Charity Polo Classic: Building a Signature Philanthropic Experience From the Ground Up
Foundational event development, branding, and production leadership (2011–2013)
Before launching Manage the Event, I had the opportunity to help build one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable philanthropic events from its very first year: the Charity Polo Classic. Although I am no longer involved with the event today, the work completed during those early years remains one of the most formative and meaningful chapters in my event-production career.
When the Charity Polo Classic was founded in late 2011 by Chris Gannon and Patrick Moraites, the planning committee faced a challenge that would define the project: conceptualize, brand, and execute a major new charitable event in just three months. As a member of the inaugural team, I contributed to several of the core elements that helped shape the event’s identity and long-term success.
My work included:
- Developing the original website and digital presence
- Naming the event and establishing key brand positioning
- Public Relations and media outreach
- Leading production for the inaugural commercial
- Collaborating on event flow, guest experience, and overall creative direction
Those foundational decisions helped establish a strong visual identity and guest experience that set the tone for future years. What made the Charity Polo Classic stand out wasn’t just the sport—it was the elevated atmosphere, storytelling, and purpose that surrounded it. The mission and vision created in those early stages captured exactly that:
Mission: Uniting communities through memorable polo experiences to raise funds and awareness for vital local causes.
Vision: To create an extraordinary polo experience that fosters community connection while generating essential support for nonprofit organizations across Tampa Bay.
Today, the Charity Polo Classic has grown into a beloved annual tradition that continues to raise significant funds for local charities. While Manage the Event is no longer affiliated with the production of the event, I’m proud to have played a role in its beginning—helping lay the creative, structural, and branding foundation that contributed to its long-term success.
Highlighting this project within Manage the Event reflects the depth of experience behind the company: large-scale event conceptualization, brand development, production leadership, and the ability to bring ambitious ideas to life under tight timelines. These early years helped shape my approach to experiential event management and continue to influence the work I do today.
