Capital Awards Gala 2010 Winners
http://www.dcises.org/main/gala-winners-2010.shtml
Best ISES Team
Love Takes Flight
Sharone Abarjel – Da Vinci’s Florist & Lighting
Vincent DiGiorgio – Digital Lightning
Ann Halm – Open Invitations, Inc.
Susan Lacz – Ridgewells Caterer
Sandy Leone – Sandy Ferreira Wedding and Events
Julie Shanklin – Syzygy Event Productions LLC
Marielle Shortell – Syzygy Event Productions
Best ISES Team Inaugural Event
Google Inauguration
Bryan Blanken – Freed Photography, Inc.
Vincent DiGiorgio – Digital Lightning
Julie Shanklin – Syzygy Event Productions LLC
Conference Trade Show
License to Win
Jeff Monner – Talking Tree Creative
Corporate Photography
Honoring Our Heroes
Kristin Wienold – Event Digital Photography, Inc.
Corporate/Public Events-Budget Less Than $75K
From My Latin Soul Gala
Kate Taylor – Feats, Inc.
Corporate/Public Events-Budget More Than $75K
Urban Dare
Kelley L. Gillespie – GEM Events
Entertainment Production
Evening @ The Hotel California
Kevin Olivera – Olivera Music Entertainment
Event Décor
Hunt Country Wedding
Kelly B. Jenkins – Capital Decor and Events
Graphic Design
Plugged In
Stacey Weiner – Plan-It Parties
Lighting Production
Google Inauguration
Vincent DiGiorgio – Digital Lightning
Most Creative Solution
Love Takes Flight
Sandy Ferreira Leone – Sandy Ferreira Wedding and Events
Off Premise Catering
Hoppy Easter!
Alison Bates-Fisher – Main Event Caterers
Nancy Goodman – Main Event Caterers
On Premise Catering
Studio 24
Amal Zaari – Park Hyatt Washington DC
Social Events-Budget More Than $75K
An Endangered Evening
Taylor Strimple – Plan-It Parties
Patricia E. Weiner – Plan-It Parties
Stacey Weiner – Plan-It Parties
Social Photography
The Power of a Wish
Amy Regeti – Regeti’s Photography
Table Design
Hunt Country Wedding
Kelly B. Jenkins – Capital Decor and Events
Technical Production
Speak The Truth
Jeff Monner – Talking Tree Creative
Tenting Production
Reflections in Diplomacy
Davis M. Richardson – Sugarplum Tent Co.
Venue
Studio 24
Amal Zaari – Park Hyatt Washington DC
Videography
Unmasked and Unveiled
Martin Andrews – Blue Sky Films
Wedding Events-Budget Less Than $75K
A Valentine’s Day to Remember
Taylor Strimple – Plan-It Parties
Patricia E. Weiner – Plan-It Parties
Stacey Weiner – Plan-It Parties
Wedding Events-Budget More Than $75K
A Global Wedding Celebration
Sara Muchnick – Engaging Affairs
EVOKE: The Evolution of Jodi Moraru & Associates
Jodi Moraru & Associates, the Washington, D.C., area’s premiere event-design, planning and management firm, today enters the next chapter of its history and prepares for significant future growth with the unveiling of a rebranded corporate identity and launch of a new Web site.
Now known as EVOKE, the D.C.-based firm continues to design, plan and manage the highest-quality weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but the privately held firm is also branching out to focus more on corporate and life events as part of a major strategic expansion. These events include anniversary and birthday parties; corporate award shows, galas and holiday parties; grand openings and hotel openings; in-store events; product launches; and destination, multi-cultural and same-sex weddings.
“I’m tremendously excited about the evolution of our company,” says Jodi Moraru, who founded Jodi Moraru & Associates in 1998. “By one definition, EVOKE means to produce or suggest through artistry and imagination a vivid impression of reality. Our new name, logo, Web site and overall branding capture the essence of what we’re all about, and what we do for our clients. This new identity really sets us apart from the competition.”
To commemorate the launch of EVOKE, the firm’s staff, vendors, clients and other guests attended a fabulous soiree on March 11 at the commercial photography studio, Photogroup, in Silver Spring, Md. Upon entering the studio, it became clear to guests that this evening was all about EVOKE. Gobos depicting the word EVOKE and its definition were beamed throughout the space. EVOKE details were part of the overall look and feel – custom t-shirts for all vendor partners, cocktail napkins, java jackets, water bottles and marvelous business card holders that had business cards from all the event partners, which were given to guests at the end of the night. An 8 x 8 EVOKE Step and Repeat was the focal point for a fun photo op with creative word boards (i.e. Dreams, Inspiration, Laughter) for guests to hold up as they got their pictures taken.
