There’s always something to do in NYC and we were lucky enough to speak to some of the most influential women behind some of the hottest events in the city! Let’s give some much deserved flowers to the achievements of women who make the city go round on this International Women’s Day (March 8th).
Enjoy learning from the female leaders who are often behind the curtains of these successful events, but work tirelessly to make them happen for New Yorkers and beyond.
Dana Moutis, Manager of Authentic Flamenco and Candlelight in the U.S.
Please introduce yourself to us and share about your role working on some of the top experiences across NYC (and the country)!
I started working on the Fever Originals team in September 2019 and had the opportunity to launch the Candlelight experience starting in the USA. We launched our first USA show in October 2019 in NYC, and Candlelight is now present in over 100 cities in the USA! I now look over the teams managing Candlelight and other Scalable Concepts such as Dining in the Dark, and Authentic Flamenco across the Americas region which include the USA, Canada, and LATAM.
How do you overcome the unpredictable moments in the events industry and what keeps you going?
You always have to be prepared and anticipate that although we are planners at the core of what we do, nothing will ever go as planned. This means you always have to be ready to pivot whether it’s a small change or a large modification that affects thousands of people coming to your event. Because of this, the people on our teams are top-notch and that is what keeps me going.
No matter the challenge, we’re always ready and it’s pure teamwork.
When people attend events that you’ve worked on—from music to food to culture—what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope they take away from it whatever they are craving that day. That’s the beauty of the Fever Originals events; the experience is made for everyone and you’re able to take away anything you are seeking. Whether it is a night out with friends or a solo trip to take a break from the hustle and bustle, there’s an experience for you to enjoy.
What do you personally love about producing these beloved events?
How we produce experiences such as Candlelight, Dining in the Dark and Authentic Flamenco is incredibly intentional. From who we work with, the music we choose and the creation of the experience; I personally love that we put our hearts and souls into creating this for people and that’s why we’ve been able to build such a strong community.
What advice do you have for women looking to enter the events space industry and/or for women who dream of being a producer?
Don’t second guess yourself. Tons of data show that women are the prime purchasers of experiences, so know you already have an advantage as a producer because of that alone.
Secondly I would say that if you are in a position of leadership, focus on not only hiring women but also creating opportunities for promoting women and making sure our voices are heard.
Talk about a memorable concert you’ve been to in NYC?
The first Candlelight concert in NYC in October 2019 is definitely one I will never forget. It was a Vivaldi’s Four Seasons tribute concert and took place at the Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village and I still remember how excited people were to enjoy the Candlelight experience for the first time. From a production standpoint, I learned so much from that night and to look at how much the experience has grown since then has been one of the greatest gifts.
Name a female role model who most influences you.
My grandmother (we say “yia yia” in Greek) is truly my role model. She’s at the head of a long line of women in my family and she’s always encouraged me to use my voice and step into any opportunities head first.
I’m lucky enough to still have her in my life and to this day, she always reminds me of my power and to never apologize for being myself.
Isabella Szpigiel, Team Lead, Dining in the Dark
Please introduce yourself and talk about your role working on some of the hottest events across NYC.
Hi! My name is Bella, and I’m the Team Lead overseeing the global events for our Dining Scalable Concepts, such as the renowned Dining in the Dark.
Born and raised in NY, I still call the Big Apple home — spearheading these Dining event operations from the amazing Fever headquarter in SoHo. I started at Fever as a team of one, managing eight U.S. cities. Now, I directly manage a team based in the U.S. and work closely with local teams across the globe to maintain 65+ cities worldwide, with the goal of scaling the business to many more!
How do you overcome the challenges in the events industry and what keeps you going?
There are so many challenges when it comes to the events industry, but here are a few mottos I follow:
- Be incredibly organized. And be mentally prepared for that organization to potentially blow up overnight.
- Don’t take things personally.
