Melissa Ertek launches GiaPlans for NYC and Long Island events
Former corporate executive Melissa Ertek has launched GiaPlans.com, a digital guide and event concierge for residents and visitors in New York City and Long Island. The platform aims to cut through generic listings with curated activities, community-building tools, and launch offers for local businesses.
Why it matters: - GiaPlans is entering a crowded local events space with a narrower pitch: curated experiences instead of broad calendars. - The platform is designed to help residents, families, and visitors find things to do faster across New York City and Long Island. - Local businesses get a new channel to reach people looking for activities, venues, classes, and events.
What happened: - GiaPlans.com officially launched on November 12, 2026. - Melissa Ertek, a former corporate executive and Manhasset entrepreneur, founded the platform. - GiaPlans positions itself as a digital guide and event concierge built around the idea of “Less searching. More living.” - The launch covers New York City and Long Island.
The details: - GiaPlans organizes recommendations across 10 categories: Camps & Multi-Day Programs, Classes & Workshops, Entertainment & Parties, Indoor Play & Amusement, Museums & Educational Experiences, Outdoor Adventures & Nature, Performing Arts, Music & Theater, Sports & Athletics, STEM & Learning, and Seasonal & Holiday Events. - The platform highlights activities such as Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, cooking and art classes, museum exhibits, lacrosse camps, and STEM programs. - NYC and Long Island venues, event organizers, and businesses can publish one complimentary listing during the launch period. - Businesses can also register or claim their listing and upgrade to advertising packages with prime placement, curated roundups, and cross-channel promotion. - GiaPlans invites residents and visitors to sign up for curated guides at GiaPlans.com and follow @giaplansofficial on Instagram and Facebook. - The company lists hello@giaplans.com as a contact point for more information.
Between the lines: - GiaPlans is leaning on curation as its main differentiator, which suggests the founder sees discovery fatigue as a real problem for local consumers. - The community angle points to a broader play than event discovery alone; GiaPlans wants to connect individuals, families, and businesses in one network. - Ertek’s background in corporate growth, technology, and AI strategy signals a product built with business scaling in mind, not just content curation.
What's next: - GiaPlans plans to expand into additional cities after its New York City and Long Island launch. - The platform will continue building its GiaPlans Community through curated guides and business advertising. - Social channels and the website will likely be the main drivers of early audience growth.
The bottom line: - GiaPlans is betting that a curated, community-first approach can make local discovery simpler for consumers and more valuable for businesses.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
Sign up for:
New York Entertainment Guide
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.