23 Layers Corporate Event Planners Go From Soho House to Global Event Stage

Jessica Boskoff’s path to founding 23 Layers began in an unexpected place: the media buying department of a top NYC advertising agency. Her transition into event planning started with a part-time position at Soho House New York in 2006, which opened her perspective on the power of curated hospitality experiences—skills that would later make her a successful corporate event planner.

The prestigious private members’ club became Boskoff’s training ground in service excellence. She worked across multiple departments—restaurant, bar, kitchen, hotel, housekeeping, and front desk—gaining comprehensive understanding of how different operational elements contribute to guest experiences. This cross-departmental exposure would later inform her approach to event production.

Her dedication to understanding hospitality operations led to a promotion to Events and F&B Manager at Soho House, New York. The role provided direct experience in creating memorable experiences for discerning clientele, skills that would prove essential in her later career.

The Startup Detour

After leaving Soho House, Boskoff spent five years as VP of Four Hundred, a startup concierge firm. This position bridged her hospitality background with entrepreneurial experience, exposing her to business development and operational challenges in the service industry.

The combination of hospitality training and startup experience created a unique foundation for Boskoff’s entrepreneurial ambitions. In 2011, she launched 23 Layers with a core principle of “meticulous attention to detail” and commitment to “doing really good work”—standards rooted in her hospitality background.

Translating Service Standards

The influence of Boskoff’s hospitality training appears throughout 23 Layers’ methodology. The agency’s approach to event production emphasizes what she calls “high-touch experiences,” reflecting the service-oriented mindset developed during her Soho House years.

This philosophy has resonated with clients across multiple industries. 23 Layers has produced events for technology companies like Google and Airbnb, beauty brands like Glossier, and lifestyle companies including Marc Jacobs. Their work spans locations from New York to Cannes, Miami, and Tuscany, establishing them as corporate event planners who can execute seamlessly across diverse markets.

Industry professionals on Reddit and other platforms often discuss the importance of service-minded approaches in event planning. 23 Layers‘ success suggests that deep hospitality experience provides advantages in understanding client needs and guest expectations.

Building Service-Oriented Teams

Boskoff’s management approach reflects lessons learned from her hospitality career. “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,” she explains.

This management philosophy, rooted in hospitality service standards, has contributed to 23 Layers’ industry recognition. The agency has received awards for “Best Event Concept” and “Best Event of the Decade,” while Boskoff has been recognized as one of the top 1,000 event professionals in the country.

The agency’s continued growth and client retention demonstrate how hospitality principles can create sustainable advantages in event planning. For professionals considering transitions from hospitality to event production, Boskoff’s career path illustrates how service industry experience provides valuable preparation for event planning success.

23 Layers’ approach shows how professionals from other industries can successfully enter event planning by leveraging transferable skills. The company’s emphasis on service excellence and attention to detail reflects the enduring value of hospitality training in creating memorable experiences.