On dining with JoJo Siwa, finding home on the dance floor, and giving flowers
In Conversation With Desmond Sam; Publicist and Founder of Dine with Dez
Desmond Sam, publicist by day and the founder of Dine With Dez, a culinary dining experiment blending the art of networking and conversation. Desmond began organizing events in nightlife, but as he approached his 30s and his publicity career took off, he sensed the need to pivot. He heard so many complaints from friends going to industry dinners, being maybe one of three Black boys in the room, and they would leave a little tipsy and unfulfilled — which is why Dine with Dez was born.
Dine with Dez is driven by intention, inspired by dinner parties of the Harlem Renaissance. From the guest list to the intricate tablescapes, to the curated menus, the entire experience is engineered to stir creativity and genuine connection.
His next event is tomorrow, celebrating Dine With Dez’s second anniversary, where they will be taking it to the dance floor, with light bites of course (girls gotta eat)
🏠 On where to find home on the dance floor
Mecca NYC, Renegade, and Nonstop at Nowadays, as well as NUFDAM are definitely some staple events I enjoy wholeheartedly. I go to a bunch of different raves, including Nocturnal Emissions, Mercury In Reggaeton, and FAW, which provide diversity that can be hard to find in techno spaces. The dance floor should feel fresh, safe, and a different version of home.
💌 On ditching Partiful
We simply need to stop sending Partiful links!!! It can get a bit overwhelming and disingenuous. I need an invitation to feel personal for me to commit to going. No shade!
👩🏻🎤 On Dining with JoJo Siwa
The EIC of LadyGunn is a dear friend of mine and supported Dine With Dez literally since the beginning, covering some of our first dinners and collaborating as a media partner when the press was not biting at first. I wanna say maybe not even a week prior to this dinner, he gave me a ring saying, “I secured JoJo for our next issue, we have a few days to shoot it, edit, and release it! Also, we really want to have dinner as well to celebrate the moment, as she’ll be in town! Can you help me make this happen?!”
Our vision was we needed a place that was the perfect balance of mature sexyiness and whimsical, which Ray’s downstairs area fit that vibe perfectly! I must say their team is literally beyond incredible. They made it all happen in a matter of like two days, and it was seamless! We had such a solid guest list from Channel Westcoast, Harry Daniels, Denzel Dion, and so many more. Jojo and her team were so easy to work with and were beyond pleased.
Collaboration is vital to success, and when you’re maneuvering at a certain level of professionalism, it allows so many doors to open.
🧻 On the porcelain throne of brands
I have a lengthy list of brands I want to work with! Two of the top of my head would be Chat GPT or Scott tissue, so we can do a toilet paper table, haha!
🎁 On dream dinner guests
Jordan Howlett! He’s my current internet obsession! Then Doechii, Martha Stewart, Nene Lekes, Andre 3000, Chelsea Handler, Charli XCX, and Benito Skinner are on my wish list!
🔮 On knowing what people want before they do
It’s all about keeping your finger on the social climate and providing a palate cleanser. An audience usually wants to do one of two things: feel deeper or forget as much as possible.
I make sure to bring in talent who make an impact but don’t get enough recognition for it. That is who I want to give flowers to.
📣 On going back to the basics
I love a guerrilla marketing promo campaign. Call me old fashion, but wheatpasting, projections, and a good solid physical flyer handed out has shown to be productive since the dawn of events. Sometimes you got to go directly to the source, partnered with the social media strategy, as that is the age we are in. Flood the algorithm and know how to promote to your audience IRL.
🗣️ On talking to anyone who will listen
I built my network by going everywhere and talking to anyone who would talk to me! There is no blueprint besides being outside, but the key is making sure you’re going to a range of different spaces. Go to the galleries, local music showcases, raves, panels, open mics, and even town halls. When you’re in those places, be curious, open minded, and talk to anyone whose vibe feels warm/welcoming.