Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch

Experience the epitome of Hamptons luxury at the annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch, founded by Vanessa Gordon. Evolving over the past four seasons and celebrating its 5th anniversary this summer, the annual Hamptons event is set to take place at a stunning centrally located private estate, boasting exclusive brand activations and culinary experiences. 

We dive into what’s in store for this summer’s 5th Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch with Vanessa, where she shares some behind-the-scenes planning moments, the anticipated offerings and menu for this season, and other unique elements we are most excited about. 

A Toast to Tradition: The Evolution

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Hamptons Interactive Brunch series and how it has evolved over the previous five seasons? 

The Hamptons Interactive Brunch series was born out of a desire to create a unique and vibrant experience during the daytime that celebrates the essence of summer in the Hamptons while fostering a sense of community and connection among attendees. 

The inspiration stemmed from a passion for bringing people together in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting where they can enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, engaging brand activations, and experiences against the backdrop of the beautiful East End landscape. 

Over the past five seasons, the series has evolved in remarkable ways. What began as a simple networking concept has blossomed into a highly anticipated annual event that attracts locals, visitors, and influencers alike. We’ve continually refined and expanded the offerings, incorporating new culinary trends, interactive experiences, and partnerships with local businesses to keep the event fresh and exciting each year.

Overall, the inspiration behind the Hamptons brunch event series has always been to create memorable moments and connections, and we’re thrilled to see how it has flourished over the years.

This Year’s New and Exciting Features

What sets this year’s event apart from previous years? Are there any exciting new features or highlights attendees can look forward to?

This is the first year the Hamptons Interactive Brunch will be held at a private estate. The stunning property has a tennis court, lush courtyard, swimming pool, and terrace that is every inch as breathtaking as it is inviting.

Attendees will get to experience activations and one-of-a-kind experiences all across the property, from wellness treatments and vast gifting suites to onsite cooking classes and demos and signature cocktails and mocktails that will exclusively be served at the 5th Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch.

Enriching the Hamptons’ Local Heritage

The Hamptons Interactive Brunch series has become a staple in the Long Island community. How do you feel your events contribute to the cultural fabric of the Hamptons?

At its core, our brunch series is more than just a gathering; it celebrates the unique blend of the wellness, art, food, and lifestyle components that define the Hamptons. 

One of the key ways our events contribute to the cultural landscape is by showcasing the talents of local artisans and culinary experts. We collaborate with a diverse array of creators from the Hamptons and surrounding areas, providing them with a platform to share their craft and connect with a broader audience. Whether it’s showcasing local artwork, featuring live music performances by homegrown talent, or highlighting the culinary creations of regional chefs, we strive to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Hamptons. 

Additionally, our events serve as a hub for fostering community connections and dialogue. Bringing together residents, visitors, and businesses creates opportunities for meaningful interactions and exchanges. Whether it’s networking with fellow attendees, learning about local initiatives and organizations, or simply enjoying lively conversations over brunch, our events help strengthen the social fabric of the Hamptons community. 

Furthermore, we’re committed to giving back to the community that has warmly embraced us over the years. Through partnerships with local charities and nonprofits, we use our events as a platform to support important causes and make a positive impact in the Hamptons. 

Green and Glamorous: Embracing Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in event planning. How do you integrate eco-friendly practices into the Hamptons Interactive Brunch?

Sustainability is a clear objective in my approach to event planning. We promote sustainability by carefully selecting vendors who share our values and prioritize eco-conscious practices. We source locally whenever possible to minimize transportation emissions and support the regional economy. Additionally, we prioritize vendors who use sustainable packaging and practices, such as compostable materials or reusable servingware. 

Furthermore, we strive to minimize waste throughout the event by implementing recycling and composting bins in specific locations throughout the event. We encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles and provide water stations to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Lastly, we also gift full-size products instead of small sampling sizes to help reduce plastics and containers. 

Five Years of Community and Friendship

Celebrating five years is a significant achievement. How have your friends, family, and close associates supported you throughout this journey? Can you share any memorable moments of their support?

I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my friends, family, and close associates throughout this event-planning journey. Their support has been instrumental in every step, and I cannot thank them enough. 

From making introductions with other local businesses, recommending a particular venue or caterer, lending support with stuffing the gift bags, or even simply having a second set of eyes or ears on a particular component of the planning landscape is a tremendous help. 

I have had those midnight calls with friends and last-minute meet-ups with industry colleagues; every conversation is so different yet impactful. I have so many people to be thankful for, and I know wholeheartedly that I would not be where I am today if it were not for their valuable contributions.

Event Gift Bags: Bigger and Better

Gift bags are often a highlight for attendees. Can you give us a sneak peek into what guests can expect to find in this year’s Hamptons Interactive Brunch gift bags? 

For those who have attended the Brunch events in the past, if you thought those bags were heavy and generously stuffed, wait until you see what my team and I are planning behind the scenes this year! Trust me, you have never seen anything quite like this! 

This Year’s Culinary and Beverage Offerings

Could you share some exciting details about the culinary delights and beverage selections that will be featured at the event this year?

We are in the process of curating the signature cocktails, wine, and champagne offerings for the event. A signature welcome drink will be followed by a dedicated menu filled with drink selections. In addition, there will be a full mocktail bar and activations throughout the event.

Of course, coffee beverages, tea, and so much more will be served. For the food, think of picnic-style brunch baskets, interactive cooking demos, multicultural offerings, and the list goes on and on. Plus, dessert is definitely going to be at the forefront for this year. You must come hungry to the brunch!

The Future of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch series, and how do you envision it continuing to make a positive impact on the local community and beyond?

My aspirations for the Hamptons Interactive Brunch series are to continue fostering a dynamic platform for community engagement, creativity, and sustainable practices. I particularly want to continue to reach a wider audience.

This audience bridges the gap among age groups, and I hope to expand the event with activations and a pop series in international destinations in the coming years. For example, I would love to bring the brunch event to Europe or South America. For me, it is about bringing the world to the Hamptons, but also the Hamptons to the world. I would love to continue to foster that goal by organizing interactive in-person events. 

Ultimately, I hope the brunch series will remain a beloved tradition in the Hamptons and serve as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring other communities to embrace similar models of cultural celebration and conscious living.