HOW WE OPERATE, COLLABORATE, AND CONVENE
PREVIOUS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
EVENTS
Our monthly event series showcases pioneers across sports, entertainment, arts, technology, government, and social innovation. These gatherings are designed to spark dialogue, inspire fresh ideas, and ignite meaningful action. Events range from intimate salons to large-scale panels and performances, offering space for both networking and deep learning. We believe in convening the right people at the right time to unlock breakthrough collaborations. Past events have featured leaders from The Recording Academy, Angel City Football Club, The Genesis International, City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College Foundation, Steadfast LA, Santa Monica Tourism & Travel, City of Long Beach, Compton Unified School District, Compton Cowboys, Beyond The Streets, and producers like Randy Jackson and Maejor.
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
June 2028. Community Collective, in partnership with the California State Treasurer Fiona Ma's office, will be producing World Cup Connect: LA is a high-level convening bringing together public leaders, international diplomats, and industry voices to explore the growing influence of sport as a driver of global economic activity, tourism, and cross-border investment.
Taking place on June 8, 2026 at BLANKSPACES Venice Beach, the event features distinguished speakers including Fiona Ma, Ben Allen, Tanya Bennett, Paul Rennie, and Dilpreet Sidhu.
Aligned with the global World Cup moment, World Cup Connect: LA positions Los Angeles as a gateway for international investment and economic dialogue at the intersection of sport, culture, and global opportunity.
Join leaders shaping the future of the sports economy and global partnerships.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
April 2026. Community Collective, in partnership with the California Surf Club, hosted a discussion on the economic impacts and procurement opportunities for small businesses that global events like the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics provides. Moderated by Michelle Edgar, we welcomed LA Galaxy COO Tom Braun and LA Sports Council CEO Matt Cacciato.
April 2026. Community Collective, in partnership with Santa Monica Travel and Tourism and Metropolis, convened a panel at BMW Designworks to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, discussing what this historic marker means for the past, present, and future of mobility. Guests were treated to an inspiring keynote about the spirit of adventure and personal freedom from Designworks CEO Julia De Bono, followed by a panel consisting of Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Monica, Peter James, CEO of Santa Monica Travel and Tourism Misti Kerns, Route 66 Committee Chair Tere Stamoulis, VP of Government Affairs for Metropolis, April Mims, and moderated by Community Collective COO Ben Reiss.
MARCH 2026 Community Collective and Spin PR joined female leaders shaping business, policy, innovation, and civic impact across Los Angeles. This high-energy evening brought together founders, executives, public officials, investors, and cultural leaders for a dynamic panel conversation focused on leadership, resilience, and building power across sectors.
The program featured Michelle Edgar, Founder/CEO, Community Collective, Traci Park, LA City Council District 11
Lana Negrete, Councilmember, City of Santa Monica, Veronica Pugin, Vice President, Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., and explored what modern leadership looks like in real time, how women are navigating complexity, scaling influence, driving economic growth, and creating measurable change in their industries and communities.
JANUARY 2026 Community Collective Association, Gensler-LA and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) convened business leaders, creatives, innovators, and civic-minded thinkers to Gensler’s Downtown LA headquarters to reimagine the possibilities for DTLA’s next chapter and explored the features, amenities, venues, and resources that are essential for supporting businesses, talent, and community life.
NOVEMBER 2025 Community Collective Association, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and Verizon, hosted an important and timely conversation on the status of wildfire recovery in Southern California’s coastal cities and how local businesses can strengthen resiliency and sustainability in the face of future climate challenges. The discussion brought together civic and economic development leaders, including Mayor Lana Negrete of the City of Santa Monica; Jennifer Taylor, Economic Development Manager for the City of Santa Monica; Maryam Zar, CEO of the Pacific Palisades and Malibu Chamber of Commerce; and Veronica Pugin, Vice President of Industry, Trade, and Business at LAEDC, who shared insights on recovery efforts, regional collaboration, and strategies to better prepare communities and businesses for a more climate-resilient future.
OCTOBER 2023 Culture Collective Launch convening artists and creators, highlighting their artistry and craftsmanship. This event brought together Roger Gastman, founder and creator of Beyond the Streets, and legendary KCRW DJ and Curator Jason Bentley.
February 2024, "Drive to Serve" event featured a panel included Santa Monica-based producer and artist Maejor, music executive and television icon Randy Jackson, and Compton Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley.