NYC In Focus

Inside Snapchat’s Exclusive NYC Influencers Event with La La Anthony | NYC in Focus

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Howard Weiss

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📍 Location: Torrisi Bar and Restaurant, 275 Mulberry St, NYC

📆 Date: February 5, 2025

🎤 Hosts: Snapchat & La La Anthony

Introduction: The Exclusive Snapchat Influencer Event

On February 5, 2025, Snapchat hosted an invite-only influencer event at Torrisi Bar and Restaurant in New York City, bringing together top digital creators, journalists, and cultural icons. Hosted by Snapchat and La La Anthony, the event celebrated the platform’s influence on digital storytelling while strengthening its community of content creators.

I was the only press photographer at the event, capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. No other media outlets covered the gathering, making NYC in Focus the first to publish details about what happened inside.

A dimly lit indoor restaurant scene shows a long table laden with a celebratory dinner. Multiple people are seated, engaged in conversation. Candlelight illuminates the scene.

Inside the Venue: Exclusive Access & Snapchat Gift Bags

I gained access to the event by presenting my press credentials, allowing me to take photos until I was later asked to leave. The venue was decked out with Snapchat-branded decor, neon displays, and a buzzing crowd of influencers.

Attendees received Snapchat-branded swag bags, which included:

✔ A premium Snapchat logo tote bag

✔ A bag of Ralph’s Coffee

✔ A pair of UGG gloves featuring the Snapchat logo

Notable Attendees & Influencers at the Event

The event was packed with top influencers, journalists, and digital creators, many of whom have massive followings on Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Here are some of the notable names:

Influencers & Creators:

• @themattfriend (Matt Friend) – Comedian with 1M+ followers, known for celebrity impressions and appearances at major events like the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and NHL Awards.

• @the_odditty (Sofi) – Host of “Calculated Chaos” podcast (@amitooloudpod) and founder of @theoddittycares.

• @alaina_tsang (Alaina Tsang) – Digital creator affiliated with @thetsangs_, sharing lifestyle, fashion, and behind-the-scenes event content.

• @wintazesu (Winta Zesu) – Podcast host of @tooprettyforthispod, engaging her 164K+ followers with beauty and culture insights.

A group of friends dine at a dimly lit restaurant, using their cell phones while seated around a table with food, drinks, and candles. The warm lighting accentuates the brick wall backdrop.
A group of friends dine at a restaurant with warm lighting. The setting is intimate, with a table centered amongst the group, flowers as a centerpiece, and warm-toned walls. The scene is dimly lit and focused on the people at the table.

Journalists & Media Figures:

• @claire_ifying (P. Claire Dodson) – Associate Culture Director at Teen Vogue, covering youth culture and entertainment.

• @zachvallese (Zach Vallese) – CNBC journalist, reporting on the creator economy and social media trends.

• @jessikalyssa (Jessika) – Content creator working with @Snapchat & @r29unbothered.

Special Guest: Magnus, the Therapy Dog

Adding a unique and heartwarming touch to the night, Magnus, the therapy dog, made an appearance, engaging with attendees and bringing smiles to everyone.

Did Snapchat Announce Any New Features?

While no official Snapchat feature announcements were made, the event highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting digital creators. Many attendees showcased their Snapchat Stories, featuring:

📌 New AR filters

📌 Exclusive event Lenses

📌 Interactive Snap features

Snapchat’s focus on influencer marketing was clear, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for digital content creators.

Two men stand side-by-side in front of a large yellow Snapchat logo. One man wears a black sweater and jeans; the other wears a green jacket and jeans. Both men are smiling.

Was I Asked to Leave? The Truth About Press Access

Since this was a private, invite-only event, I wasn’t officially on the guest list but was able to gain entry by presenting my New York press credentials. Staff allowed me to take photos up to a certain point, after which I was politely asked to leave.

It’s unclear if a Snapchat team member or event planner made the decision, but overall, the staff and attendees were welcoming and accommodating. My presence at the event reflects Snapchat’s openness to press coverage, even in exclusively influencer-focused spaces.

Final Thoughts: What This Event Means for Snapchat’s Future

The Snapchat Influencer Event at Torrisi Bar and Restaurant was a clear signal that the platform is doubling down on influencer marketing. By hosting a high-profile, invite-only event, Snapchat is working to:

✅ Strengthen relationships with digital creators

✅ Encourage content creation directly on the platform

✅ Keep NYC at the forefront of social media innovation

With exclusive access, premium giveaways, and high-profile influencers, the event positioned Snapchat as a hub for creative storytelling and digital engagement.

A long table in a dimly lit restaurant is set for a dinner party. Candles and floral centerpieces adorn the table, surrounded by guests seated at the table and others standing nearby. The restaurant’s interior is visible through a large mirror.

For exclusive event photos and behind-the-scenes moments, follow:

📸 @youfoundhowie on Instagram

🌐 NYCinFocus.com for full NYC event coverage

Were you at the event? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag #NYCinFocus and #SnapchatNYC to be featured!

Additional Photos That Didn’t Make the Article

Four individuals sit at a dimly lit restaurant table, each engrossed in their smartphones. The table is set with drinks, candles, and place settings. The ambiance is intimate and subdued.
Four women dine at a dimly lit restaurant with exposed brick walls. Candles and drinks adorn a table set for a meal. One woman wears pink hair.
A group of friends dine at a dimly lit restaurant, using their cell phones while seated around a table with food, drinks, and candles. The warm lighting accentuates the brick wall backdrop.
A dimly lit indoor restaurant scene shows a group of people seated around a table laden with wine glasses, candlelight, and food. The focus is on the individuals engaged in conversation.
A group of young adults are seated around a table at a dimly lit restaurant, engaged in conversation and using mobile devices. The setting is elegant, featuring warm lighting and floral centerpieces.
A long table in a dimly lit restaurant is set for a dinner party. Candles and floral centerpieces adorn the table, surrounded by guests seated at the table and others standing nearby. The restaurant’s interior is visible through a large mirror.
Indoor dining scene at a restaurant with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and numerous guests seated at long tables. The setting is intimate and sophisticated.
A dimly lit restaurant scene shows numerous people seated at long tables, engaged in conversation. Candles and floral centerpieces adorn the tables. The warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
A dimly lit restaurant scene depicts a table set for a dinner party. Candles, wine glasses, and floral centerpieces adorn a table with food. A woman with blonde hair is the focal point.
A dimly lit restaurant scene shows a group of people seated around a table set for dinner. Candles, wine glasses, desserts, and floral arrangements are visible. The ambiance is intimate and warm.
A tan-jacketed man with vitiligo stands prominently in a dimly lit restaurant, reflected in a large mirror behind a seated group of people dining. Candles and wine glasses are on the tables.
Three young adults are seated at a dimly lit restaurant table, looking at their phones. The table is set with dishes, glasses, candles, and food remnants. A brick wall is visible in the background.

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