Research has shown that pandemics in the past have lasted anywhere from 12-36 months. With no vaccines or solutions readily available we can rest assure that COVID-19 is here to stay awhile. There seems to be a constant demand for entertainment to help people stay sane during the pandemic but, a change of pace is often necessary especially, when strict restrictions have been set in place pertaining certain activities and social distancing. Statistics show the demand for at-home entertainment has risen to 5% more than what it was when COVID-19 first began. The numbers make it clear to see that there’s an increase in demand for content, especially during the absence of live events such as; sports, concerts, and cinemas. With people looking for private entertainment in the middle of a worldly crisis, there’s a significant void that needs to be filled. Link Up Bos is filling that gap by providing an on demand, in person entertainment experience.
Link Up Bos is a mobile entertainment company that provides private tailored experiences at your doorstep. With many restrictions put in place as a result of the pandemic, the way people operate during their free time has began to shift. The difficulty to find places to gather and enjoy the company of others, opened up a pathway for Link Up Bos to set up shop. The concept was born out of the conditions that are now deemed the “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Link Up Bos CEO, Devon Vincent noticed several industries being impacted by the pandemic, including a struggling movie business on the rocks prior to COVID-19.
“I recall watching the news one evening and learning that the major cinema chain, AMC, was filing for bankruptcy. I knew that the movie going experience was due for a change given the growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. People were starting to enjoy watching movies at home just as much, if not more than, at the movie theatres themselves. Although the pandemic sped up our business transition, some of the elements were still missing—the big screen, the larger crowd. This made me think: what if you could bring some of those missing elements directly to you? That’s how it all started.”
Initially planning to go a different route, the focus was once primarily on partnering with large organizations/restaurants for drive-in movie experiences. They soon discovered that there was a large demand for private events due to a lack of entertainment options. This resulted in the company adopting a grass-roots approach, helping them utilize and build brand awareness by taking advantage of the opportunity at hand. The mission of Link Up Bos is to provide people with a safe and fun way to experience entertainment together during a time when socializing with friends and family has become a challenge. The company believes staying connected in safe ways will help to create some normalcy and foster hope while pushing through the struggles of the pandemic.
“Activities that we never thought twice about doing now require us to assess the safety risks involved. Celebrating milestones like birthdays and graduations, or enjoying a night out on the town have all become difficult to plan. There’s simply not a lot of places to go. These limitations do not reduce the importance of recognizing significant life events and the basic human need to socialize.”
The Competition
When asked about what competition Link Up was up against in the entertainment filed Vincent stated there were a few players in the same field that offer similar services but, the biggest differentiator for Link Up is the quality of services provided and the diversity of their offerings. By offering top quality entertainment and a professional team to manage each event, Link Up looks to deliver a memorable experience no matter the occasion.
“We truly believe the details matter. We go above and beyond to customize each individual event to the client’s needs, incorporating slide shows for special occasions and various lighting options to set the ambiance. Our game offerings, which include everything from Uno to Cornhole, help us accommodate customers of all ages. Whether you are hiring us for a corporate event or just to have a carefree night with some friends, you’ll be assured that you will always receive 5-star service.”
Services Provided
Link Up has hosted several events throughout states in the north eastern region which include New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Boston where the company first launched. Currently they offer three entertainment packages for private events:
-Movie Night
-Game Night
-Karaoke Night
The ultimately goal is for Link Up to diversify their offerings in a prudent way by, continuing to incorporate innovative technology into their services and become a one stop shop for the customer’s entertainment needs.
“We have conversations weekly about ways in which we could expand our offerings or even use our inventory in unique ways. Quality is our number one objective, so we will only expand our offerings when we can be sure to provide the unique Link Up experience our clients have come to expect.”
Collaborations
As Link Up continues to grow, they are actively seeking to partner with local businesses, as well as widely recognized brands, to grow their offering. The aim is to continue leveraging their network by establishing relationships with people and organizations that align with their mission.
“We have a few collaborations in the works that we are really excited about. We are partnering with a Washington D.C. based organization to co-host a fundraising event in the fall and hope to host several other events through this partnership in the future. Additionally, Link Up is collaborating with a community based organization in Rhode Island to host a free event for the residents in the neighborhood and patrons of the center. The organization recently came under new leadership, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reintroduce themselves to the neighborhood and re-establish them as a center for assistance and support.”
The Team
Currently Link Up has a team of four, they seem to all have one thing in common; a desire to make a positive contribution to society, while leaving a legacy for their families that can be built upon. Being friends prior to the decision to start the business, made it an easy union with all members understanding each other’s personalities, strengths and work ethics.
The current members include:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Devon Vincent
Chief Operating Officer (COO)- Chris Golding
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)- Akilah Daniels
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)- Emeka Amaizu
Vincent made a statement regarding his team. “Each team member brings unique attributes to the table, which has allowed us to work efficiently and get a great deal accomplished in a short period of time. Chris and Emeka both work in the Finance Industry, which gives them a unique perspective when it comes to strategic thinking. Akilah and I both come from an engineering and sales/marketing background, we are able to leverage our experience to help drive growth and develop solutions. Ultimately, we all wear multiple hats on a daily basis to help the businesses run effectively.”
Opinions expressed by AsianBlurb contributors are their own.
Corein Carter is Los Angeles based Journalist, Media Analyst and Content Curator. She’s been published on several outlets such as Blavity News, Sheen Magazine and xoNecole. You may recognize Corein's captivating voice and well rounded perspectives from her fast growing podcast " Play on Words”. Keep up with her journey on Twitter and Instagram @inlivingcolored