Present Tense: Reframing Event Planning for the Innovation Economy
Brand Strategy / Brand Identity / Animation, Photo/Video / Headshots
Two industry leaders from one of the nation's largest startup hubs set out to build an event company unlike any other. They had orchestrated high-stakes, high-impact events for investors, founders, and industry leaders. Now, they wanted to bring that same level of precision, energy, and intentionality to their own brand.
The challenge? The event industry is crowded with legacy players offering generic, templated experiences. Present Tense needed a brand that captured their unique energy—one that stood apart from the traditional event planning world while maintaining credibility in the corporate space.
Our goal was clear: position Present Tense as the go-to event agency for high-growth startups, venture capitalists, and innovation leaders—a brand that blends precision, creativity, and mindfulness to deliver unparalleled event experiences.
We built the strategy around three pillars:
Mindfulness in Motion – Events designed to keep clients focused on what matters.
Impact-Driven Execution – Every detail serves a purpose, driving measurable outcomes.
Energized Sophistication – Vibrant, sharp, and contemporary—no clichés, no excess.
At the heart of Present Tense’s identity is its logomark—a dynamic symbol that captures movement, collaboration, and presence.
The mark is inspired by:
✔ Tables being pushed together, symbolizing collaboration and connection.
✔ The movement of an exclamation mark, representing energy, impact, and bold presence.
✔ A dynamic "P"—formed by the punctuation mark, reinforcing the idea of being in the moment.
✔ Elements falling into place, reflecting precision and effortless execution.
The typography is bold yet refined, striking a balance between professionalism and playfulness—reflecting the energy of Present Tense’s events while maintaining credibility in the corporate world.
Unlike static brands with a rigid color palette, Present Tense was designed to flex—allowing the brand to adapt its energy depending on the audience and event type.
This adaptability ensures Present Tense remains distinct and credible whether speaking to corporate clients or festival producers, VCs or creatives.
Built for clarity, movement, and connection.
We developed Present Tense’s messaging to reflect who they are and who they serve—a brand built for high-growth startups, venture capitalists, and innovators who need events that drive outcomes, not just attendance.
A voice that adapts.
The messaging system is designed to scale across industries and audiences—precise and polished for corporate events, bold and energetic for experiential activations. Whether speaking to investors or festival organizers, Present Tense always communicates with confidence, clarity, and energy.
Positioned with purpose.
Present Tense isn’t just another event agency—it’s a brand that creates intentional, immersive experiences where connections happen naturally, and impact lasts beyond the moment. The messaging reinforces this positioning, making Present Tense the obvious choice for business leaders, culture shapers, and innovation-driven teams.
Present Tense isn’t about events. It’s about moments. Moments where connections are made, ideas are sparked, and the future unfolds in real time.
Through strategic branding, an adaptive identity system, and high-touch execution, Present Tense is redefining event planning—where mindfulness meets high-performance execution across industries.
A Special Thank You
This project was a collaboration fueled by passion, strategy, and a shared vision for what the future of events should feel like.
A huge thank you to the Present Tense team for trusting us to bring their brand to life—your energy, ambition, and dedication to crafting meaningful experiences made this work truly special.
To the founders, whose boldness and clarity of vision inspired every decision, and to the extended team who helped shape the details—thank you for embracing the process and pushing for something extraordinary.
Here’s to the moments we create, the connections we build, and the impact that lasts beyond the event. Stay present.