The Event Nerd is Opening a Studio in Deep Ellum to Plan Virtual Experiences

Event innovator J. Damany Daniel, founder of The Event Nerd, marries storytelling and technology to host accessible, unforgettable virtual events for both large and small companies.

“Creativity happens within constraints," says Daniel, who was recently appointed as the City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commissioner for District 6. "Let's do more than make it work, let’s make it dope.”

A local event connoisseur has announced plans to open a new studio in Deep Ellum equipped with the infrastructure needed to host any occasion—virtually.

Like event planners across the country, J. Damany Daniel (note that the “J” is silent) and his team at The Event Nerd witnessed the shift to online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past year, the experiential production company conceived and executed a number of projects, leading Daniel to be one of the most sought-after creatives in Dallas. Notably, they recently worked with Denton-based Sally Beauty and Cosmo Prof Beauty.

That’s led the group to set up shop in a space that would allow them to continue producing experiences for clients across the globe.

This May, The Event Nerd will unveil Dallas Virtual Events at The Studios in Deep Ellum. Inside, the studio will house the tools for Daniel and his team to plan every aspect of an event for clients big and small. There will also be add-on green room refreshments, coffee provided by Mokah, and more.

The intent is to make virtual events seamless and accessible. Daniel hopes to reach more than just large corporations—he wants to make it as easy as possible for anyone to host “dope events.”

“We want to make it turnkey,” he said in a news release. “From the makeup artists to the catering and scenic and set design, we’re taking care of everything so you don’t have to book anything.”

In partnering with The Event Nerd, companies simply need to book their time, share important details, and show up. Daniel and his team essentially handle everything else.

A self-professed nerd himself, Daniel has built his company on innately understanding people more than process. His approach gives clients the freedom and flexibility to host a haggle-free event of any type, with personal engagement woven into every detail.

Because when it comes to virtual events, he says it’s more than just technology—”we look at what people love about the live experience, and transform it into the new paradigm.” His projects hinge on finding innovative ways to deliver exactly what the client wants.

“Everyone loves what I call ‘hallway moments,” Daniel said. “Those moments in between the presentations and the panels where you make genuine connections with people. Whether it’s small group moderated chats, in-broadcast entertainment, or stunning graphics, we’re constantly seeking to discover ways to have those hallway moments at home.”

Being a nerd, to Daniel, is a good thing. It means he helms a team that is “badass,” “talented,” and most importantly, “knowledgeable about the ins, outs, and intricacies” of event planning.

Daniel hails from Brooklyn, New York, and considers himself to merge the style of the big city with a warm small-town feel. Outside of The Event Nerd, he is a founding member of Dallas’ Mayor’s Star Council, board member of the Deep Ellum Foundation, and City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commissioner for District 6.

As an observer of emerging trends in storytelling, he believes in properly using technology to extend the reach of events far past the closing curtain.

And that’s exactly what he aims to do with the new studio—”create immersive experiences that have guests and clients alike connected with the cause and experience in ways they never thought possible.”

“Creativity happens within constraints,” he said. “This is the world we have to play with, so let’s do more than make it work, let’s make it dope.”