Heart of the Town

 

A team of seasoned marketing and event professionals, Heart of the Town Events (HOTT) brings a wealth of experience, creativity and technical expertise to all projects. Launched in November 2014, HOTT is an Oakland-based 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to

enhancing the region’s economic and cultural landscape through marketing, public relations, event production, and operational support for area arts, civic, and community organizations.

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Created by longtime Oakland marketing and event professionals Samee Roberts

and Steven Tiffin ─ and joined by local event producer Johana Orozco ─ HOTT has

successfully produced a wide range of iconic and notale events and is particularly adept at time and resource allocation from planning through on-site execution. The team is known for its expert coordination of large scale public events where logistical

expertise and connections are crucial to facilitating permits, street closures and traffic

management, in addition to building civic and community trust.

 

Samee and Steven first collaborated as HOTT in 2014 to produce Oakland Mayor Libby

Schaaf’s “Made in Oakland” Inaugural Festival ─ an eclectic showcase of local art &

culture that drew thousands and received rave reviews. The team’s vast expertise is

evident in all events produced, including Art + Soul Oakland, the East Bay's iconic festival that encompasses a multi-block area in the heart of the city’s downtown. Co-founded by Samee and Steven, the festival has played a

key role in revitalizing downtown and establishing Oakland as premier destination for

arts & culture.

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A 501c3 nonprofit, Heart of the Town is deeply rooted in the community. HOTT’s diverse, grassroots board of directors meets bimonthly.

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Heart of the Town projects include:

• Art + Soul Oakland

• Autumn Lights Festival

• Bay Area Book Festival

• Love our Lake - 2024 Free Summer Concert Series @ Lake Merritt 

• Eat.Learn.Play at Lake Merritt

  (National Launch Event for the Stephen & Ayesha Curry Family Foundation - 2019)

• Canoe Journey Alcatraz - 2019

• Oakland Roots Soccer - 2019

• Temescal Street Fair 

• Rockridge Out & About Annual Street Fair

• East Bay Open Streets - 2015  

• Meow at the Moon Benefit for Cat Town/Oakland Animal Shelter

• Community Foods Market Gran Pening - 2018

• Mayor Libby Schaaf’s “Made in Oakland” Inaugural Festival - 2015

• Plus myriad other events, and marketing, communications, public relations projects

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