Event Recap: Pass the Mic Summit

Amplifying Black Youth Voices Across Missouri

THE CHALLENGE

Missouri Foundation for Health wanted to create an inaugural youth-led summit that would unite Black youth (ages 14-24) and their adult allies from across Missouri. The goal was ambitious: create a safe, joyful space where young people could address urgent mental health and suicide prevention topics including unaddressed trauma, mental health stigma, parent-child disconnect, and social isolation. Over a year of planning went into bringing this vision to life.

What Made This Event Complex:

✓ Sensitive Subject Matter – Addressing youth suicide prevention and mental health required trauma-informed approach, on-site counseling, and comprehensive safety protocols

✓ Youth-Centered Planning – A 20-person youth steering committee led the planning while maintaining adult safeguards and support systems

✓ Selective Application Process – Vetting for mission alignment, ensuring statewide regional diversity, and managing parental signed permissions for minors

✓ Statewide Logistics – Coordinating transportation for attendees from 5+ counties across rural Missouri

THE SOLUTION

Event Scale:

150 Attendees
7 Speakers
General Session & Breakouts
- Mic Check: Making Space So Nothing Goes Unheard
- Peer-Driven Strategies to Reduce Firearm Suicide Risk
- A Future Without Stigma
- Bridging the Divide
Multi-floor venue spanning 3 levels
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day

Our Services:

✓ Full-Service Event Management
✓ Venue Selection & Negotiation
✓ AV Production + Digital Signage
✓ Risk Management & Emergency Planning
✓ Vendor Procurement & Coordination
✓ Ground Transportation Coordination
✓ Event Communication Strategy
✓ Budgeting & Financial Management

→ Budget Performance: Delivered 29.4% under projected budget while maintaining quality

Ready to create a mission-driven event that delivers under budget? Use our Conference Budget Calculator or contact Utopia Experience for a free consultation.

THE RESULT

Pass the Mic Summit successfully created an affirming, joyful environment where Black youth could explore critical mental health topics while experiencing:

✓ Respectful Privacy Protocols – Color-coded lanyard system ensured youth comfort with photography while capturing event highlights

✓ Safe, Welcoming Spaces – Wellness rooms for decompression, breakout sessions designed for psychological safety, and licensed mental health professionals available for support

✓ Seamless Multi-Site Coordination – Flawless execution across 3 floors with simultaneous programming

✓ Cultural Authenticity – Incorporated meaningful elements like interpretive dance celebrating Black youth resilience

✓ Exceptional Value – Delivered complete experience nearly 30% under projected budget

✓ Statewide Reach – Successfully coordinated transportation and participation from 5+ counties

✓ New community formed – attendees gained lasting connections, resources, and a support network extending beyond the event

PARTNER COLLABORATION

This event was made possible through collaborative planning with:

Missouri Foundation for Health → Event Sponsor
Gladiator Consulting → Youth committee facilitation, speaker connections, educator outreach, registration
Bayleaf Consulting STL → Youth committee co-facilitation, venue and menu selection support
Kranzberg Arts Foundation / .ZACK Urban Ballroom → Venue partner
Event Planning & AV Production → Utopia Experience
Tyler Small Photography → Photographer
Michele C Catering and Events → Catering services
Power4STL → Wellness
DeKylah Epps → Choreography
Moor Rides & Vandalia Bus Lines → Transportation coordination
Velocity Labels → Name badge production
Creative Expressions Custom Designs → T-Shirts

This work falls under the umbrella of Missouri Foundation for Health’s initiative to prevent firearm suicide.