At Foundation For The Carolinas, our 220 North Tryon Events and Venues team brings together seven decades of combined experience to ensure every gathering — from corporate conferences to elegant weddings — is memorable and meaningful. We asked a few team members to weigh in on the trends, tips and standout moments they’ve witnessed through their experience. Here’s what they had to share: 

Meet the Team 

• Brittany Brathwaite, AVP, Events & Venues: Manages social events, oversees 220 North Tryon’s social media and supports operations.
• Ervin Ledbetter, Events and Venue Manager: Executes corporate and nonprofit events across FFTC spaces. 
• Sarah Slaughter, Conference Center Manager: Manages nonprofit and corporate conference bookings. 
• Aaron Williams, Assistant Events Manager: Supports setup, teardown and internal event logistics.
• Marla Neely, VP and Director: Leads the Events and Venues team. 

Pictured above from left to right: Brittany Brathwaite, Ervin Ledbetter, Sarah Slaughter, Aaron Williams and Marla Neely.

What’s one trend you’re noticing right now in events? Any trends on their way out? 

Aaron: First-Looks, while not new, are becoming even more popular among couples. 

Brittany: Guest counts are dropping slightly, and clients are booking later than usual. Social media, especially TikTok, is heavily influencing event design and trends. 

How are you seeing events evolve post-COVID? 

Brittany: On the social side, I haven’t seen a huge change post-COVID, if anything, people are even more excited to gather and celebrate. 

Sarah: In the conference spaces, there’s definitely a bigger need for virtual options and hybrid setups than there was before COVID. 

What’s your top tip for someone planning an event? 

Aaron: Always have a Plan B and C — things don’t always go according to plan. Stay flexible and enjoy the moment! 

Marla: Engage with your venue manager early. No one knows the space better than they do — they’re your best resource. 

Brittany: Decide your top priorities early and invest your time and budget there. Don’t stress about the smaller things that aren’t as important to you. 

What’s the biggest mistake you see people make in event planning? 

Aaron: Skipping the photo booth! It always adds energy and excitement to events. 

Marla: Choosing the wrong vendors. Find ones who work well together — a coordinated team can make your event seamless. 

Brittany: Trying to please everyone. Focus on what you want — especially for personal events like weddings. You’ll be happier in the end. 

Ervin: Setting an event date before securing a venue — that’s a mistake that can cause big issues down the line. 

What’s your favorite event you’ve helped execute — and why? 

Aaron:  SororiTea, a tea party celebrating sisterhood among Sorors of the Divine Nine was a favorite. It was such an uplifting event, full of smiles and positive energy from start to finish. 

Marla: Two of my favorites are the 2018 Annual Meeting and Michael Marsicano’s Retirement Celebration. They blended my event management and production backgrounds perfectly. 

Brittany: Every wedding has a special moment. I especially love seeing couples share a private reflection dance at the end of the night. It’s such a beautiful way to close a joyful day. 

Ervin: The NBA Wives Association event during All-Star Weekend in 2019 — it was unforgettable getting to meet some of my favorite people up close! 

Sarah: The PWC Holiday Party —  As one of our largest events with over 700 people, it was amazing to see each floor of our building transformed with different themes and activities. 

What makes events at 220 North Tryon stand out? 

Aaron: Definitely the city skyline views and our stunning outdoor spaces. Guests are always wowed. 

Marla: Our team has over 70 years of combined event experience — and it shows in every detail. 

Brittany: Each of our event spaces is special: the Gallery features beautiful art; Legacy Hall and the Rodgers Sculpture Garden Terrace have a rare vertical garden; and the Kearney Solarium and Silverman Pavilion offer modern, versatile backdrops. Plus, our staff genuinely goes above and beyond to make every event memorable. 

At Foundation For The Carolinas, no two events are exactly alike — and that’s exactly how we like it. With thoughtful planning, creativity, and a passionate team behind every gathering, we’re helping make 2025 another unforgettable year for our clients and our community. Interested in hosting an event with us? Visit 220northtryon.org.