At Palmer Event Solutions, we love events that bring energy, community, and purpose together in one room. CycleNation, the American Heart Association’s signature cycling event, does exactly that: uniting teams, riders, and supporters for a high-energy experience that raises critical funds and awareness for heart and brain health.

We asked Palmer Event Solutions event curator and CycleNation project lead, Alicia Hansen, to share a behind-the-scenes look at planning CycleNation and the details that help transform a space full of bikes into a powerful community experience.

What makes this event personally meaningful to you as the Project Lead?

CycleNation holds a special place in my heart because it connects two parts of my world. I began teaching indoor cycling in 2021, and still teach pop up classes around Northeast Ohio.  Around the same time I joined the Palmer Event Solutions team in 2022, the American Heart Association added CycleNation to the portfolio of events we support. It felt like serendipity!

Which part of the planning process for this event do you find most enjoyable?

One element I highly enjoy is coordinating the music between the cycle instructors and the event DJ, The Energy Producer. In any cycle class, the music plays a huge role in setting the tone and keeping riders motivated. I have a lot of fun reviewing the playlists each instructor submits to ensure selections flow well together and that instructors avoid repeating songs. I then review the details with the DJ so they can add enhancements and keep energy high throughout the full 120-minute relay ride. It’s a small detail that shapes the entire rider experience.

What detail of this event are you most “obsessed with” getting just right, and what goes on behind the scenes to make it happen?

The bike layout is the detail I’m most “obsessed with” getting spot on. Our goal is to recreate the energy of a studio cycle class in unique venues (like an outdoor nightclub, professional football stadium, or amphitheatre) while fitting close to 100 bikes into the space. That takes very precise diagramming and measurements both in our planning software and once we’re on site. During setup, I’m incredibly meticulous and have absolutely pulled out a tape measure to check the spacing between bikes to make sure every rider has a great ride!

What’s the moment when you know the event has truly come to life?

One of the most powerful moments is when the stroke survivors whose stories are being highlighted clip into the Survivor Bike. It’s a special bike where they ride alongside the instructors for a portion of the ride. Seeing them out there with the entire crowd cheering them on is incredibly moving. These individuals have overcome so much, and in that moment their strength – physically, emotionally, and mentally – is on full display. It’s a powerful reminder of why everyone is there and why this work is so important.

Meet Alicia and the team behind Palmer Event Solutions—visit our About page to learn more.