5 Questions with Liz Vap, Celebrity Event Producer

What’s the best party you’ve ever been to, and what made it so memorable?

One event that has stayed with me was early in my career, when I had the opportunity to help curate the guest list for the HERMÈS Wall Street Store Opening After Party at the Cunard Building in New York. The space was transformed into an enchanted forest, with guests invited to wander through the space as though they had stepped into another world. treats hung from the trees, people sat on tree stumps in a forest maze. 

It was theatrical and completely transportive—the kind of event where the setting, the details, and the people come together to create something far greater than a party. It was an experience, and one I’ve never forgotten.

But the real magic is the guest list: an eclectic mix of creative, interesting, and wonderfully unconventional people who know how to have a good time. Those evenings always turn into nights people talk about long after the event is over.

What’s the worst party you’ve ever been to, and where did it go wrong?

I can’t recall one particularly awful party, but the ones that fall flat tend to have something in common: the guest list has been curated a little too carefully.

When a host tries too hard to control who’s in the room, you can lose the chemistry that makes a party interesting. Too many of the same type of guests—or people who are there purely for the photo opportunity and online content — and suddenly there’s no sense of discovery. You’re seeing the same faces, having the same conversations, and nothing feels particularly special. The best parties have always been defined by the guests. I love bringing together people from different worlds who might not otherwise cross paths. That mix is where the magic happens—and often where the most memorable moments begin.—and by an ambiance that feels entirely transportive.

What’s your go-to hosting trick?

Create an atmosphere that sets the mood the moment guests walk through the door.I think the market has changed, people want more than just great cocktails, food, music, and a dance floor—they want an experience. Immersive décor and enigmatic entertainment can instantly give the evening its own personality.

What’s one potentially hot take party rule you swear by? No phones? A firm end time?

Once you’ve established a vibe that sets the mood, make sure everything flows effortlessly from there. Introduce guests to one another, spark conversations, and keep people engaged and off their phones. I call it the Holly Golightly approach — creating an atmosphere where everyone feels connected, entertained, and part of the experience.

I also love a little take-home token—something unexpected and memorable that gives guests a small reminder of the night. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it just has to feel thoughtful.

What would be a dream party for you?

There’s always been a dream of bringing what I do back to my homeland. I’ve produced events in Miami, Los Angeles, London, across Asia, Belgium, and Spain — yet, somehow, the opportunity to do so in Greece has never come to fruition.

We have a wonderful word, “kefi”—joy, exuberance, and the art of truly embracing life. I don’t think anyone does kefi quite like the Greeks. I’d love to create something special there, perhaps bringing something to Greece’s exciting and emerging art or film scene with a musician or contemporary artist. Something unconventional and distinctly Greek, but not in the obvious way. I’ve been collaborating with Laurie Dolphin, who runs Big Bald Gallery and represents Norman Reedus’ photography, and we would love to create an exhibition event there featuring his work. We produced Norman’s last exhibition in NYC together, and it was a fantastic night—such a great mix of art, energy, and people.

For me, the ultimate dream party is when the location, art, music, people, and story all come together—and by the end of the night, everyone leaves with a little more kefi.

Bonus: What next for you? 

One of my favorite clients, Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina Rossi, are taking their extraordinary world of antiques, oddities, and curiosities to the next level. After helping bring their brilliant book, The Witches Door, to life, I’m thrilled to now be working with them on the launch and marketing of The Museum of Mortal Beauty, opening early next year in Connecticut. I couldn’t be more excited to be even a small part of this next chapter. 

Meanwhile, FeralCat Productions continues to create and produce immersive experiences, launches, and cultural moments across the worlds of art, music, film, hospitality, and brands worldwide.