Friends With Benefits

Abstract

The unanimous passing of FWB FEST ‘24 Proposal reestablished FEST as core to our identity as a collective and the most pure expression of our values, talents, and mission as a community and drivers of culture.

Road to FEST:NYC aims to channel the energy and experience of FEST into a nine hours long multimedia event in one of our main hubs: New York City.

The goals of this event are threefold:

• First, to provide a curated space for FWB members to gather and celebrate the art, ideas, and company of our community members and friends.

• Second, to introduce and welcome newcomers into the FWB community.

• Third, to support the marketing efforts of FEST24.

Why a standalone proposal:

This event was originally proposed as an Event Key and reviewed by the Community Council; but the scope/budget surpassed the Event Key limit, so after consulting with the Council and Mayor Greg Bresnitz, it was determined that this should be put to the community as a standalone governance proposal to gain permission to use treasury funds to cover the remainder of the budget beyond the Event Keys program limit.

i.e. Funds from the Event Keys Program up to $3,000 will be put towards this event (as they normally would for an event of smaller scope), and the remainder (about $7,500) will be borrowed from the FWB Treasury, with an expectation of recouping from ticket sales. Find more on the budget below.

Logistics:

Where: H0l0

When: Friday, June 28, from 7pm-4am

Who: Up to 450 attendees including FWB members and non-members

How: Free with RSVP for FWB Members (no +1s), ticketed for non-members

Who is proposing this: NYC-based FWB member, artist/DJ, event promoter, and 2xFEST attendee Brendan Donovan (brendandonovan or Brendan-Bastion on Discord) with support from the FWB Community Council, FWB core & FEST teams, and fellow member/volunteers including Senaerya, Justin Harmony, Cherie Hu, etc. Brendan has produced a number of events at NYC clubs in the past and is close with a number of promoter crews who can provide marketing and media support for this event. He will operate transparently in all matters and will continue to work closely with the core team to help ensure the success of this event.

This is a member-led initiative. DAO magic in action!

Key Focuses of Road to Fest:NYC

This event aims to channel the core elements that make FEST so special & successful:

Location

Nestled between the culturally vibrant Bushwick (Brooklyn) and the diverse Latin-x neighborhood of Ridgewood (Queens), H0l0 strikes a perfect balance between convenience and “destination” for a venue. It’s two blocks away from the Halsey L train stop– easy to reach, yet a respectable distance from Work Island (Manhattan). Being close to the cultural heart of the city (Brooklyn) helps to attract a more diverse and like-minded audience.

H0l0 is an excellent venue with 2 rooms, an outdoor courtyard, and a hipster-italian restaurant located above it. The main room is designed for “boiler-room style” DJ sets with the crowd surrounding the booth and excellent sound no matter where you stand. The side room has cushioned seating and a sound system of its own.

Programming

Programming will include a pop-up digital art gallery, an intimate panel/discussion, and DJ sets until 4am. We will prioritize featuring FWB members and diversity and inclusion across all programming.

Digital Art Gallery

The art gallery can feature digital (and perhaps physical) works by artists in FWB and other artists exploring web3 and emerging tech. We are exploring working with partners who could support the production and curation of the gallery.

Panel Discussion

The panel will be free to attend and focus on a theme at the intersection of tech and culture, and will be organized and curated in collaboration with one or two partner organizations, including Nia (@anti.socialite)’s New Internet City, in which case the discussion may focus on designing products for digital communities, which would allow us to feature some of our local members building exciting projects.

Music

DJ sets will include opening sets by FWB DJs and two “headline” artists one might expect to see near the top of a FEST lineup. We will aim to book at least 50% women/non-binary/POC artists across the music lineup and among the headliners.

People

One of the best things about FEST is the people it brings together. We will encourage FWB member attendance by tapping into our talented membership for programming and by offering free attendance for FWB members. All programming and marketing efforts for the event will be carefully curated and designed to reach and attract like-minded individuals who will appreciate and contribute to the “FEST-like” vibe.

Proposed Budget for Road to Fest:NYC

The total proposed budget for this event is $11,500. Funding is to be provided as follows:

• $3,000 from Event Keys program

• $7,500 from FWB Treasury

We expect to recoup the $7,500 provided by the Treasury primarily from ticket sales & merch.

All revenue will be returned to the Treasury minus a 10% fee on profit after FWB Treasury recoups to compensate member organizers & volunteers for their time & effort.

High level budget breakdown:

Talent: $4,950

Venue Staff Fee: $3,000

Contingency/cushion for bar guarantee: $2,000

• (Venue bar guarantee: $6,000)

Compensation for organizers for time spent pulling this together: $1,000

Merch creation/shipping: $300

Estimated total revenue: $16,050

Estimated net profit for FWB Treasury (after recoup & fee): $7,695

Event Schedule & Other Details

(Exact timing subject to change)

7pm - doors, digital art gallery, mingling (Full venue, mainly courtyard, 1 bar open)

7:30pm - Partner Panel / Discussion (Side or Main room)

8:30pm - Panel ends, more mingling & time to grab dinner before music.

9:30pm - DJ sets begin in the main room (Side room available to hang out & chat.)

4am - close

Tickets will be priced in 3 tiers, with most tickets sold between $30-40. FWB members & organizers get free RSVP (no +1s). There will be a limited number of guest list spots for partner orgs.

Expectations of Core Team:

• Referrals to potential partners, as needed, and at their discretion

• Marketing support including a normal amount of posts on FWB socials & newsletter

• Delivery of treasury funds (per the above). Transfer method and timing TBD.

• Exploration/assistance offering discount tickets for FEST for attendees

Conclusion

Road to FEST:NYC is a member-led initiative to reestablish FWB as the premiere social DAO in NYC through a dynamic and exceptional event that channels the magic and cultural relevance of FEST that will also encourage FEST attendance as well.

Road to FEST:NYC will provide value to NYC-based members and friends by bringing together local artist, tech, and nightlife communities and offer a proper (re)introduction to our community for our friends and newcomers.

Anyone who attends FEST understands how special and unique it is. Road to FEST:NYC will stand above a typical club night, gallery, or panel by combining the best of all 3; it will remind everyone why FWB is such a valuable community and hopefully establish a new ally/host for future FWB programming at H0l0.

Thank you for supporting this member-led initiative, and we’ll see you on the Road to FEST!! :)