One iconic food. One iconic city. 130,000 iconic experiences.

In 2023, NURA began partnering with the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF), presented by Raising Cane’s, to elevate their sponsorship management and brand activations. Since its inception in 2016, FCF has grown into one of New Orleans' premier events, attracting thousands of guests each year for a celebration of food, music, and culture. 

With each year’s growth, the festival faced new challenges in maintaining the high-quality experience that its increasing audience expected. For the 2024 event, NURA returned to help manage sponsorships, creatively strategize activations, and ensure seamless integration of storytelling, experience, and community engagement.

NURA’s approach integrated our expertise in marketing and event production to create dynamic, engaging sponsorships that resonated with festival attendees. Our team dedicated over 300 hours to ensure that all activations aligned with both the sponsors’ goals and the festival’s mission of inclusivity, culture, and community. We worked alongside various departments, including Food & Beverage, Festival Operations, A&R, and Safety, to guarantee the highest quality experience for all festival-goers.

Sponsorship Activation Management

NURA curated brand activations that were “diverse by design” for national and local sponsors like Kraft Heinz, AT&T, Chandon, Crown Royal, Louisiana Fish Fry, and Entergy. 

Community-Centric Experiences

Our collaboration with New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) created a family-friendly zone featuring games, learning activities, and a sensory van. This effort made the festival more accessible to families, particularly those with young children or those who face challenges attending large events.

VIP and Exclusive Experiences

In 2023, Crown Royal and Chandon elevated the festival’s atmosphere by offering VIP experiences that included custom seating, complimentary food, and beverages, providing guests with a luxury experience amidst the cultural celebration. In 2024, Casamigos joined our sponsor lineup, curating its first VIP lounge at FCF.  

Supporting Local Culture and Business

NURA also facilitated the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) marketplace, providing vendor opportunities to 20 New Orleans small businesses. Our team supported these vendors through every step of the process, from selection and setup to post-event payouts and tax compliance.