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If you’re trying to grow your events from simple moments to monumental movements, Michael Barclay’s insights are invaluable. He has helped shape some of the most iconic experiences in Black culture — blending creativity, storytelling, and community into large-scale events that move millions.
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In this month’s episode of The Art of the Party Podcast, host and CEO of Eventnoire, Jeff Osuji, sits down with experiential visionary Michael Barclay II, Chief Events Officer at Sundial Media Group and Founding Creator of the CROWDED HAUS app — a virtual platform that brings the excitement and energy of live performances to the digital screen.
Michael is one of the minds behind some of the most culturally impactful experiences in the world, including the Essence Festival of Culture, in his role as the EVP of Experiential at Essence Ventures. His work spans festivals, brand activations, creator platforms, and cultural storytelling — all rooted in building meaningful connections through experience. In this conversation, he breaks down how experiences are built, how energy is transferred between brand and audience, and what it really takes to create moments that move people.
From world-building and storytelling to the future of experiential marketing and creator platforms, Michael shares the mindset, strategy, and creativity behind experiences that leave a lasting imprint.
Whether you’re an event curator, brand builder, creative, or entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in:
- How to build experiences that create emotional connection
- What “energy exchange” really means in live events
- The evolution of experiential marketing
- Behind the scenes of Essence Festival of Culture
- Why world-building matters more than ever
- Trends shaping the future of events and creators
- Lessons for curators, marketers, and cultural leaders
Listen and subscribe to The Art of the Party Podcast today! We reside where events and culture intersect—bringing the latest trends, wisdom, best-practices and insights from subject matter experts in the event industry.
Brought to you by Eventnoire and sponsored by Pronghorn Spirits — celebrating smooth vibes with over 30 Black-owned premium spirits. Explore the full portfolio at pronghorn.co to shop their portfolio brands online or at a venue near you, including Edmond’s Honor, Bayab Gin, Sango Agave, Greenwood Whiskey, Ten to One Rum, and more.
In this powerful episode of The Art of the Party Podcast, host Jeff Osuji, CEO of Eventnoire, sits down with experiential visionary Michael Barclay II, Chief Events Officer at Sundial Media Group.
Michael is one of the minds behind some of the most culturally impactful experiences in the world — including the Essence Festival of Culture. In this conversation, he breaks down how experiences are built, how energy is transferred between brand and audience, and what it really takes to create moments that move people.
From world-building and storytelling to the future of experiential marketing and creator platforms, Michael shares the mindset, strategy, and creativity behind experiences that leave a lasting imprint.
Whether you’re an event curator, brand builder, creative, or entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in experience design, cultural impact, and leading with intention.
This episode dives deep into:
- How to build experiences that create emotional connection
- What “energy exchange” really means in live events
- The evolution of experiential marketing
- Behind the scenes of Essence Festival of Culture
- Why world-building matters more than ever
- Trends shaping the future of events and creators
- Lessons for curators, marketers, and cultural leaders
About Michael Barclay II
Michael Barclay II is the EVP of Experiential at Essence Ventures and a leader in cultural experience design. He has helped shape some of the most iconic experiences in Black culture, blending creativity, storytelling, and community into large-scale events that move millions.
His work spans festivals, brand activations, creator platforms, and cultural storytelling — all rooted in building meaningful connections through experience.
Connect & Support
- Follow Michael Barclay II → @iambarclay
- Follow Jeff Osuji → @jeffrosuji
- Follow Eventnoire → @eventnoirehq
- Explore Events → eventnoire.com