Celebrating a centennial is a rare and meaningful milestone, and for Holy Name Hospital it was essential to bring the community together in person to reflect on the history and honor the people and partnerships that made Holy Name what it is today, according to Loren Paulen.

"The Holy Name Hospital 100th Anniversary Founders Ball at MetLife Stadium was a landmark celebration marking a century of service to the community," says Paulen, owner of Loren2Events LLC, who began her event planning career in 1998 working alongside her mother-in-law at a well-established event planning business before going out on her own in 2015 and working with clients across a broad spectrum of budgets. "We welcomed over 450 attendees including staff, volunteers and longtime supporters. This event was a powerful way to show appreciation, reinforce shared values and inspire the next century of compassionate care and innovation."

The five-hour, black-tie gala at the stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.—five miles west of New York City—included heartfelt tributes, a formal program, live music, dinner and dancing.

"Highlights included honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, as well as Aleta and Rich Taylor, who have been instrumental in supporting the hospital’s mission," Paulen says. "The evening also featured a stirring invocation by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, and a breathtaking performance by renowned opera singer Christopher Macchio."

‘MAGICAL AND DEEPLY MEANINGFUL’

Planning a black-tie gala at a large stadium certainly presented unique logistical challenges, according to Paulen.

"Everything had to be reimagined—from transforming a football stadium into an elegant gala space to managing security, accessibility, vendor load in/out and weather contingencies," Paulen says. "What made it truly unique was the scale and setting—we combined the intimacy of a formal event with the grandeur of a major stadium."

The success of the gala is measured through connections made and the energy in the room, according to Paulen, who heard many guests describe the night as "magical and deeply meaningful."

"Honestly, the real proof was in the smiles, the laughter, the hugs and the excitement people carried throughout the evening," she says. "Of course, the funds raised were important—but what stood out most was seeing guests swapping photos, sharing stories and taking in the experience in such an iconic and unexpected venue. That sense of awe and joy from everyone there really told us we had done something special."

Paulen has worked on this event for more than 10 years and says it’s traditionally held in New York City and rarely in the same venue twice.

"But for the Centennial Celebration, they wanted to bring the gala home to New Jersey, where Holy Name’s roots and community truly are," she says. "MetLife Stadium offered a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop that immediately elevated the experience. It allowed the team to think bigger—to design custom staging and lighting, showcase large-format video content and end the night with a fireworks and drone show. The scale of the venue matched the magnitude of the moment."

POSITIVE IMPACT, SHARED MOMENTS

In the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry, it’s incredibly beneficial to bring the best minds together in person to ensure continued advancements and find solutions, according to Vanessa Henman, marketing manager, corporate programs for Optiv.

"Making a positive impact and empowering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders is at the heart of what we do, especially in the cities where we host our events," says Henman, whose team brought OptivCon to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in 2024 and will return this September. "We really enjoy hosting these events in person because that face-to-face interaction is so pivotal in building relationships. That’s why we put on OptivCon events—they’re a great way to connect, learn and grow as a network."

The stadium environment creates a lively atmosphere and adds a special touch to every aspect of OptivCon, Henman says.

"U.S. Bank Stadium is the perfect environment for both large presentations and smaller breakout sessions, all while giving attendees the unforgettable experience of networking in a space that’s usually reserved for game days—and the Twin Cities’ cybersecurity community is fantastic," she says.

A highlight of the OptivCon Minneapolis experience is the privilege of partnering with Girls Dream Code, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that inspires underrepresented girls to pursue an interest in technology.

"Over the last few years, we’ve incorporated our CSR program, Optiv Chips In, into our OptivCons and have donated coding computers, coding robots and, this year, drones," says Henman, OptivCon Chips In committee co-chair. "What never fails to inspire me is the excitement and genuine happiness on our attendees’ faces as they join forces with Optiv to give back to the communities they call home. It’s these meaningful connections and shared moments that truly make our work worthwhile."

‘An opportunity to grow’

Ann Dunne, assistant general manager of U.S. Bank Stadium, says unique venues such as stadiums and arenas can elevate the event experience.

“Not only are there beautifully designed spaces for gathering, but there is an opportunity to offer an experience such as kicking field goals on the field or shooting baskets on the court where your favorite teams play,” she says. “You can also customize the experience with tours of the venue or gifting the attendees with personalized game-day jerseys.”

U.S. Bank Stadium hosts several types of fundraising events, and clients say they experience their highest attendance and most funds raised when holding an event at the stadium, according to Dunne.

“Hosting their events at the stadium provides the ‘wow’ factor, an opportunity to grow their events and positive feedback from guests,” she says. “It’s exciting to be able to play a part in their success.”