Hi Cameron! Welcome to the Lepel Club journal. We're so happy to have you here with us! First thing's first, can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Thank you so much! My name is Cameron Forbes, and I am the founder and CEO of Forbes Functions. I am a born and raised New Yorker; I grew up in Manhattan and would spend summers out east in the Hamptons, which, luckily, because of my business, I can still do as an adult! I went to college at Duke University and now live in Gramercy with my cat Stassie. She is the best roommate except for when she pops into the screen of my Zoom meetings! My business, Forbes Functions, is a boutique luxury event planning company based in New York and the Hamptons. I am so proud to run a business as an adult in the city I have always called home. 

You organize the most incredible events across New York City and the Hamptons. Could you share more about Forbes Functions?

Forbes Functions is a woman-owned boutique event planning company serving party people and bold brands alike! We are based in Manhattan and the Hamptons with a focus on events in the tri-state area and hopefully expanding to other cities soon. We’ve worked with brands such as Hampton Water, BODY Vodka, and Shiseido, to name a few. All of our events are exciting to plan, whether you’re the birthday girl or a big brand name - no event is too large or too intimate for us!

What really sets Forbes Functions apart is our eye for design and our extensive network of vendors. Over the years growing up in New York, I saw so many amazing events come to life. All of these experiences, my love for parties, and the craft that goes into each detail are really the building blocks of how I envision my client’s events. It's such an exciting process to work with someone to make their vision through the lens of Forbes Functions come to life. 

Our network is another major asset that sets us apart. Growing up in Manhattan, I’ve encountered and kept strong relationships with some amazing people in the hospitality space. From having relationships with New York’s top restaurants and chefs to knowing where to get the best napkin embroidery done, I have someone for every detail, no matter how big or small!

Ultimately we have one goal at Forbes Functions, and that's to see the hosts enjoy themselves the day of! 

How did you initially venture into event planning, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this industry?

Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved curating personalized events. That passion carried on into my college years when I arrived at Duke University in 2017; the potential for party planning and hosting seemed endless! After graduation, I worked in experience design and digital strategy, but the party planner in me knew it wasn't meant to be. So with the public relations, design, and event experience I had under my belt, I took the leap and started Forbes Functions in the summer of 2022. I’m proud to say my keen eye, attention to detail, and flair for the fabulous have turned what started as favors for friends into a bold business dedicated to creating unique experiences. 

Can you describe a unique and innovative design concept you've developed for a previous event, and what made it stand out?


One of my favorite design concepts we've developed was for Forbes Functions’ second-anniversary party in the Hamptons this past summer. We created a one-of-a-kind “Coastal Cowgirl” aesthetic for the party, and it was unlike anything I have seen before! We brought together the Western cowgirl aesthetic and the coaster grandmother trend into one unique and cohesive theme. Guests enjoyed fresh-shucked oysters, coastal-inspired cocktails, and homemade ice cream while dressed in their best Nancy Meyers meets Yellowstone attire. The venue was the most perfect part - we hosted the event at a historical barn just blocks from the beach!

If you could plan an event for any personality, past or present, who would it be and what would the theme and concept of the event be?

That is such a fun question! I would want to host a tea party for Marie Antoinette - Versailles would be the perfect venue, of course. We would drape the royal residences in shades of pink and white à la LoveShackFancy. I envision rosy toile, bows, and flowers everywhere, with food and drink served on big silver platters and guests sipping coupes of champagne from a cocktail tower. It would be totally over the top, just as Marie Antoinette would insist!

In your perspective, what would be the ultimate event to plan, and what innovative elements or ideas would you infuse to make it truly exceptional?

I think the ultimate event to plan would be a Kardashian Christmas party - I love how they always go all out. No detail is overlooked, and it makes me think that every person who attends that party really does feel like family, which should be how a Christmas party feels! To make it truly unique, I would go for an all-white winter wonderland theme: white birch trees hung with string lights and clear glass ornaments, white furs, and hundreds of pillar candles. A snow machine and a bar made of solid ice are must-haves to really close out the theme. 

Finally, let's toast! What are you celebrating right now?

I'm celebrating the start of the holiday season in NYC! We love helping our clients celebrate the holidays in style - whether it's Hanukkah, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or an impromptu shindig - now is the time to get together and make memories!