contacts I communicated with to execute these plans.

Management and Delegation

As the director on set, I confer with the DP about the best way to set up each shot and instruct the talent on my vision and expectations for a scene. As the camera expert, the DP then instructs the gaffer, grip and PA on what they need of them throughout the day. The scripty is in charge of making sure the talent knows their lines and monitors the continuity between shots, which means keeping track of the props, costumes and set dressing to ensure they look the same between takes.

Likewise, as an account lead, I trust the team I delegate tasks to. Occasionally, when necessary, website, graphics or video work must be subcontracted out and it is up to me to accurately convey the client’s desires, goals and messaging to the contractor. And much like how the scripty monitors the script’s lines, the client’s content passes through several internal eyes to proofread for accuracy before it is released to the client or public. It is also the account lead’s job to ensure the client’s branding is uniform and consistent with each new piece of created content and collateral — much like keeping track of continuity.

The parallels between the duties and challenges for both producing/directing a film and managing a PR/marketing account are innumerable. The skills I have acquired and developed working in each environment are transferable and have made me the multi-tasking leader I am today.

Task Force for Global Health’s 40th Anniversary

Mark May 9 as the day of the ultra-exclusive Task Force for Global Health’s 40^th Anniversary bash. We can't spill the tea just yet but let's just say the event was star-studded and absolutely fabulous. The c21 team had a blast managing everything from vendor coordination to collateral development to on-site event management. (Spoiler alert: the event was smooth sailing.) Once we get the green light, we'll dish all the juicy details and pics.

If you don’t know, Task Force for Global Health is an international, nonprofit organization that works to improve global health by ensuring access to childhood vaccines, helping to eradicate diseases like neglected tropical diseases, and strengthening health systems. Check out the amazing work they do at Task Force of Global Health.

Tucker CID Spring Member Mixer

May 16 was all about good vibes at Tucker Brewing Company for the Tucker Summit CID Spring Mixer. Picture-perfect weather, great food and drinks and top-notch networking made for a perfect event. We managed everything behind-the-scenes so our client didn’t have to lift a finger. Attendees had a blast and even won some sweet prizes like a golf foursome at Smoke Rise Country Club and discounts to Stars and Strikes. Tucker Summit CID is on a mission to elevate property values and business growth in the Tucker area—check them out!

Isenberg & Hewitt Press Conference

On May 22, Mel Hewitt, partner at Isenberg & Hewitt, hosted a press conference to discuss the rise in Title IX cases in Georgia schools, including Carroll, DeKalb, Douglas, Gwinnett and Washington counties.

Quick lesson: Title IX is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. Instances of sexual abuse, assault, battery, coercion and hazing are viable claims under Title IX.

Kudos to our VP, Jamie, for getting major news outlets like CBS, WSB and 11Alive on board (that’s how we do at c21). The press conference exceeded all expectations, bringing crucial attention to important legal issues.

Isenberg & Hewitt are your go-to attorneys for civil cases involving victims of violent crimes and they are experts in complex business litigation. Find out more about their amazing work.

GWBC’s 2024 TOP Corporations of the Year Awards

The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®) hosted their 2024 TOP Corporations of the Year Awards on April 30. (Okay fine, this wasn’t in May but we’re counting it anyway.)

This annual event celebrates the corporations that champion women business enterprises (WBEs). It was a day filled with glitz, glam and girl power at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.

Female entrepreneurs, this is your call to join the GWBC and elevate your business game. Discover more about their empowering mission.

At c21, we don’t just plan events; we create memorable moments. From the initial concept to post-event communications, our team handles it all with flair and finesse. Whether it's a high-profile luncheon, an exclusive anniversary celebration, a vibrant mixer or a crucial press conference, we've got the expertise and creativity to make your event shine. If you ever need top-tier event-planning resources, look no further. Reach out to us, and let's make magic happen together!

That's a wrap on our May events! Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes scoops from our team.