A working lunch

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Host
Special Events: Techniques and Ideas for Maximizing Special Events and Functions in the Nonprofit World ( Aug. 14th)

I never shy a way from a lunch time outing especially when it includes a fabulous catered lunch at the Le' Enfant Plaza Hotel with event planners and non-profit professionals from some of the most prominent organizations in DC. This past Thursday, representatives from Wolf Trap and the Human Society shared their tricks of the trade on making each event count. We got a glimpse of the cutest pics from this year’s Bark Ball, a fantastic event that goes to support the Washington Human Society and one of the most popular annual events in DC. We also took a look at their social networking sites and discussed the importance that such sites play in the success of today’s events.

Not a bad lunch if I do say so myself. I walked away feeling informed and a little inspired.

Interested in learning more about the AFPDC or Attending one of their events. Check out their website at: http://www.afpdc.org/

Guru

Getting my fill at the EMC Tradeshow

This past Thursday I had the pleasure of heading over to the Le'Efant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC for the Exceptional Meeting and Conference Venues' 2008 Tradeshow. It was my first time at the hotel which is located right above the Le' Efante Plaza Metro stop in SW, DC .The Hotel is beautiful and they started the evening off with a tour of their event spaces. They have an amazing conference center featuring:

• 21,000 square feet of modern meeting and banquet space, accommodating groups of up to 700 people
• 21 function rooms, featuring versatile floor plans and the latest technology
• The Grand Ballroom, a elegantly soaring destination for events of up to 700 guests
• The Solarium, featuring striking skyline views through a glass roof, a fashionable lounge for receptions and social events.
• The Club Room, a casual lounge setting perfect for pre-function gatherings and cocktail parties

The tradeshow and ed session was held in the Solarium, a long narrow space with lots of natural light. It was a small tradeshow featuring about 10-15 different venues from all over the US. Their reception was SPECTACULAR! This guru loves a good meal and EMC did not disappoint. Local chefs were on hand to share recipes for rock fish and gazpacho, while demonstrating their handy work at a hot station in the middle of the room. Everything was very well layed out. I got lots of new and unique display ideas, from an EXTRA large pan of paella to a non-alcoholic juice bar.

Toward the end of the night, the planners gathered around for a teacup auction of different prizes from each of the venues. I was busy noshing on the dessert buffet when I heard my number called! I won a $100 gift card to Morton's Steak House. What a fitting end to a wonderful evening!

I attend events through EMC whenever I can. They are really wonderful at highlighting local venues and giving planners the opportunity to experience them first hand. They have a great website that you should check out: http://www.emcvenues.com/ You'll find a listing of their upcoming events and webinars. Sign up, you won't be disappointed.

Until next time... live fabulously!

Guru