“The party turned out beautifully,” Moraru says. “The look and feel of the event was sexy with a sense of humor, as was indicated by the food presentations and the uber chic hanging bars. We kept the color palette and lines clean with black and white with a mix of metallics for interest.”
EVOKE’s partner vendors for the launch event included Occasions Caterers, Design Cuisine, Capitol Décor, NYX Entertainment, Sugarplum Tents, Photogroup, John Farr Lighting, Fancy Cakes by Leslie, The Bean Bag, Room Service Event Rentals, Atlantic Valet, Party Rentals, Small Wonders, Howard Lansatt Photography, Freed Photography, Suburban Video, Professional Bartenders and Servers Inc., and Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits.
“I am extremely grateful to all my vendors for helping me throw this amazing party,” Moraru says. “We all had such a wonderful time. I’m so pleased to start this new phase in our business, and there’s no better way to kick things off than with a memorable celebration.”
For two decades, Moraru has worked in the event-design, planning and management industry. Along with her colleagues and the firm’s accomplished group of vendors, EVOKE handles every type of event imaginable. The privately held firm is much more than a team of event planners who handle the logistics of special occasions. EVOKE’s professionals also design events, from creative concepts to execution, whether it is the theme, décor, invitations, or centerpieces.
“We’re truly a full-service business that offers the best in event design, planning and management,” Moraru says. “We’re here for our clients through every detail of their event, big or small. It’s a collaborative approach, and the results speak for themselves.”
With only three weeks to spare, the Hotel Monaco Alexandria realized that it needed help in the planning and execution of its grand opening party. Relying on Jodi and her team, the party was a huge success, despite the tight timeframe, says Nick Gregory, director of operations for Kimpton Hotels Alexandria.
“Even though we are in the catering business performing 50-plus weddings a year and hundreds of corporate meetings, an event like our grand opening party, which took place in just about every location of the hotel, required a specialized skill set,” Gregory says. “That’s when I called Jodi. It was amazing how quickly she put the plan together, and without missing a step came in and blew us and our clients away. We at Kimpton Hotels consider the Hotel Monaco Alexandria grand opening party to be one of the best that we have ever done. In fact, people are still talking about it to this day, and we attribute the lion’s share of this credit to Jodi and her team.”
Dee Cohen of New York reached out to Moraru and her colleagues to design, plan and manage her daughter’s recent wedding. Cohen says that with EVOKE in charge, “I was able to enjoy every minute as a guest.”
Cohen adds, “Jodi has earned her reputation as ‘the best.’ She is the epitome of professionalism, style and good taste. Every venue and vendor adores her and with good reason. Her energy and creativity shows no bounds. She was with me from start to finish with no detail overlooked.”
Movers and Shakers- ACE AWARD
Windows Catering Company is kicking off spring with some big news…we have won the prestigious ACE Award! The “Achievement in Catering Excellence” is an award selected by a professional panel at CaterSource Magazine. The ACE award recognizes companies who have shown the most achievement in the catering industry in culinary, business, community, and professional development. We are so proud of our team here at Windows for their every day achievements in catering excellence!
RIDGEWELLS CORPORATE CHEF WINS INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARD
Ridgewells, the premiere catering and event-design firm in the Washington, D.C., region, is proud to announce that Corporate Chef David Keener has received the Chef of the Year Award from the International Caterers Association.
Keener, nominated twice before in this category, accepted the honor at the ICA Catie Awards ceremony, held recently in Las Vegas. For the top honor, he beat out Cade Navy of Catering by Design in Denver and John Edmonson of Someone’s in the Kitchen in Tarzana, Calif.
“We are thrilled that David has won this esteemed industry award, which reflects his years of experience, leadership and culinary talent,” says Susan Lacz, the CEO and a principal with Ridgewells. “He truly deserves this international honor, a recognition of all that he has done for our company and our industry.”
