Voyage Dallas: Meet Kevin Knight of Urban Events Global in DFW Metroplex

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Knight.

Kevin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve literally been traveling since birth. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and grew up mainly in Louisiana and Texas with a sprinkle of South Carolina. My mother was in the US Army for 22 years before she retired; it afforded me the opportunity to travel, visit different places and forced me to meet and assimilate with many types of people and cultures. Anyone that understands the “Army Brat” life understands that your friends may come and go, but the knowledge and impression they leave on you can be everlasting. As a young kid, you never really knew when you’d have to move to the next spot, or when your best friend for the last year would be moving to another base. Keep in mind, my upbringing was prior to the internet and email, so staying in touch with your friends in grade school wasn’t really going to happen (no pen pal action.) Growing up in this environment forces you to enjoy your friends while they’re there, and seize every moment (hence my care-free attitude, zest for life and excuse for being bad with names/faces).

So, why start this company? Simple answer – people kept asking/telling me, “let me know the next time you fly out!” I finally called their bluffs and a couple of hundred people actually came out!? The best part was being able to help my friends, family, and complete strangers to enhance and enjoy their current friendships while forging new ones. A lot of our guests are either looking to experience new things, create some fun road trip stories or relive some old trip stories that they haven’t been able to recreate while “adulting.” It’s also personally gratifying to be able to have a business with a charitable component, and the ability to give back to the communities and countries that we visit.

So anyway, three passports later, I secretly hope that our guests can have the same “awakening” I had back in 2000 during a study abroad program. Living in another country for a semester can really change your views on yourself, your own country, and the things you thought brought happiness.

When you’re able to see some of the poorest (money-wise) people on earth, happier than some of the richest (money-wise) people you know from back home in the US, it does something to you. You learn to not only appreciate what you have but how to appreciate life in a different way. The things we take for granted are truly exposed through travels… (I don’t want to bore you, so ask me the rest in person; I’m out!!!)

Has it been a smooth road?
Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, however, it has definitely been worth it. Our company continues to work hard to find ways to stay relevant and in tune with market trends while creating our own lane. This company is being built from the ground up so it has taken quite a bit to get where we are today. Although its a challenge finding others with the same passion for success as you, I am very thankful to my family, friends, supporters and team for their contributions to Urban Events Global.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Founded by Kevin Knight, Urban Events Global is a travel company of professional, African-American adventure seekers. Our travelers enjoy experiencing all that life has to offer through various group travel events, networking, and meeting like-minded individuals with an appetite for fun and exploration. Urban Events Global’s vision is to cultivate a space for professional people of color to interact through organic events around the world. The development of these unique and non-traditional experiences ultimately allows participants the opportunity to relax and develop new friendships, all while in a care-free environment. During the many adventures, travelers range from 400 to 2,000 participants. Beginning as a camping trip in 2011, the organization has grown to become the hub for several events such as Urban Camp Weekend, Urban Excursion Weekend, Urban Cruise Weekend, and the annual UEG Meet Up. Furthermore, in 2017, Urban Events Global was included in BAUCE magazine’s “7-Black Owned Travel Groups That You and Your Squad Should Join Now.”

Urban Events Global believes in serving others and participates in philanthropic efforts towards various charities and organizations. Urban Events Global has contributed to the University of Texas at Austin Black Alumni Scholarship benefiting minority students, Develop University’s field day event serving youth of all ages in character development, mentorship, and life coaching, and Star of Hope Christian-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women, and their children. Urban Events Global continues to find new opportunities to be a blessing to others in need and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Dallas is an amazing city for business and entrepreneurs.