The corporate event planning landscape in New York City is crowded with agencies promising memorable experiences, but few deliver the meticulous attention to detail that has made 23 Layers a standout among event companies NYC professionals recommend. Founded in 2011 by Jessica Boskoff, this boutique agency has carved out a distinct niche by treating each project as an opportunity for storytelling rather than following industry templates.
From Media Buying to Event Mastery
Boskoff's path to becoming a corporate event planner New York clients seek out began unexpectedly. While working as a media buyer at a top NYC agency, a part-time position at Soho House New York in 2006 introduced her to the art of curated hospitality experiences. She immersed herself across every department – restaurant, bar, kitchen, hotel, housekeeping, and front desk – before ascending to Events and F&B Manager.
After a five-year stint as VP of startup concierge firm Four Hundred, Boskoff launched 23 Layers with a clear vision: produce bespoke events through meticulous planning and exceptional execution. This approach has distinguished the agency among corporate event planners NYC businesses turn to for high-stakes occasions.
Building Beyond the Standard Formula
The agency's philosophy centers on selective project acceptance, allowing the team to dedicate full attention to each client's narrative. Rather than recycling familiar concepts, 23 Layers approaches every event as a design challenge requiring fresh thinking. This methodology has attracted a roster spanning tech giants like Google and Spotify, beauty brands including Glossier, and retail companies such as Airbnb.
The team structure reflects this commitment to quality over quantity. By combining producers and designers under one roof, 23 Layers creates an environment where creative vision meets operational precision. "Managing people effectively, putting them in positions to succeed, hiring people that are very good at what they do - those are all important factors when building a successful team," Boskoff explains.
Global Reach, NYC Foundation
While 23 Layers executes events across continents – from Cannes Lions to Australia – the agency's New York City roots remain central to its identity. Located in the Meatpacking District, their office features "think pods" designed for team members to decompress and generate ideas, reflecting the company's investment in creating a supportive work environment.
This culture extends beyond internal operations to vendor relationships. The agency treats partners as team extensions, continuously learning from their expertise and finding collaboration opportunities. This approach helps 23 Layers anticipate client needs and stay current with industry developments.
Recognition and Community Impact
Industry recognition has followed the agency's growth, with awards including "Best Event Concept" and "Best Event of the Decade." Boskoff herself has been named among the top 1,000 event professionals nationally. However, the agency is expanding its impact beyond client work through educational workshops aimed at mentoring the next generation of event professionals.
Industry discussions among event planning professionals frequently reference 23 Layers as an example of how boutique agencies can compete with larger firms through specialized expertise and personalized service. The agency's selective approach allows for the kind of detailed attention that generates positive word-of-mouth recommendations across professional networks.
The Boutique Advantage
What distinguishes 23 Layers among event companies NYC hosts is their understanding of scope and specialization. Rather than attempting to service every possible event type, the agency concentrates on areas where their design-forward approach and operational expertise create maximum value for clients.
This focus has enabled 23 Layers to work with over 50 top-tier brands while maintaining the personalized service that larger agencies often struggle to provide. Each project receives the same level of creative consideration and execution precision, whether it's a corporate activation in Manhattan or an international product launch.
The agency's success demonstrates how corporate event planners NYC businesses prefer often combine creative vision with operational excellence, proving that boutique firms can deliver enterprise-level results through specialized expertise and selective project management.