- Mistakes will happen, and things will go wrong. It’s ok! Learn from the mistakes, and make sure they don’t happen again.
- The show must go on, literally. Trust that you’ll figure it out!
The end result of having audiences experience special moments and leave with a smile and an unforgettable memory makes it all worthwhile.
What do you love most about your job?
The people! Everyone I work with is so motivated, smart, kind, and enthusiastic — it inspires me to be not only a better colleague and manager, but also a more well-rounded person outside of work.
What do you want guests to take away from attending Dining in the Dark?
The concept of Dining in the Dark is in the title — you eat without your sight! Once one of your senses is taken away, your other senses take over to create a super unique culinary experience.
We hope guests leave with a sense of adventure and the joy of discovery, having engaged in a dining experience that challenges their perceptions and encourages a deeper connection with the food, the Chef, and their fellow diners. Ultimately, the goal is to create lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the sensory aspects of dining.
What advice do you have for women looking to enter the events space industry?
- If possible, find a female mentor. In every workplace I’ve been in, having a woman to support, guide, challenge, and inspire me has been one of the biggest motivators in my career. I’m lucky to have found plenty of them!
- Be yourself. Trust yourself. There will be people who will question you, bring you down, or make you doubt yourself — especially in male-dominated fields. Stay strong and listen to your gut.
You are capable of anything, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
What is a favorite/go-to restaurant in NYC?
At the moment, Port Sa’id is the spot to be. Not only does it offer amazing food and drinks, but the atmosphere is also impeccable, complemented by a live DJ spinning vinyl records from a thoughtfully curated collection. It’s a total vibe, brimming with a fusion of music and global flavors, perfectly resonating with my preferences coming from my experience with Dining in the Dark!
Menu items to order (share plates): hummus, eggplant, gem lettuce, charred beetroot, lamb shishlik, lubina, sac de coq, lamb kebab.
Talk about a female role model who influences you.
My mom is my superhero. I’m always in awe of her — from her relentless care, vast knowledge, and thoughtful advice, to her ability to listen with patience and fight for what’s right. She founded a woman-led magazine that sheds light on pressing women’s rights issues across the globe, providing a platform for women’s rights advocates worldwide. I’m inspired by her resilience, and it’s incredibly special to honor her and her work on this year’s International Women’s Day.
Maria Valcarce, Team Lead for Candlelight on the East Coast
What do you personally love about being a producer for Candlelight?
Candlelight supports local musicians and is actively involved in the community.
I love being able to contribute to the enrichment of local culture and provide audiences with diverse and authentic musical experiences.
How do you overcome the unpredictable moments in the events industry and what keeps you going?
In the events industry, being flexible and adaptable is crucial to handling unpredictable moments effectively and ensuring the success of the event. Events rarely go exactly as planned, so quick thinking is key to accommodate unexpected circumstances while still meeting the event’s objectives. Every unexpected situation is an opportunity for learning and growth.
When people attend Candlelight events, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
Candlelight concerts are a unique musical and sensorial experience created by the stunning ambience of candlelight. These concerts allow guests to enjoy some of the most famous works of classical and pop music in spectacular locations.
Talk about a memorable concert you’ve been to in NYC.
My favorite concert was at Church of the Heavenly Rest in 5th Avenue last December when we broke the record of producing the show with the most amount of candles in the world. The team worked hard and placed more than 15,000 candles in the space. Seeing guests’ reactions while entering the venue and enjoying Vivaldi’s music with that ambiance made that night unforgettable.
Talk about a female role model who influences you.
I’m originally from Spain and I admire a national icon, Lola Flores. She was a multifaceted talent: actress, bailaora, and singer, who pushed the boundaries of her craft. Through her unparalleled passion, talent, and charisma, she shattered barriers and confronted societal norms.
She ignited the aspirations of countless women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and defy conventional gender roles.
Her remarkable achievements symbolize female empowerment and resilience and inspire admiration and reverence for generations to come.