Inside the Winter Summit: A Conversation with Everywhen Producer Cici
- The Everywhen Project
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
The Everywhen is a nonprofit rooted in creativity, community, and sustainability, dedicated to shaping transformative experiences while addressing the environmental impact of our shared gatherings. Each year, artists, dreamers, and builders converge in the Black Rock Desert, constructing a temporary camping village where art, music, and human connection flourish under an endless sky.
But behind the magic of Everywhen lies months of planning, collaboration, and vision, much of which unfolds at the Winter Summit in Gerlach, Nevada. It’s where ideas take shape, logistics align, and the foundation for each year is laid.
For CiCi Cheung, one of Everywhen’s producers, this year’s Winter Summit was her first time stepping into that world in person. While she had spent months working with the team remotely, being physically present changed everything. From deep-dive strategy sessions to spontaneous campfire connections, the experience gave her a firsthand look at what makes Everywhen special—and why 2025 is shaping up to be a great year.
In this interview, CiCi shares her first impressions of the summit, the vision for Everywhen 2025, and why this gathering is a must-experience event for anyone seeking the ultimate camping adventure.
Mathew Gilbuena: This was your first time attending the Winter Summit and seeing Everywhen’s production team in person. What was that like?
CiCi Cheung: It was a deeply collective experience. Before this, I’d only met the team over Zoom, but being in the same room, I could feel the shared mission and energy. Everyone was aligned, focused, and dedicated to making Everywhen 2025 a reality. Seeing that level of organization, from structured planning sessions to whiteboard brainstorming, made me realize how intentional this whole effort is.
MG: Were there any surprises for you at the summit?
CC: No surprises—because I didn’t have expectations! I went in as an observer, just absorbing everything. But seeing the logistics firsthand—how much planning goes into ordering materials, designing the layout, and coordinating efforts—really brought the big picture into focus.
MG: Was there a moment at the summit that made you think, "Wow, I get why this is special"?
CC: Stepping onto the Playa for the first time was surreal. Even though we were just mapping out the layout, you could already feel the space taking shape. At night, we sat around a campfire, just being present with one another. Then, something unexpected happened—some random travelers drove by, saw our lights, and turned around to join us. They weren’t part of the summit, but they felt drawn in. That spontaneous connection—that’s the magic of Everywhen.
MG: Everywhen is about building community. Did you have any meaningful connections during the summit?
CC: Definitely. I finally met Jadestone in person—we’d talked over WhatsApp before, but connecting face-to-face was different. She was warm, kind, and welcoming, just like everyone else. The inclusivity of this team is incredible.
MG: Looking ahead to Everywhen 2025, what excites you the most?
CC: Expanding the audience. Everywhen has its core community, but I love the idea of welcoming new people—those who’ve never camped before, never experienced a gathering like this. It’s about broadening perspectives, showing people something different.
We’re also introducing new services like propane and ice sales, and better trash management. These might seem small, but they streamline everything and make it easier for people to focus on their art and experiences.
MG: Tell us about some of the new experiences attendees can expect this year.
CC: This year’s city layout is based on the Wood Snake, which creates natural cul-de-sacs—small pockets where camps can form their own intimate spaces while still being part of the larger community. It feels like a village, where you have your own space but are connected to the bigger energy.
I’m also working on bringing in a Hungarian camp with an art car, along with DJs and sound healers. Everywhen blends so many experiences—art, music, spirituality, and self-expression—and I love the idea of merging the playa culture with retreat-like elements.
MG: For someone who's never been to Everywhen, why should they come this year?
CC: Every year is different. The desert changes, the community evolves, and no two experiences are ever the same. If you miss this year, you miss a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
MG: If you had to describe Everywhen in three words, what would they be?
CC: Community. Sustainability. Creativity.
MG: What would you say to someone on the fence about buying a ticket?
CC: YOLO. *Laughs*
MG: Has being part of Everywhen changed your perspective on community and creativity?
CC: 100%. The level of dedication here is inspiring. People aren’t in this for money—it’s passion-driven. And the creativity? There are no limits. Everywhen is proof that if you dream something, you can build it.
MG: What are you most looking forward to at Constellation City 2025?
CC: Just being in that space with everyone. Sharing those moments that, right now, I can only imagine.
MG: Any final words for those thinking about joining us on the Playa this summer?
CC: It’s going to be an epic 4th of July. You’re out in this vast, breathtaking desert, surrounded by an incredible community, immersed in art, music, and adventure. It’s something you’ll never forget.
Join Us at Everywhen 2025
Everywhen is about building something extraordinary together, in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Secure your spot now, and be part of the story.
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