FLOP No. 37 – Boston Office Frenzy: Ponzi I (1920)
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The Promise: Charles Ponzi promised a 50% return in 45 days. Crowds lined up outside his Boston office. It became a carnival of money-making energy.
What Happened: There was no investment—just redistribution. When the press exposed it, the crowds became a mob. Ponzi was arrested. The scheme’s name lives on.
What Failed: No business. No oversight. No event plan beyond the illusion.
What We Learned: If the crowd’s energy is based on illusion, it collapses the moment the music stops.
What an Event Pro Would’ve Advised: Don’t throw parades for pyramid schemes.