Ridgewells’ corporate chef since 2005, Keener joined the company in 1997 as executive chef. In his current role, he directs the culinary vision of Ridgewells’ Social, Corporate and Well Seasoned divisions. Keener also oversees the kitchen operations of Ridgewells’ sister company, Haute Catering.
Under Keener’s leadership, Ridgewells has also won a number of significant industry awards.
Prior to coming on board at Ridgewells, he served as executive chef at La La Land Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, DE. He also previously worked at the Greenbrier Resort and the Williamsburg Inn.
Keener is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and he is also an active member of the International Caterers Association Chef’s Council and the American Culinary Foundation.
About Ridgewells:
Founded in 1928, Ridgewells is the leading catering and event-design firm in the Washington, D.C., area. The privately held company has set the standard for more than 80 years as Washington’s leading catering service for unforgettable events.
Ridgewells has played a major role in providing catering and event-planning services at nearly 20 Presidential Inaugurations, and its list of satisfied customers includes the White House, the State Department, the U.S. military, other government agencies, Fortune 500 corporations and educational institutions.
The Ridgewells family includes Well Seasoned Events and Catering by Ridgewells, which focuses on contract events, concessions and catering to sporting and other major events, schools, and local businesses; Haute Catering, a union caterer; CapitolHost, which serves Capitol Hill; and Purple Tie by Ridgewells, a staffing company.
The company’s Web site is www.ridgewells.com.
Your Wedding Cake Can Be Eco Too
By
Last night I attended a vegan cake tasting for event planners at Sticky Fingers Bakery in Washington, DC.
OMG it was fabulous! They had an array of 7 different types of cupcakes. A favorite of couples is the Vanilla Cake with Almond Butter Cream, but my favorite was Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Butternut Cream and Chocolate Ganache. The Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Buttercream was also amazing. I just started drooling thinking about it again. I took the leftovers home to my chocoholic boyfriend who also gave them a thumbs up.
I know that SOME establishments give vegan and gluten free food a bad name. Not Sticky Fingers. Everything I’ve ever tried of theirs – from the sweets to the savories – is fabulous. Don’t just consider them for your wedding, if you need catering for an office party, they can do the job just fine.
So why go vegan for your wedding cake or birthday cake or Hey It’s the Weekend Let’s Celebrate Cake? Pretty much anything that comes from animals is bad for the environment because of all the care and, uh, feeding that goes into taking care of animals. The water, the feed, the fertilizers, the poop, it all makes for a bad scene for Mamma Earth. That is why vegan options are your BEST option.
The ladies at Sticky Fingers are hosting another cake tasting for planners THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 28TH at 6:00 p.m. at their store at 1370 Park Road, NW. It is just a five minute walk from Columbia Heights Metro on the Yellow/Green Line. They’ll also be serving organic coffee and tea (natch). If you want to go, RSVP to weddings@stickyfingers.com.
2010 Gala Sponsors
Britten Grant Scenic Events is a Shibuya Sponsor for our 2010 Gala Awards. Britten Grant is a full-service design, production, and rental company specializing in custom designed backdrops personally created by Mr. Tim Grant. With a large inventory of backdrops, props, and related decor, Britten Grant serves the Washington, D.C. region as a theme prop house. All work is produced in-house, and they also custom-design special events for theme parties, corporate functions, galas, holiday events, and mitzvahs. Having been in business since 1993, Britten Grant Scenic Events has been written about in industry and national publications including Special Events, The Washington Post, The Fairfax Times, Parktakes, Loudoun Magazine, and Fitness Management. Britten Grant was most recently covered in the Northern Virginia Magazine; you can check out their write up here: http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/entertainment/people2/2009/11/20/making-a-scene. Britten Grant can be reached at 703.729.5937.
Cort Event Furnishings is a Ginza Sponsor for our 2010 Gala Awards. CORT, which was founded in 1971 with the merger of four small regional furniture rental companies is today the nation’s largest provider of rental furniture, accessories and related services in the industry. The Cort Event Furnishings wing is a nationwide provider of rental furniture for the meeting and events industry. With 12 strategically located distribution centers clients can trust Cort will deliver the same style and service wherever the event lands. Their high quality contemporary furnishings provide flexible design options that bring your imagination to life. Most recently, CORT Event Furnishings received the Event Solutions Spotlight Award for 2010 Rental Company of the Year! For more info on their service, you can visit Cort’s extensive website at http://www.cortevents.com.
