I love telling this story.
On July 17, 2006, The Hype Agency was born out of a simple but powerful idea, people matter.
Back then, I was working in Los Angeles, overseeing face-to-face marketing activations that relied heavily on passionate, professional people to bring them to life. But the industry lacked a staffing partner that truly understood what brand representation meant. I saw an opportunity to create an agency that focused on quality, connection, and care. A people-first partner who could bridge the gap between big brand vision and powerful in-person execution. And so, Hype was launched.
The early days were a whirlwind of hard lessons and harder-earned wins. There were setbacks like clients who didn’t pay, staff who no-showed, late nights, and even moments when I questioned if this dream was sustainable. But deep down, I always believed in the value of what we were building. That belief carried us through the 2008 economic crisis, the 2020 pandemic, and so many unexpected challenges along the way.
Fast forward 19 years, and the thing I’m most proud of isn’t just our longevity, it’s our people. Our incredible internal team. The thousands of talented Brand Ambassadors across the country who bring energy and professionalism to every activation. The clients who trust us with their brand experience. Hype has never just been mine. It belongs to all of us who’ve poured our hearts into this journey.
The experiential marketing world has changed dramatically since we began—and we’ve evolved right along with it. But our core values have never wavered. At Hype, we lead with passion. We care deeply about what we do, how we do it, and who we do it for. That care is at the center of everything we do from how we communicate with talent to the long-standing relationships we’ve built with clients and partners.
As a woman-owned business and a mother, I’m proud of how we’ve grown both professionally and personally. Entrepreneurship has given me the flexibility to raise a family while pursuing a mission I believe in. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it every step of the way.
And we’re just getting started.
As we look ahead to year 20 (holy cow) and beyond, we’re focused on continuing to innovate, elevate, and expand our impact. We’re committed to helping brands connect through powerful human experiences, backed by “work smarter not harder” staffing strategies, exceptional service, and a diverse, nationwide talent pool.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 19 years, it’s this: don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Keep your head up, your heart open, and your mission clear. That’s how we built Hype and that’s how we’ll continue to grow it.
Here’s to 19 years of hustle, heart, and HYPE and to everything that comes next.
Dayna Gilchrist
Founder & CEO
The Hype Agency