Connecting Creatives With Career Opportunities
The City of New Haven and the Connecticut Office of the Arts unite to launch an innovative career fair designed to empower creatives and arts organizations.
Client
City Of New Haven
Year
2024
Scope of Work
Communications & Marketing Assets, Go-To-Market Strategy, Content Creation, Public Relations, Brand Partnerships, Event Planning & Management
Industry
Muncipality
Here's the Sitch
(aka Situation)
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is dedicated to fostering the health of Connecticut's creative economy. Guided by the belief that the arts are a human right, COA supports participation and arts-making for all people.
To bring this vision to life, Creative U was born—a dynamic two-day conference led by Sweets & Sounds Entertainment, hosted by the City of New Haven, and powered by COA. The goal: create a space for learning, collaboration, and networking while directly connecting creatives to employment opportunities in arts and entertainment.
BRVC was brought on to help launch the first Creative Workforce Arts & Entertainment Career Fair, a centerpiece of the event. The challenge was to craft a go-to-market strategy that not only drove awareness and attendance but also created a meaningful experience for both job-seekers and employers.
Our Approach
To ensure the event's success, BRVC implemented a multi-layered strategy that integrated marketing, communications, and on-the-ground event execution.
Strategic Planning & Positioning:
Developed messaging to position the career fair as a one-of-a-kind, free opportunity for creatives and employers. Created the Creative Workforce: Arts & Entertainment Major, a workshop series to prepare participants with networking, innovation, and career advancement skills.
Content Creation & Marketing:
Designed engaging visuals, promotional content, and registration funnels to build excitement and drive attendance. Leveraged storytelling across social media and PR outreach to highlight the event’s unique value
Partnership Development:
Secured key partnerships with local arts organizations and businesses to broaden outreach and participation.
Event Execution:
Managed day-of logistics including registration, employer coordination, panel discussions, and interactive features such as:
Live music by DJ Ch’Varda
Free headshots for attendees
Networking Bingo
1:1 office hours with industry experts
Keynote conversation with guest speaker Pretty Vee
Qualitative Feedback
Attendees appreciated connecting with employers exclusively focused on arts and entertainment:
“At most career fairs, no employers are geared toward the arts. This event was a game changer.”
One employer shared immediate ROI:
“I’ve already contracted a design project with a candidate I met at the fair and have meetings scheduled with two others. I wouldn’t have found this talent otherwise.”