Over 200 Attendees
A few days ago on September 13, 2024, Milwaukee-based media company Full Circle Television hosted its 8th FCTV Game Night. The adult game night welcomed over 200 attendees at ELMNT Lounge in Downtown Milwaukee where they played spades, UNO, an adult spelling bee, and mingled with people from around the city.
According to FCTV Owner Kayla Lewis-Allen, those who attend at least one FCTV Game Night are almost 90% likely to attend another.
“People have left FCTV Game Nights and have started businesses together…some people find the loves of their lives,” said Lewis-Allen.
To advertise this year’s game night, Lewis-Allen took an MTV Cribs approach and gave a run-through of the venue online. During her promotional recap, she introduced the different aspects of the game night including the seating arrangements, the main stage, and Black Business Boulevard where eight Black-owned Milwaukee businesses were able to vend.
“Everything needs a vision…marketing for me is…it starts with a feeling, a connection,” she said. “I wanted people to see the venue.”
This year’s FCTV Game Night was a pajama theme. The lounge was filled with adults in robes, slippers, white tees, and other comfortable attire.
Creating Childhood Nostalgia
It was during the middle of the pandemic when Lewis-Allen noticed how the isolation was affecting her mental. She knew that she wasn’t the only one feeling this way so she wanted to find a way to create an avenue for people to come together.
“Our community needed connection desperately,” Lewis Allen said.
As someone in her late 30s, she felt her age group was outgrowing the club scene and they wanted more than brunches. To fill the void she saw in the city, she decided to bring people back to their childhood by hosting game nights.
“It really takes finding a need and filling in the gaps for that community,” she said.
The Future of FCTV Game Night
Lewis-Allen is looking to work with schools and corporations to provide what she’s created as a team-building tool to help clients better connect with their students and employees through gaming.
“I want to continue to grow this thing,” she said.
To keep up with future FCTV Game Nights click here.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
Damn, how’d I miss this???