We produce live and virtual gatherings that help human beings deepen conversations, expand connections, and create lasting change.
WHO WE ARE
We were founded by an international events expert – Marissa! – who saw that the industry’s lack of diversity was leaving many clients underserved. We aim to fix that.
During her 15 years in the events industry, Marissa has managed events on five continents, hosted heads of state and celebrities, and orchestrated the entire spectrum of occasions—from intimate birthday gatherings to tech-company rallies for thousands. MSE nurtures a diverse portfolio of world-changing clients, but what makes Marissa most proud is how the company embodies the legacy of her parents work in diplomacy and global health, while incorporating her own experiences in strategic marketing and event production. Marissa is an active board member with The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, EnventU, and Gifts for the Homeless.
COMMUNICATIONS + ADVOCACY + ENGAGEMENT
We are a full-service experience production and consulting firm
Our process is thoughtful and thorough:
Cast vision
Align strategies
Manage production
Analyze data post-event
We expect more from our our events:
Intentional inclusion
Experiential equity
Measurable results
Our diverse team
is
carefully curated:
Producers, creatives, thinkers and collaborators
Dedicated to nurturing ongoing relationships
Committed to equity and inclusion
PORTFOLIO & TESTIMONIALS
“Marissa has impeccable strategic judgement and overarching vision, and her and her team’s grasp of and commitment to the Mandela 100 USA effort was a critical part of our success. There is no detail too small and no aspiration too large, and everyone that Marissa brings to the team is of the same high quality.” - Mary Zients, Board Chair at Urban Alliance
Client: Mandela 100 USA Celebration
Experience: Multi-event celebration with VIP panelists and guests
Goals: Honor and extend Nelson Mandela’s legacy
“I’ve entrusted the most high profile events with Marissa Sams and she and her team have successfully executed several that were key to the organizations I worked for. Marissa has poise and an exquisite acumen for the details that make events memorable and one of a kind.” -Denise Robinson Simms, Special Events Director at The National Museum of African American History & Culture
Client: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
Experience: A year-long series of signature events culminating in the museum’s grand opening
Goals: Ideate, plan, and produce the opening of the Smithsonian Institution’s 19th museum
“Thank you, Marissa and the MSE team, for your dedication to this event and project! It could not have happened without you” -Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center
Client: The Future Africa Forum
Experience: Day-long experience designed to broaden people's perceptions about Africa
Goals: Positioning The Africa Center as the premier space to engage high-level African and global leaders and influencers
You can engage us at any point in your planning timeline.