A lot can happen in a decade. When our founder, Erika Kulovitz, launched Akire Events Agency 10 years ago, the initial plan was not necessarily to just build a full-scale event production company—Erika wanted to do good work with good people. But over the years, as the team grew, and the industry evolved, so did our vision.
We’ve learned a lot over the last few years—some lessons through trial, others through triumph. Today, we’re sharing 10 of the biggest takeaways from our first 10 years in business. These aren’t just reflections, but insights we bring to every partnership, production, and project.
1. Start with Vision, Then Evolve
Learning to become a business owner was a lesson in itself—but we learned fast. Building Akire Events Agency meant we had to step up as leaders, not just doers, and learning how to cast vision, build systems, and lead others toward a bigger purpose. Whether we’re leading our team or guiding our wonderful clients, we had to learn our place as a leader in the industry and in our own business.
2. Build the Right Team, Not Just a Bigger One
Growth for growth’s sake doesn’t last. Over the years, we’ve learned to hire for alignment, not just skill, and to invest in tools that give structure to vision. Investing in the right people has empowered us to maintain true, sustainable growth. With the right team, we’ve been able to ensure every interaction with akire production reflects our values and mission.
3. Innovation Happens Under Pressure
In the most challenging years the event production industry had seen, Akire Events Agency was blessed to quadruple in size—not in spite of the challenge, but because we embraced it. Virtual events became our playground for creativity, connection, and storytelling. From corporate events to university graduations, we helped people stay connected in the midst of uncertainty.
4. Events Have Become Brands
The role of event producers has shifted. We don’t just plan—we help shape brand narratives. We’ve embraced the evolution from logistics to legacy, helping long-time partners grow from hosting the event to becoming the event.
5. Change is Inevitable. Embrace It.
No event, team, or season ever stays the same. What’s worked for us is staying flexible, curious, and ready for what’s next, embracing change instead of resisting it. With the rise of AI and the increased popularity of in-person events, we’re prepared to face anything that comes our way to ensure our clients can weather the change without trouble.
6. People Need People
At the end of the day, events are about connection. Formats may change—such as from in-person events to fully virtual—but one thing never will: the human need to gather, share, and celebrate together. We’re so grateful to foster environments where human connection is front and center.
7. Be True to Your Values
Know what matters and don’t waver. At Akire Events Agency, our values have been a compass through tough decisions, challenging seasons, and exciting growth. As we’ve held to these over the last decade, they’ve determined who we work with, what we say yes to, and the impact we’ve left behind.
8. Marketing Isn’t Optional
A strong brand presence doesn’t just happen. We’ve learned the importance of investing in the right partners to help us tell our story well. In turn, this allows us to get back to the things that we do best—executing incredible events.
9. The Customer Isn’t Always Right
Our amazing clients hire us for good reason! Over the last decade in the businesses (and even years of learning before starting Akire Events Agency), we’ve learned to lead with confidence and advocate for the experience we know will deliver. Collaboration is key on both sides, and we love getting to partner with people to have their event vision come to life.
10. Choose Your Partners Wisely
Success is a team sport. We’ve built a trusted network of experts who elevate our work, and we’re proud to call them partners. The right collaborators don’t just get the job done—they share our standards, our values, and our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences every time.
To Another 10 Years of Serving You
We’re incredibly grateful for the clients, partners, team members, and friends who have supported Akire Events Agency over the past decade. Your belief in us has made this milestone possible. We’ll be sharing more as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, so keep your eyes peeled here and on social media.
Here’s to the next 10 years of growth, creativity, and bold ideas.