CPR MultiMedia Solutions is a Ginza Sponsor for our 2010 Gala Awards. Based in the Washington, DC and Baltimore metro areas, CPR MultiMedia knows first-hand that the event for fifty may be as critical as the extravaganza for fifty thousand and prides themselves on tailoring custom solutions to deliver great results, great value and great experiences. By understanding their client’s project – large or small, for an hour or a week- your company mission, money and reputation can be entrusted to CPR. Addy Awards, Communicator Awards and the ICIA Dealership of the Year Award are prized accolades of CPR’s dedication and enthusiasm. Their team of production professionals love to turn your plans and ideas into flawless events that create repeat customers. Give them a call at 301.590.9400 or email info@cprmms.com.
Suburban Video is a Ginza Sponsor for our 2010 Gala Awards. Since 1984 – Suburban Video has been providing Media Services for wedding, social, and corporate clients in the Mid-Atlantic’s region and nationwide. Suburban Video has won eight “Best Event Video” awarded by ISES, 1998-2008; Washingtonian Magazine 1996-2008, including “Top Vote Getters,” They’ve been featured in People Magazine, Town & Country and The Washington Post as innovators and trendsetters for romantic wedding movies in the Washington DC area. They are the1st choice for Washington’s elite – with a client list including NBA basketball stars, Hollywood actors and well-known Washington-area families. For Corporate Clients- As a full-service provider, their in house resources deliver concept-through-delivery solutions for all forms of electronic media. By partnering with their client, Suburban Video can provide combined media services—video and audio production, editorial, interactive, multimedia web site design and development—to form integrated projects and creative solutions that help you precisely target your audiences and deliver messages to attract, move and retain them. You can reach Suburban Video at 301-315-6300 or email at olsv@SuburbanVideo.com.
eventEQ is a Ginza sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. Most recently, eventEQ was proudly ranked #576 on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies list! They provide turnkey technical productions for events of all types and sizes. Specifically, eventEQ provides sound reinforcement, event illumination and video display/projection systems, all under one roof. eventEQ can be reached at 410-242-5050 or bjsingh@eventeq.com.
BBJ Linen is a Harajuku Sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. The Chicago-based company aims to bring style, elegance and creative life to the table! From Hollywood, to Presidential Galas, to weddings, and the dining room table, BBJ Linen has been setting table linen trends for over 25 years. Expanding on the principles of trust and commitment, BBJ Linen has opened 15 regional offices across the country with sales, management and production staff to meet the needs of our customers. Along with these we have 8 home based offices to reach an even greater number of people. Take a moment to peruse their bright, colorful and informative website at http://www.bbjlinen.com/ where you may also place orders or live chat with a company representative.
Carla David Design is a Shibuya sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. More than just an invitation, Carla David Design provides a complete design experience allowing clients to express their personal style and sentiment with a look that is exclusively their own. Since 2001, Carla has provided graphic design solutions for various corporate companies, small businesses, non-profits, and individuals. In addition to growing her list of happy clients, you’ll find Carla blogging at http://carladaviddesign.blogspot.com/ For inquiries, Carla can be reached via 301.300.5996 or info@carladaviddesign.com.
Cast of Thousands is a Harajuku Sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. Whether you need a spectacular show onstage or a beautifully costumed atmosphere performer, Cast of Thousands can be counted on—for imagination, service, and, above all, quality entertainment! With offices in Washington, D.C., and California’s Bay Area, the company has grown from a small cast of characters delivering balloons, along with short skits to a winner of 17 local and international awards, including the 2007 Capital Award for best entertainment. Creativity and dedication to each client’s vision is important. But the most important ingredient is that every performer of Cast of Thousands simply loves what they do! Each of the highly trained staff members has a background in theatre or music bringing enthusiasm and fresh ideas to each new event. Cast of Thousands can be reached at 703.442.8400 or info@castofthousands.com
EastCoast Entertainment is a Roppongi Sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. In business for over 30 years, EastCoast Entertainment’s success is based on the key principles of honesty, integrity, quality and diversity whether it’s entertaining guests at private galas, wedding receptions at The Carlyle Club, providing national talent at The Kennedy Center or simply finding the perfect act for fundraisers or private parties at Belle Haven Country Club. EastCoast Entertainment is the largest full-service entertainment agency in the country with its roots right here in Virginia. Their mission is to make every celebration an unforgettable experience by combining client-centered business practices with world-class talent and comprehensive event production services. EastCoast Entertainment can be reached at 202.537.0227 or by submitting an inquiry via their website http://www.eastcoastentertainment.com/dc/
PoshBooth Custom Photo-Booth Rental is a Harajuku Sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. Photo booths at weddings and corporate events is growing in popularity and becoming the latest event trend. All you have to do is attend an event with a photo booth and you will understand why they have become so popular. PoshBooth offers a couple packages to choose from with the ability to add custom options such as:
-Red Carpet with Velvet Rope
-Prop Box
-Spy Cam & External Monitor
-Big Screen Projection
and more! POSHBOOTH adds the look and feel of an “Old School” Photo Booth with “New School” technology to make your next event unique, entertaining, and memorable. PoshBooth can be reached at 888-409-POSH or visit their website to such an inquiry: http://www.poshbooth.com/contact.html.
