Typewriter poetry table set up at a corporate event

Live Typewriter Poetry for Corporate and Cultural Events

A professionally managed experience that gives each guest something they did not expect: a custom poem composed and typed for them, live, at your event.

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Corporate events and conferences

Conferences, galas, and corporate receptions often invest significantly in venue, catering, and production. Guest entertainment is frequently an afterthought: maybe a DJ, maybe a photo booth. Typewriter poetry is a totally unique, intentional, and memorable entertainment choice.

The format is quiet, personal, and immediate. A guest sits down for five minutes and leaves with a physical poem written specifically about them. It requires no performance space, no amplification, and no competing attention. It works in a ballroom corner as effectively as at a conference registration table.

Available for galas, conference receptions, product launches, board dinners, annual meetings, and professional gatherings of all kinds. For event planners and F&B directors: this is a turnkey service. Logistics, setup, and coordination are managed directly, with no additional staffing requirements on your end.

The poet typing for a guest at an evening reception

Galas, museums and cultural events

Live typewriter poetry has been part of programs and celebrations at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the Virginia Festival of the Book, the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, Ix Arts Foundation, and McGuffey Art Center.

“Laura is an outstanding poet, creating works that connect well with themed events. Her help with the family program brought added meaning, and her mix of creative and administrative skills makes her a great person to work with again.”
Alani Nelson
The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Hotels and resorts

Hospitality clients include Morrison House in Alexandria and the Doyle Hotel and Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville. Poems can be typed live in a lobby or lounge, or written ahead as welcome gifts for VIP guests.

For a standing event, see Poem-crafted Cocktails®, a Friday-night residency at Speakeasy & Whiskey Bar at the Doyle Hotel.

“Feeling really fortunate to have found Laura and the Charlottesville Poem Store, finding someone to help build a monthly event from scratch isn’t always easy. Laura has helped create a truly unique cocktail experience centered around her poems and Joel’s cocktails. [Speakeasy + Whiskey Bar] is lucky to host this event each month!”
Stephen Kelly
Former Food & Beverage Lead, The Doyle Hotel, Charlottesville, VA

Operational details for event planners

Setup: A single table, approximately 4-5 feet wide, with one or two chairs for guests. Power is not required for the typewriters. We bring signage and battery-powered accent lamps.

Staffing: Fully self-staffed. No additional personnel required from the venue or planner.

Paper: Standard archival paper is provided. Client-branded or custom letterhead is available on request.

Volume: Output varies by conversation depth and guest flow. A single poet can write between 10 and 20 poems per hour.

Booking timeline: Two to three months in advance is recommended for most events. VIP poem commissions require a minimum of four weeks.

Travel: Based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Available for events throughout Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Travel to other regions considered.