Welcome to The Event Horizon. Where we pull together tips, tricks, inspirations, and more for all things events from around the world.
How AI Is Transforming Event Personalization
In our Event Horizon series, we highlight the forces shaping the future of live experiences. Today’s issue is all about a tool you can’t see but feel everywhere you go: artificial intelligence. A broad and sometimes intimidating topic, but when used correctly, it can...
How NPU Helped Facebook Transform a Massive Shipping Pier into the Ultimate Holiday Party Venue
Setting the Tone When Facebook wanted its biggest holiday party to-date, a cookie-cutter space wasn’t even an option. Instead, they went way outside the box and (with NPU's help) chose Pier 80, a massive cargo terminal on San Francisco’s waterfront, and trusted NPU to...
Bay Area Corporate Events Are Booming – Here’s Why It Matters
In-Person Is Back. And It’s Bigger Than Ever. After a strange few years of Zoom fatigue and empty office chairs, the Bay Area is buzzing again. Streets are packed. Offices are full. And corporate events? They are more than just back, they’re booming. What’s fueling...
Whale’s Tail: How a Small Pop-Up Became One of SF’s Favorite Summer Traditions
Powered by Partnership, Designed for Joy What started in 2022 as a single, immersive pop-up in Golden Gate Park has evolved into a beloved seasonal tradition that transforms the Golden Mile into a buzzing hub of energy, creativity, and connection. Whale’s Tail,...
The Immersive Event that Reopened a State and Reignited a City
When the World Went Dark The COVID lockdown was a time of great uncertainty for the event industry. For over a year, theaters sat empty, concert halls fell silent, and the pulse of live entertainment slowed to a halt. The shutdown didn’t just pause events—it reshaped...
When Pier 70 Became San Francisco’s Ultimate Super Bowl Party Playground
Introduction For Super Bowl 50 weekend in 2016, Non Plus Ultra (NPU) turned San Francisco’s historic Pier 70 shipyard into the city’s most talked-about party. Over three nights, more than 30,000 fans, VIPs, and celebrities packed this 140,000 sq. ft. industrial space....
Venue Impact on Experience: EmotionAir at the Palace of Fine Arts
Introduction Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir has rapidly become one of San Francisco's most talked-about experiences, attracting visitors looking for more than just passive art displays. EmotionAir is built around emotional engagement, interactivity, and the...
From Insight to Impact: 5 Data-Driven Event Design Tips for Modern Planners
Introduction In today’s competitive landscape, planning a successful event isn’t just about creativity — it’s about strategy. And strategy starts and ends with data. Whether you're organizing a high-profile product launch or an intimate fundraising gala, leveraging...
From Raves to Fundraisers: How Adaptive Reuse Venues Maximize Event ROI
Introduction When you’re planning an event, the venue isn’t just a backdrop—it sets the tone, tells a story, and if you’re doing it right, drives serious ROI. Whether you’re throwing a late-night rave, an immersive brand activation, or a fundraiser that actually feels...
6 Must Ask Questions Before Booking a Venue
Introduction If you’re booking an event venue, you know it’s all or nothing. A great space can elevate your gathering to legendary status; the wrong one can torpedo your budget, cram your guests, or tie your hands with stuffy rules. Been there, done that. Before you...