Case Study: Reimagining Civic Engagement with a Late-Night Talk Show–Inspired Candidate Forum
How a fresh format transformed a traditional city council debate into an engaging community experience
In October, the Tampa Heights Civic Association hosted the District 5 City Council Runoff Candidate Forum—an event intentionally designed to break the mold of traditional political debates. Instead of rigid podiums and formal speeches, we created a late-night talk show–inspired experience that encouraged authenticity, conversation, and community connection.
The result was a forum that felt approachable, human, and refreshingly un-scripted—while still addressing meaningful issues that matter to Tampa residents.
The Challenge
Traditional candidate forums can feel repetitive, overly formal, or inaccessible to everyday voters. THCA wanted something that:
- Encouraged real conversation
- Showed the candidates’ personalities
- Felt inviting and community-centered
- Reached voters who might not normally attend political events
- Elevated the tone of a tense runoff
We needed a format that brought energy and structure without losing substance.
The Solution: A Late-Night Talk Show–Inspired Format
I designed the event format to function like a hybrid between a talk show, a moderated conversation, and a civic forum. The concept included:
- A more relaxed stage layout
- Moderators seated with candidates instead of standing at podiums
- Segment transitions similar to a talk show
- Conversational pacing instead of rigid time boxes
- A warm, inviting tone for both the audience and candidates
The goal was simple: create a space where serious issues could be discussed in a more human and accessible way.
Moderators
To bring the format to life, we incorporated a dynamic moderator panel:
- Mitch Perry
- Kari Goetz
- Garrett Greco
Their blend of journalism, performance, and communication expertise created a natural conversational rhythm that supported the talk-show–style flow.
My Role in Making It Happen
I served as the producer/organizer behind the design, format, and execution of the in-person experience. My responsibilities included:
- Developing the late-night talk show–inspired concept
- Creating the event identity, tone, and visual branding
- Designing the flyer and promotional materials
- Building the full run of show
- Structuring segments and pacing
- Incorporating Taryn’s finalized questions into the script
- Formatting moderator materials for on-stage use
- Bringing in moderator Garrett Greco
- Coordinating with the moderator team
- Managing candidate flow the night of the event
- Overseeing timing, transitions, and backstage communications
- Directing stage layout, props, microphones, and audience experience
- Ensuring the event felt fair, neutral, and community-driven
The livestream was produced by THCA’s technical team.
The Candidates
Thomas Scott & Naya Young
Both candidates participated fully in the conversational format, contributing to the event’s supportive and approachable tone.
The Outcome
The event exceeded expectations on every measure:
Strong community turnout
Residents from across Tampa Heights packed the room, creating a lively environment.
Positive feedback from attendees
Many described it as the most approachable, enjoyable forum they had attended.
Candidates expressed appreciation
The conversational structure allowed them to share more nuance, context, and personality.
Moderators praised the format
The talk-show style made it easier to guide a fluid, meaningful conversation.
Elevated civic engagement
The format helped reduce political tension and encourage accessibility—core goals for THCA.
A repeatable model
This event created a template for future forums that blend structure, substance, and creativity.
Conclusion
This forum demonstrated that civic engagement doesn’t have to feel intimidating or overly formal. With thoughtful design, strong visual identity, and a conversational structure, community organizations can host political events that bring people together instead of pushing them apart.
For me, this project brought together everything I love—creative direction, event production, operations, and community impact. It showcased what happens when you combine good design, intentional formatting, and a commitment to elevating civic dialogue.
