What Giving Teaches Us About Event Production, Community, and Human Connection

Every December, my friends Lisa and Natalie dress up like elves — silly hats and all — and quietly scurry through the northern suburbs of Atlanta, dropping gifts on the front steps of unsuspecting recipients. They call it #12DaysofElvingChristmas.

They find someone in the community who’s having a tough season and “elf” them — kind of like Punk’d, but with casseroles, journals, candles, and a whole lot of heart.

A few years ago, Lisa suggested I grab a partner and start “elfing” in my own neighborhood. So Frances and I loaded up our cars and headed into different parts of the city, delivering small but meaningful gifts wrapped in pretty paper.

And something unexpected happened.

We had a blast.

Something truly magical kicked in — whether it was the Christmas Spirit, the Holy Spirit, or just good mojo, we were riding high on it. That feeling stayed with me, and it got me thinking about why giving feels so powerful — and why it matters so much in the work we do in event planning & production.

Why Giving Feels So Good (and Why It Matters in Live Event Production)

As someone who works in corporate event production and event technical production, I think a lot about how people feel — before, during, and after an experience. So I did what many of us do: I went down the Google rabbit hole.

Turns out, the science backs this up.

Giving literally makes us happier

A Harvard study found that people experience higher levels of happiness when they spend money on others rather than themselves — even when they think the opposite will be true. Brain studies show that giving activates areas tied to pleasure, connection, and trust, creating what researchers call a “warm glow.”

That warm glow?It’s the same feeling we chase when delivering full service event production that actually connects with an audience.

It’s good for your health

Research shows that people who give — whether through volunteering, donating, or simply showing up — experience reduced stress and improved overall health. Giving fosters belonging, and our brains are wired to crave that sense of connection.

In live event production, we see this firsthand. When attendees feel seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger, the entire event experience shifts.

Gratitude fuels better experiences

Giving activates gratitude — and gratitude creates optimism, better self-care, and a positive feedback loop that lifts everyone involved.

That’s not just true in life; it’s true in event management services. When production teams, planners, and partners approach a project with gratitude and generosity, collaboration improves, creativity expands, and the end result is stronger.

Giving is contagious

This might be my favorite part.

Lisa and Natalie inspired me. Frances and I inspired others. And soon, the ripple effect grew.

In event production, energy is contagious too. A generous mindset from an event production company — one that prioritizes people over process — spreads quickly across crews, speakers, and audiences alike.

You reap what you sow.So sow joy.

What This Means for Event Planning & Production

At its core, event production isn’t just about staging, lighting, or schedules. It’s about creating environments where people feel connected, energized, and valued.

The best production services for events don’t just execute logistics — they give:

• Time

• Attention

• Care

• Presence

And when that happens, audiences feel it.

Whether we’re delivering corporate event production, event technical production, or full service event production, the principle is the same: generosity creates impact.

Giving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s a casserole on a doorstep. Sometimes it’s a well-cued moment on stage. Sometimes it’s simply asking, How can we make this better for the people in the room?

That’s where the magic lives — in events, in community, and in life.