Elevating Corporate Events in San Francisco: Live Monogramming and Calligraphy at PwC’s Workday Rising Women’s Panel
San Francisco has no shortage of corporate events, but not all of them leave a lasting impression. On September 15, 2025, PwC hosted a VIP women’s leadership breakfast and panel at the iconic Rotunda at Neiman Marcus Union Square as part of Workday Rising 2025.
The setting was breathtaking. Guests gathered under the Rotunda’s stained-glass dome, sipping coffee and enjoying breakfast while listening to a panel of women leaders share insights on empowerment, self-confidence, and professional growth. Among them was Tara Sophia Mohr, author of Playing Big, who spoke about overcoming self-doubt and stepping fully into one’s potential.
While the panel inspired conversation and connection, my team at A Handful of Letters added something tactile and unforgettable: live leather monogramming and embossing on Coach bags, wallets, and gloves. In just two hours, our two-artist team personalized 60 items, turning thoughtful gifts into luxury keepsakes that guests couldn’t stop talking about.
The Power of Personalization at Corporate Events
Corporate events often aim to inspire and connect — but attendees go to dozens each year. Without something special, experiences can blur together. Live personalization changes that.
Here’s why:
It makes guests feel valued – A gift embossed with your initials feels intentional, not generic. It says, “this moment is for you.”
It encourages engagement – Watching live monogramming is mesmerizing. Guests leaned in, filmed videos, and shared the process with colleagues and on social media.
It strengthens the brand’s message – PwC’s panel theme was empowerment. Personalization reinforced that by celebrating each guest’s individuality.
It elevates the atmosphere – Monogramming transformed a standard gift into a statement piece — luxury with a story behind it.
In short, personalization turns an event from memorable to unforgettable.
Behind the Scenes: How We Personalized 60+ Items in 2 Hours
At first glance, embossing 60 leather items in just two hours might sound impossible. But for us, preparation and process make all the difference.
Streamlined choices – Guests could select initials, names, or short monograms, ensuring every piece could be finished in minutes while still feeling personal.
Two-artist teamwork – While I embossed each item, my partner prepped materials, confirmed details with guests, and kept the flow smooth.
Professional setup – Our embossing station blended seamlessly with the Rotunda’s elegant atmosphere. Clean lines, beautiful tools, and lighting designed to make each finished piece shine.
Attention to detail – Whether it was a structured bag or supple leather gloves, we adapted embossing pressure and technique so every piece came out flawless.
The math speaks for itself: one item personalized every two minutes. Fast, efficient, and luxury-level precise.
The Rotunda: A Venue That Elevates Every Detail
Few venues in San Francisco carry the prestige of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus. Its dramatic architecture, glass dome, and refined service have made it a destination for high-profile gatherings.
Hosting an empowerment panel in such a setting sent a clear message: this wasn’t just another breakfast meeting. It was a celebration of leadership, style, and individuality.
Against that backdrop, live personalization fit perfectly. Guests weren’t just inspired by the panelists — they experienced empowerment firsthand as their names or initials came to life on luxury goods.
Why Corporate Clients Choose Live Personalization
From New York to Miami to San Francisco, we’ve seen one truth hold across industries: guests love personalization.
For corporate clients like PwC, the value goes deeper:
It impresses VIPs – Senior executives and top clients expect more than a standard giveaway. A personalized Coach item feels bespoke and thoughtful.
It builds loyalty – When attendees use their personalized wallet or bag months later, it keeps the memory of the event alive.
It amplifies marketing – Every video or photo guests post becomes organic promotion for the brand.
It scales – Our team can deliver both high-volume activations and intimate VIP sessions with equal polish.
In an age where attention is scarce, personalization ensures your event stands out.
What Event Planners Should Know About Adding Live Personalization
If you’re planning a conference, panel, or client event, here are a few things to consider when integrating live personalization:
Timing matters – Plan for when guests are most relaxed and likely to engage (breakfasts, cocktail hours, networking breaks).
Gift selection – Choose items guests will actually use: bags, wallets, keychains, notebooks. Every use becomes a brand reminder.
Throughput planning – A team of two can personalize 50–70 items in a two-hour window. Larger events may require more artists.
Station design – A clean, branded setup adds polish and makes for great social content.
Content capture – Don’t miss the chance to film and photograph the process; it extends the life of the activation.
Adding personalization is simple when you work with experienced artists — but the impact lasts long after the event.
Why Work With A Handful of Letters
At A Handful of Letters, we bring more than artistry. We bring a complete, guest-focused experience designed to make your event shine.
Scalable team – A core team of three plus trusted colleagues means we can handle both intimate breakfasts and 500-guest conferences.
Multiple techniques – Embossing, engraving, foiling, calligraphy, illustration — customized to your brand identity.
Polished guest interaction – Warm, professional, and efficient. We know how to make guests feel welcome while delivering high-quality work.
Nationwide reach – Based in Florida, but regularly traveling to San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Miami.
Our reputation has been built on supporting luxury brands, PR agencies, and global firms with activations that feel seamless and unforgettable.
From Inspiration to Keepsake
The PwC Women’s Panel at Workday Rising 2025 showed how the smallest details can make the biggest impact. Guests left inspired by speakers like Tara Sophia Mohr, energized by the atmosphere of the Rotunda, and delighted by personalized keepsakes that carried the memory of the morning long after the event ended.
For PwC, it was a perfect blend of brand values, luxury details, and guest-centered experiences. For us, it was an honor to help bring that vision to life.
📩 If you’re planning a corporate event, leadership panel, or VIP activation in San Francisco, the Bay Area, or any other US major cities, let’s make it unforgettable. Reach out at hello@ahandfulofletters.com or explore our portfolio at www.ahandfulofletters.com.
Because in the Bay Area’s competitive corporate landscape, the events people remember most are always the most personal!