Entertainment Exchange is a Harajuku Sponsor for our 2010 ISES Gala Awards. Entertainment Exchange is proud to represent the area’s most dynamic entertainers. A full-service agency servicing the mid-Atlantic region, Entertainment Exchange is owned and operated by experienced, working musicians. Orchestrating special events is their forte — client satisfaction their only goal. The company is dedicated to the events industry and specializes in working closely with clients and event coordinators, ensuring each party runs flawlessly, from cocktails through dinner, dancing, and special presentations. Entertainment Exchange offers clients a host of exciting, versatile, and experienced bands and disc jockeys specializing in only the best variety dance music. All bands and DJ’s provide state-of-the-art sound reinforcement and stage lighting equipment for the event. Each group offers a fabulous selection of music, ranging from standards, big-band, and 50’s rock n’ roll to motown, rock, and disco as well as favorite top-forty hits. Entertainment Exchange can be reached at 301.986.4640 or by visiting their recently redesigned website at http://www.entertainmentexchange.com
{Art. Events. Amazing.} December 9th ISES Event at Long View Gallery
By,
Amy L. Guthridge
Engaging Affairs
Come see the amazing Long View Gallery during the December 9th ISES Monthly Event. Long View is the only event venue raw to the core in all of DC and the gallery space is highly sought after by infamous NYC artists.
Ink it in your calendar
Date – December 9th
Time – 7:30am until…
Place – 1302 9th ST NW
Washington, DC 20001
More details to coming soon
WOW! WOW! and one more WOW! for the Omni Shoreham!
Kudos to William and Lori over at the Omni who hosted a private and intimate dinner party for the areas premier wedding coordinators. Considered an honor and a privilege to have even been invited to such a gathering, and the Regeti’s have been asked to document the details along with the attendants delighted surprised reactions as the Omni Shoreham pulled out all the stops to make all these guests feel special. To top if off each guest was presented with beautiful custom pashmina scarves to ease the wonderful chill of the evening air as they dined in style off the back lawns of the Omni Shoreham in a private dinner. It could not have been a more perfect evening for such a quaint affair!
Courtesy: Regeti’s Photography
A TALE OF 4 RESTAURANTS
by
Carol Nissenson
NOW THIS!
www.nowthisimprov.com
A tour operator called early this week to book a dinner/show for 102 students for Monday night Thanksgiving week. I know that Monday, especially that Monday, is certainly not one of the busiest in the restaurant world, so I assumed I would have no trouble finding a venue.
First I called a restaurant we have worked with very frequently. They said ‘no’ because they have a regular public event on Mondays in the main dining room and their upstairs private room was not quite large enough for my group. I knew, for a fact, they had not been doing good business at their public shows, and it would easily have been held in the smaller space, but they didn’t want to be bothered moving some equipment.
Then I called a second place we have used several times. Their price was too high, but they wouldn’t budge. Ironically, they came back later, willing to negotiate, but I had booked elsewhere.
On my third attempt I found a place whose prices looked good but I was told “The banquet manager isn’t here. She’ll call you tomorrow.” She never did.
Finally, in desperation, I called a place I expected to be too expensive. He asked what the per person budget was. Within 20 minutes he called back with a perfect package. He’s an ISES member and I think that’s what made the difference.
EastCoast Entertainment opens office in Alexandria, Va
EastCoast Entertainment has been producing history-making public events, private engagements,
corporate meetings and conventions in the DC metro area since the company’s founding in 1976.
