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

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.”

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.

www.lorihillevents.com

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.

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

♦ This is an annual competition open to over 30,000 caterers across the nation with extensive submission requirements. Not only do all entrants need to document their goals, challenges and accomplishments, they also need to show a history of consistent growth and longevity in the marketplace.

♦ While most entrants concentrated on a specific challenging event, Main Event chose to highlight our efforts at creating a sustainable business model. Our current efforts of purchasing wind power and carbon offsets, recycling, composting, zero-waste kitchen, and bio-diesel fuel contributions coupled with our future plans of a geothermal heat transfer system, rainwater reclamation project and in-house (actually on-house) mainstay crop production garnered the attention of the judges and ultimately the top prize.

♦ None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the efforts of the entire Main Event team. This not only includes the dedicated and talented in-house staff but also the hundreds of professional offsite staff that many of you have met at our events.

♦ We thank they and you for supporting our efforts and spreading the word that it is possible to run a profitable business providing a superior product while still looking out for our planet. We look forward to working with you for many years to come.

The Main Event Team

Main Event Caterers, emerging as one of Washington DC’s most sought after catering
companies was recently awarded the coveted “Caterer of the Year” designation by Catering Magazine, the only
national business-to-business trade publication for the industry.
According to partner Joel Thevoz: ” the creative team of Main Event Caterers is extraordinarily appreciative of
receiving the highest honors from the top publication in our industry representing 30,000 of America’s finest
professional catering companies. While the past few years have been challenging due to the economic
downturn, Main Event Caterers has continued to grow and prosper by dedicating our energies to providing
extraordinary customer service, fine, fresh foods which are artfully prepared and served in a way that preserves
the environment for future generations.”
Since “going green” in 2008 by careful management of its operating procedures, Main Event Caterers’ business
has grown by 48%. The company has been recognized as one of the premier “green catering companies and
socially responsible companies and increasing numbers of businesses and organizations are seeking them out
for events.
Main Event Caterers is 100 percent wind powered, carbon neutral, at the front line of recycling, waste
management and employing alternative disposables, utilizing natural, sustainable sources for meats and sea
foods and have a mandate for staff, clients, and suppliers to practice responsible environmental stewardship.
Main Event Caterers is noted for its low environmental and sustainable approach to entertaining. Companies
choosing to use a local caterer with local food sources result in a reduction of the use of fossil fuels while
providing a fresher, more flavorful product.
While the company initially began the initiative to reduce waste and prevent a negative environmental impact,
Main Event Caterers has received recognition and awards from numerous local and national organizations
including Alliance for Workplace Excellence’s 2009 AWE Eco Leadership Award, 2008 Best Green Business
Award by the Arlington Economic Development Committee and as a nominee for the Green Business Award by
the Washington Business Journal.
Main Event Caterers, located in Arlington, Virginia has a long list of awards including: 2009 Hospitality
Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Best Off-Premise Catered Event in Metropolitan Washington by
International Special Events Society (ISES), they are among the Top Caterers listed by Washingtonian
Magazine, as well as one of the Best Wedding Vendors in Washingtonian’s Bride and Groom Magazine.
Founders Joel Thevoz and Nancy Goodman provide community leadership by sharing their green practices and
principals and serving as guest speakers to business and environmental organizations.
The company’s Founder and Executive Vice President, Nancy Goodman said: “We believe that businesses have
a responsibility to not only protect but also improve our natural environment. What is extraordinary is that so
many of our colleagues in business and government agree and have entrusted their business to us! We’re deeply
honored.”
Main Event Caterers, located at 3870 Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington, also provides its “black gold” compost
for gardening plus used cooking oil for vehicles using bio-diesel fuel to “green” clients and neighbors at no
charge.
For additional information go to www.MainEventCaterers.com or call 703-820-2028.

Sir Andrew Larris – Andy Kushner Entertainment, Inc.

I was fortunate enough to receive the ISES DC scholarship to attend The
Special Event this year in New Orleans. I was able to experience the
leadership conference, educational seminars, and networking events. In all
honesty, if it weren’t for this scholarship that was so generously granted
by ISES DC, I would not have been able to attend this conference. It was an
invaluable experience and I am so appreciative that I was able to
participate.

Monday began with the Leadership Conference on Monday, where everyone who is
on his or her chapter’s respective Board of Directors was invited. We
discussed the state of the industry as a whole and within our individual
regions, and I have to say that the state of the DC Chapter is fantastic.
Here in the Greater Washington DC area we put on some of the best events
anywhere and we certainly have the strongest chapter in the world!

Tuesday through Friday featured educational seminars and panels with topics
ranging from successful social media marketing to trends in the events
industry inspired by Hollywood to a panel of 130 years of experience in the
special events world. Four of the ISES DC members were presenters with Andy
Kushner, Mike Ostrow, Karen Bridges and Janet Flowers leading panels and
seminars. The evenings were full of great networking events from a party at
Mardi Gras World where all of the floats for the Mardi Gras parade are made
and held to an event at Pat O’Brien’s on Bourbon Street sponsored by the
Orlando chapter of ISES. Thursday night featured a fundraiser for The SEARCH
Foundation, which was produced by Sasha Souza. Between the tickets sales, on
site donations, a silent auction, and a “create your own cologne or perfume”
bar we raised a total of more than $112,000!!

The week ended on Friday with the annual Awards Gala. There were quite a few
representatives from the DC chapter who were nominated for awards. Nominees
included Patti Weiner and Taylor Strimple of Plan-It Parties, Cara Weiss of
Save the Date, and Julie Shanklin of Syzygy Event Productions. The winners
from ISES DC were Janet Flowers of Janet Flowers Wedding & Event Designs,
Alysha DiGiorgio and Vincent DiGiorgio of Digital Lightning, and Kelley
Gillespie of GEM Events. Congratulations to the DC Chapter for having 6
finalists and 3 winners in these international awards!!

I would highly recommend that everyone apply for these scholarships as they
are offered. Attending conferences like EventWorld and The Special Event are
chances to network, learn, and create relationships with the best event
professionals in the world. With EventWorld taking place in Baltimore this
August, it would be a mistake to not take advantage of this opportunity. See
you all at the Marriott Waterfront August 5-7!!

♦ This is an annual competition open to over 30,000 caterers across the nation with extensive submission requirements. Not only do all entrants need to document their goals, challenges and accomplishments, they also need to show a history of consistent growth and longevity in the marketplace.

♦ While most entrants concentrated on a specific challenging event, Main Event chose to highlight our efforts at creating a sustainable business model. Our current efforts of purchasing wind power and carbon offsets, recycling, composting, zero-waste kitchen, and bio-diesel fuel contributions coupled with our future plans of a geothermal heat transfer system, rainwater reclamation project and in-house (actually on-house) mainstay crop production garnered the attention of the judges and ultimately the top prize.

♦ None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the efforts of the entire Main Event team. This not only includes the dedicated and talented in-house staff but also the hundreds of offsite professionals that make our events a success.

♦ We thank them for supporting our efforts and spreading the word that it is possible to run a profitable business providing a superior product while still looking out for our planet. We look forward to working with you for many years to come.

The Main Event Team