Key West Event Planner Nadene Grossman Orr Focuses on Creating Joy

Nadene Grossman Orr, founder of the event production company We’ve Got the Keys, has built a career around orchestrating memorable experiences in Key West. Her work encompasses large-scale festivals and private events, all with a central theme of creating joy and celebrating the unique spirit of the Florida Keys.

Grossman Orr's journey to Key West began in 1991 when she was asked to manage an art gallery on Duval Street for a short period. This brief assignment led to a permanent move, drawn by the island's vibrant atmosphere and creative community. She initially worked in various hospitality roles, including as a catamaran crew member and resort concierge, before establishing her own event company.

Her company, We’ve Got the Keys, initially focused on destination weddings and corporate incentive travel. Over time, Grossman Orr expanded her portfolio to include major annual festivals. These events are designed to showcase local talent and attractions, benefiting the community and fostering a sense of shared celebration.

Among the prominent festivals Grossman Orr produces are the Key West Songwriters Festival, which hosts a large number of performing songwriters; the Key Lime Festival, a celebration of the iconic fruit and its associated treats; Taste of Key West, an event highlighting local culinary talent that supports Keys Health + Housing; and the well-known Fantasy Fest, an elaborate costuming and masking event.

Grossman Orr describes the Key West Songwriters Festival as a particularly meaningful project, calling it a passion project and a labor of love. She has been instrumental in its growth from its early stages, working alongside Charlie Bauer. Despite its challenging nature, she finds it indispensable to her work and identity.

The Key Lime Festival, with its signature Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, is highlighted as a fun and quintessentially Key West event. Grossman Orr enjoys seeing the festival come together, noting the widespread enjoyment and the abundance of photo opportunities and lasting memories it generates.

When working with corporate clients, Grossman Orr emphasizes the creation of unique experiences that go beyond typical tourist offerings. Her goal is to curate special moments that allow participants to engage with the authentic aspects of Key West, such as its art, history, and local artisans like cigar rollers.

Grossman Orr is a strong advocate for the arts and aims to integrate local creatives into the festivals she produces. She views these events as opportunities to involve artists, costume designers, and performers, recognizing the crucial support of the local community in making them possible. Her involvement with Fantasy Fest since 2017 has been focused on re-emphasizing its artistic roots and highlighting Key West's creative talent.

What continues to energize Grossman Orr after years in the event industry is the opportunity to bring people together to celebrate. She likens the feeling to that of a child on Christmas morning when watching events like the Fantasy Fest parade. Her overarching professional goal is the creation of joy for attendees and participants. The scope of her work requires significant storage space for props and costumes, filling attics, closets, and a dedicated storage unit.

For more information on local events and community news, the Keys Weekly serves as a key resource for residents and visitors alike.

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