SPARK NYC | Build a Business AI Can’t Touch

SPARK is a local meetup initiative with monthly events covering educational topics for freelancers across the nation brought to you by Freelancers Union. The NYC chapter of SPARK is hosted by

In 2026, being talented and passionate is just the entry fee. To be effective, relevant, and profitable in an era of automation and AI, you must stop thinking like a "starving artist" and start executing like a CEO.

Join Tom Dheere for a reality-based deep dive into the modern freelance marketing landscape. We will move beyond the "feast or famine" mindset and break down the startegies that drive a successful business today.

You will learn:

• The Human Advantage: Why your marketing must emphasize empathy and directability to compete against AI and automation.
• The Mindset Shift: How to move from "looking for a job" (scarcity) to "building client relationships" (abundance).
• Modern Tactics: Navigating Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), algorithm rankings, and the "Blur" between platforms and direct marketing.
• Rented vs. Owned Land: Why you need to stop building your house entirely on social media and reclaim your digital home base.

Stop screaming "Hire Me!" into the void. Learn to identify pain points, deliver value, and build a business that lasts.

I’m Tom Dheere, Your Freelancer Business and Marketing Guide. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, I specialize in guiding freelancers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. My mission is to help you hone your marketing skills, develop your business, and navigate your industry with confidence.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your freelancer career to the next level, I offer personalized business & marketing coaching and mentorship designed to give you the tools you need to succeed.

What is SPARK?

SPARK is a monthly in-person meet-up that fosters community and creates space for freelancers to connect and learn together. Each month is centered around a different topic ranging from focusing on building your business, getting new clients, doing taxes, and more.

How is SPARK affiliated with Freelancers Union?

SPARK is a nationwide initiative of the Freelancers Union, a non-profit organization that serves as a support system for independents through policy advocacy, benefits, online resources, & educational and community-building events. Become a member of Freelancers Union for free:

Interested in bringing SPARK to your city? To run these events, we need help from volunteers like you! If you're interested in becoming a SPARK leader in your area, and we will get back to you.

About our SPARK leader:

Sean Sullivan is a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience working at the intersection of companies and the independent professionals they rely on. Throughout his career, he has founded and led multiple businesses and has frequently served as the bridge between clients and outsourced teams. He translates goals, expectations, and budgets so projects succeed on both sides.

Much of his work has focused on the practical realities of independent work, including clear scope, strong collaboration, trust, and reliable outcomes. He is particularly passionate about the role of networking, referrals, and shared knowledge in helping freelancers and small business owners grow sustainably.

As leader of the SPARK Manhattan group, Sean is committed to building a community centered on connection, referrals, and education, including bringing in educational speakers and creating a space for meaningful professional relationships to form.

This SPARK event is sponsored by

Born and raised in Brooklyn, The Yard is a close-knit community that’s representative of a wide spectrum of professionals and creatives from every industry you could imagine. At The Yard we celebrate & embody authenticity and individuality, which you will experience the second you walk into one of our locations.

Welcome to a place where creativity knows no bounds, where you are a member of a community of entrepreneurs and creators. Here, innovation thrives in the cozy embrace of a shared workspace designed to feel like home.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Yard: Herald Square Coworking Office Space Manhattan, 106 West 32nd Street, New York, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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