For Stephanie McIntyre, strong events start with strong partnerships. As the founder of Staircase Events and Sponsorship Consulting, she works with organizations across Carteret County to grow events step by step—building meaningful relationships between community stakeholders, corporate partners, and the audiences they serve.

Tourism plays a critical role in that growth. As visitation to the Crystal Coast continues to rise, events gain the opportunity to expand in both scale and creativity. “More visitors mean bigger opportunities,” Stephanie explains. “When audiences grow, events can attract stronger sponsorship support because partners want to align with places people are already choosing to be.”

Carteret County offers a unique advantage for event development. Sponsors here are able to reach not only a dedicated local audience, but also a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. That combination creates a vibrant, high-value market—one that offers consistent visibility, strong community pride, and meaningful return on investment for sponsors.

Through her work, Stephanie helps organizations leverage that momentum. By strengthening sponsorship strategies and community partnerships, events are able to grow sustainably while remaining rooted in the character of the Crystal Coast. The result is programming that brings people together, supports local businesses, and enhances the overall visitor experience.

For Stephanie, successful events do more than fill a calendar—they help shape how people experience Carteret County. Each gathering contributes to the region’s identity as a welcoming coastal destination, reinforcing the vital role events and tourism play in the local economy.