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This quick-fire panel brought together Andréa Long, Senior Manager, Internal Events at Vanta, Franni Weinberg, Global Head of Learning & Development at Next Insurance, and Keith Choy, Co-founder & COO at Epoch, for a discussion on planning, scaling, and evolving company-wide events. Each speaker shared real examples and lessons learned from running internal events that align with culture, engagement, and business goals. From scrappy beginnings to structured strategy, the conversation offered attendees a practical look at how impactful events are created and sustained.
Andréa opened the conversation by highlighting the role of intentionality. At Vanta, she shared how starting small and learning through iteration has led to some of their most successful programs. The most impactful events often weren’t the most elaborate; they were the ones that felt authentic and connected to employee needs.
Franni echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how early wins at Next Insurance came from building spaces where employees could show up as themselves. Inclusive and opt-in events, even on a small scale, often had a deeper impact than large-scale productions.
Keith shared that at Epoch, the team maintains a “pilot and evolve” mindset. By testing ideas and adjusting based on feedback, they’ve been able to grow their event strategy without losing the sense of connection that made their earliest programs effective.
As each organization scaled, so did the complexity of their events. Franni described how her team evolved their programming from social gatherings to employee-led learning sessions and internal storytelling. By giving a platform to underrepresented voices and encouraging participation across departments, they fostered stronger cultural cohesion.
Andréa noted the importance of accessibility and psychological safety. Her team introduced more flexible formats, including asynchronous participation and lower-pressure environments, to ensure broader inclusion as their workforce grew.
Keith emphasized that scaling events doesn’t have to mean sacrificing authenticity. At Epoch, cultural values serve as a foundation, and local teams are encouraged to adapt core events to meet their team’s unique needs while maintaining a shared purpose.
All three panelists agreed that the most meaningful events are those grounded in purpose. Whether celebrating milestones, onboarding new hires, or providing space during challenging times, intentionality always comes first.
Franni reminded the audience that “fun is great, but feeling seen is better.” Keith added that when events reflect employees’ real experiences, people engage differently. Andréa encouraged leaders to stay curious about what employees need most, and to design from that starting point.
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