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The Art of Invisible Service: Supporting Mayor Mamdani’s Historic Inauguration

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Eight years ago, I walked into my first mayoral inauguration as a new hire with GP. My role then was simple: show up, serve hot chocolate to 400 people, and depart.

On January 1st, 2026, I returned to City Hall for the inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. While my responsibilities have grown significantly, my perspective on what makes a GP event successful has remained constant: the craft of hospitality is often about what you don’t see. Our role is to be the silent engine that allows a historic moment to shine—supporting and uplifting the event so the hosts and the city can take center stage.

Precision Within the Parameters

Every event we produce is tailored to fit the client’s story while navigating its unique circumstances, and working in the high-security environment of a mayoral inauguration requires a specific kind of logistical expertise.

For this inauguration, the margin for error was zero. With intense security and scheduled street closures around City Hall, we had to ensure every staff member and piece of equipment was through the perimeter and in place by 9:00 AM. To stay ahead of the gridlock, we coordinated with Party Rental Ltd. to load in everything a full day early.

Despite all of our careful planning, the weight of that responsibility is something you feel. I spent a sleepless New Year’s Eve mentally checking every delivery time and vendor confirmation; the level of dedication that GP is committed to is what ensures the “seams” of an event never show. At GP, we manage those obstacles discreetly so that – from the perspective of the Mayor’s office and the guests – the morning appears effortless.

Hospitality with Intent

Our goal is to provide service that is both fluid and restorative. We make sure that there’s plenty of food and drink, and ensure it’s delicious so that guests reach for more because they’re delighted, not because they’re parched.

For Mayor Mamdani, the menu was curated to tell a personal story of his life in New York:

  • Qahwah House: Qahwah House was thrilled to present the traditional preparation of their famous chai—a meaningful touch, as their Williamsburg location is where the Mayor and his wife had their first date.
  • Kabab King: Bringing this beloved Jackson Heights institution to City Hall was a priority to ensure the inauguration felt like a true representation of his identity.

Supporting the Energy of the Day

The energy in the room on New Year’s Day was palpable. Seeing the ceremony unfold alongside guests like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a reminder of the magnitude of the moment.

While the public saw the historic transition, our team stayed focused on the “trenches,” working quietly to ensure the flow of the event was never interrupted. By the time the final guest departed, we knew we had done our job—not by being the center of attention, but by being the steady hand that allowed the history to happen.

As I look back on the morning, being part of the energy of the day was extraordinarily rewarding. It was a fulfilling way to start the year and a testament to the standard we strive for at GP: making sure the foundation is perfect so the event can truly shine.

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