Combining world-class talent with comprehensive event services, ECE has since become the
choice of discerning event planners looking to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Now located in Old Town Alexandria, we invite you to contact our award-winning team today, and
experience the EastCoast Advantage for yourself.
Nancy Oliver
noliver@eastcoastentertainment.com
202.537.0227
eastcoastentertainment.com/dc
1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 600
Alexandria, VA 22314
ISES Annual Conference Coming to Baltimore in 2010
Lori Hill,
President,
lori hill event productions, inc – - savvy, sustainable events
The annual ISES conference is coming to Baltimore in 2010! If you have never attended a conference before OR if it has been a long time since you attended one, I strongly encourage you to participate.
A Brief History
As I write this, I am on my way back from the ISES Eventworld conference that was held in San Francisco. I have been to every ISES conference since 1999 when it was held in Washington, DC and called CPD for Conference for Professional Development.
Much has changed from when I attended a decade ago. Each year, it was organized by an ISES chapter and the quality of educational offerings was often inconsistent as were the social events (but DC rocked the house!). Now it is called Eventworld and is overseen by our management company Smith Bucklin as well as a team of dedicated ISES volunteers. The professionalism and organization of the conference is top notch as is the caliber of educational offerings. The social events are always a great opportunity to network with event professionals from around the world and the conference itself is a great opportunity for members to showcase their services and products to fellow members worldwide. And don’t forget to submit your best events for the ISES Esprit Awards.
Top Notch Education
Just about all the classes I attended this year were sessions on how to work ON my business. Not only were they highly educational and informative, but they also motivated me to take my business to next highest level. I couldn’t wait to get back home to apply what I learned. Just being around so much top notch talent each year really motivates me to be the best businesswoman I can be. Classes are taught not just by fellow ISES members, but by respected experts from around the world who are outside the special events industry. When I’m in class, it is very common for me to take two sets of notes simultaneously: one set on what the speaker is discussing and the second set with ideas for future events because while I’m listening to the speaker, my brain is flooded with thoughts on themes, and strategies and tasks!
The caliber of the education offered is so much higher because speakers are required to submit an application which is critically vetted by the conference education committee. Not all applications are approved and Power Point presentations are reviewed months in advance to ensure that a speaker’s presentation matches their session description. Furthermore, the conference now features top level speakers who are experts in their field and internationally known. If you are interested in speaking at the 2010 conference in Baltimore, be sure to look out for the call for speakers in October.
It’s About the Relationships
Of course, Eventworld isn’t all about education. It is about relationships. Each year within seconds of walking thru the hotel, I always see fellow members I know from around the country and the world. I’ve met these folks over the past 11 years through leadership meetings, educational sessions and of course, the social events. You form bonds and as a result, you know you can contact any of these people if you need their assistance with an event in their city OR to just get a piece of advice. Yes, you may not have a need to talk to someone in Dallas right now, but with this economy, our futures are uncertain and you could change jobs tomorrow or gain a client who wants to throw a party in Texas. While Eventworld is smaller than other conferences, I like it that way because it is more intimate and gives me a better opportunity for networking and really getting to know fellow ISES members.
Excuses, Excuses
So what is your excuse for not attending?
I’m a seasoned pro. There won’t be any education for me.
You may think it is just for beginners, but the educational offerings are geared towards the beginner through to the seasoned event professional. I’ve been in the industry for thirteen years and I’ve had my own company for seven. Trust me. I often had a challenging time deciding which session to attend because there were so many good ones to choose from! And they are not all event related. I attended classes this year on branding, technology for the small office and making the most of my web site.
I don’t have the money to attend.
Start setting aside money to attend now. Give up your daily latte and put it towards your Eventworld savings account. You’ll have a pile of money in no time. Furthermore, by attending Eventworld, you’ll obtain a great education to help you work IN your line of business and ON your business (if you are an owner). You can apply what you learn to get more business (for yourself or your employer) which will then help pay for the cost of the conference many times over.
I don’t have time to attend.
When it comes to education and networking, you have to MAKE the time. I always make ISES a priority each month because I always get SOMETHING out of it. Whether I meet a new person, gain a new décor idea or find out about a new, fabulous venue, there is always something to gain. I also get inspired … and not just from the speakers. By interacting with other event professionals and seeing what they are doing, I get motivated to do my very best each day. I confess that there has been a year or two when I’ve said, “I just don’t think I’ll go this year” but I ALWAYS go and I NEVER regret it because it rejuvenates me every time.
