Gathering of Friends: A Night That Reminds Us Why We Love What We Do

Every year, we step into the FirstBank Gathering of Friends with the same feeling: gratitude. What begins with months of planning, collaboration, gathering of friends, and refining turns into one extraordinary evening where everything–and everyone–comes together.

The event has a certain distinctive feel to it. The setting is elegant, but it’s the people who give the night its glow. As guests arrive, conversations spark, familiar faces reconnect, and new connections take shape. There’s a warmth in the room that you can’t manufacture–it’s created by the community FirstBank has so thoughtfully built.

As their communication partner, Forethought has had the privilege of helping shape the story of the evening for over 12 years: branded light-up cubes that welcome guests, fun on-the-spot moving photo booths, the videos on monitors, or the narrative woven throughout the room, the small touches that tie the experience together. And then, for one night, we stand among the attendees and watch it all unfold. That moment, seeing the impact of our work in real time, is something we never take for granted.

This year’s Gathering of Friends reminded us, once again, of the power of bringing people together with intention. We left the event grateful for our partnership, grateful for the trust placed in our team, and grateful to be a part of something that celebrates community in such an authentic and beautiful way.

Here’s to the meaningful moments that connect us–and to the friends, clients, and collaborators who make nights like this possible.