Save the Date!
The 2010 Eventworld will be held August 5 to 7 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Save the date now. I hope all of our Greater Washington members attend. I promise it will be a rewarding and enriching experience.
About Lori Hill
As president of lori hill event productions, inc., an award-winning, event production company, Lori plans events and meetings nationwide. For over 13 years, she has been a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES), a worldwide organization of over 5,500 event professionals that exposes Lori to the hottest trends and most talented vendors around. She was a member of the International Board of Governors for three years and served as president of the Greater Washington, DC chapter the year it won International ISES Chapter of the Year. Lori is a graduate of The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and The Event Management Program at The George Washington University.
An environmentalist, Lori has been a recycling nut for decades and strives to live and work in an environmentally friendly manner. She is a member of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and Greenpeace while lhep is a member of the Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance and the Sustainable Business Network of Washington. On a mission to make the event profession fully green, Lori speaks frequently about green meetings and events at conferences, workshops and at The George Washington University.
honors and awards
Nomination, ISES Capital Award for Best Conference or Trade Show
Nomination, ISES Capital Award for Best Event Under $50,000
Award, ISES Capital Award for Best ISES Team
ISES DC President’s Award
ISES DC Leadership Award
ISES DC Blog optimized for mobile devices
In a constant effort to improve the quality of the blog and make accessibility easier we have made changes to so that its easier to view and read the blog content on your mobile device more user friendly and use less bandwidth.
More Images from ISES DC Gala 2009 !
Thanks to Juan Carlos from FotoBriceno for submitting images from ISES DC Gala 2009.
More images from this event can be viewed at the following link:
Gallery – I : ISES Eventworld 2009
Doorstep Photography has partnered with Zenfolio.com to provide you with easy access to your images. Please feel free to download as many as you like and please credit Doorstep Photography if images are used for any promotional or advertising purposes.
Event World Gala Dinner & Dancing
Event World Gala Awards on Stage
Event World Gala Awards on Stage
Courtesy: Doorstep Photography
HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings National / Event Technology Expo – September 9-10
Check out HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® National / Event Technology Expo™ (ETE) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, September 9 – 10, 2009.
HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® National / Event Technology Expo™ (ETE) is THE industry event that guarantees to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about hundreds of event sites, the latest products and service, trends and technologies when visiting the exhibition; learn from unparalleled education sessions taught by industry experts, as well as networking with your peers. All of this to help you do your job better!
P.S. ISES DC will have a booth there. Please stop by and say hi!
Take just two days to boost your career
to the next level.
Attendance is complimentary for qualified event professionals!
National
Event Technology Expo™ (ETE)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
September 9-10, 2009
(priority code: exhinv)
Industry-Leading Conference – Participate in a timely and targeted educational program with 42 sessions designed to ensure your continued success. Click here to view the complete preliminary program.
Dynamic Exposition – Visit booths organized by state, hotel chain, meeting services, unique meeting sites and international destinations. To view current exhibitor list Click here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
ISES DC Annual Table Top Competition – 2009
Special thanks to our sponsors for this spectacular event:
Venue: House of Sweden
Catering: Ridgewells
Furnishings: Cort Event Furnishings
Entertainment: Grabielismo Productions
Audiovisual: RCI
Photography: Jennifer Hughes
Florals: Plants Alive
Signage: Signs by Tomorrow
Transportation: Chariots for Hire
Courtesy: Jennifer Hughes
ISES 20th Anniversary Tribute
Producer Bill Bowen of Suburban Video was commissioned by ISES to do a historical film looking back on the first 20 years of how the Washington DC ISES Chapter became the worlds largest chapter. Read more
W Hotel Washington, D.C
W Welcome to Wonderland! The new W Washington DC contacted Suburban to produce an electric high impact montage. The video kicked off the purple carpet dramatic and fun Read more
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil May 13,2009
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil is our favorite and most difficult shoot every year. Producer Bill Bowen and a crew of three filmed this dramatic event with the new Sony EX-1 high definition cameras. Read more
Washington Home’s Hospice Care unit
Washington Home’s Hospice Care unit needed an inventive fundraising tool during these difficult economic times. Suburban Video produced an emotional, uplifting DVD for them to show at their Read more
