The Webster Group’s Marathon Week of Events

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Fundraising, Production, Washington DC and tagged with Event Planning, Non Profit, Social Media, The Webster Group 05/16/2013

This week, The Webster Group team has not 1, not 2…. but 12 events. As you can imagine, the staff is “caffeine-fueled” and the days in the office are quite hectic. Between 10-15 conference calls going on at any given moment, last-second seating changes, and the creation of more than 900 name badges in one week, we are B-U-S-Y. But don’t think we forgot about our blog! We’ll be back next week after our whirlwind events marathon to share some great stories about what The Webster Group team has accomplished with our amazing clients.

In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter (@TheWebsterGroup) for live updates about The Webster Group during these events.

Members of The Webster Group staff, hard at work planning events

National Sporting Library & Museum Celebrates Sir Alfred Munnings

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized 05/10/2013

On April 21, 2013, over 400 guests gathered on a beautiful spring day at The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) in Middleburg, VA to celebrate the life and works of British artist Sir Alfred Munnings. The NSLM undertook this major exhibition, Munnings: Out in the Open, featuring 68 original works of art gathered from private collectors and institutions, and created awareness by also hosting a movie premier of “Summer in February,” a British film being screened for the first time in the United States about a period in Munnings’ life, based on a book by the same name.

The buzz around this extraordinary event began in January. In conjunction with the National Sporting Library & Museum, The Webster Group hit the ground running by creating the sponsorship and marketing materials, then researching and sending out sponsorship letters, and forming a Ladies Committee. With the guidance of NSLM Vice Chairman Jacqueline B. Mars, NSLM and The Webster Group formed a committee of over 20 members. Our diligent staff members also coordinated with these committee members and sponsors to ensure that they were receiving their proper benefits such as program advertisement and table seating assignment.

The Middleburg community was in such a stir as this amazing event approached, that Webster Group staff ultimately fielded an extraordinary amount of calls and emails from people wanting to learn more information and buy tickets, and was such a hot ticket that it was a sold out event.

The Webster Group collected all of the RSVPs for the evening, and on that gorgeous spring afternoon in April, flawlessly greeted and checked-in guests as they arrived, which included British Ambassador Sir Peter John Westmacott, Jacqueline B. Mars, Robert Duvall, Summer in February author Jonathan Smith, and “Summer in February” movie producers Janette Day, Pippa Cross, and Jeremy Cowdrey.

Janette Day (producer), Melanie Mathewes (NSLM Executive Director), Jonathan Smith (author),Pippa Cross (producer), Jeremy Cowdrey (producer)

Ultimately, with the help of the National Sporting Library & Museum, The Webster Group went well over our set revenue goal, marking another successful event for the company.

Medal of Honor Character Development Program Resolution Passes in Tennessee

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Production, Uncategorized and tagged with Character Development Program, Congressional Medal of Honor, Nashville, Tennessee 05/03/2013

On April 8, 2013, The Webster Group was proud to be a part of a historic day surrounding the unanimous passing of Joint Resolution 45 in the Tennessee State Senate in recognition of a model character development program in Tennessee public schools. Written by four students from Knoxville Central High School and sponsored by Senator Becky Massey, R-Knoxville, Resolution 45 urged the official adoption by the State Board of Education of the Congressional Medal of Honor Character Development Program as the official curriculum to be used to meet the character education requirements currently set out in state law. Tennessee is the first state to adopt this program.

Senator Becky Massey, Col. (Ret.) Leo Thorsness, students Abby Booher and Brittany Davis at the Tennessee State Senate Capitol

The Character Development Program, created by Medal of Honor Recipients and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, “incorporates the ideals of courage and selfless service into the middle and high school curriculum to build character and promote responsible citizenship.”

Prior to the 5:00 pm State Senate session, The Webster Group was directly involved in helping to coordinate the itinerary and schedules of a number of meetings between the students, Medal of Honor convention and foundation representatives, and Governor Haslam’s office, including: Medal of Honor Convention committee co-chairs Joe Thompson and Chris Coyne; Convention Education Director Don Naab; Abby Booher and Brittany Davis (two students who co-authored the resolution); Dr. Michael McDaniel (Central High School history teacher and student sponsor); Medal of Honor recipient and immediate past president of the Medal of Honor Society, Col. (Ret.) Leo Thorsness and his wife Gaylee; and other supporters who all toured the Tennessee State Senate Capitol in Nashville to promote the resolution.

Senator Becky Massey, Col. (Ret.) Leo Thorsness, Governor Bill Haslam, and Medal of Honor Convention and Foundation representatives

Following the passing of the resolution, The Webster Group played an integral role in planning a celebratory dinner for Medal of Honor convention and foundation representatives, members of the Knoxville, Tennessee congressional delegation, the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Convention Honorary Committee member, Many-Bears Grinder, and representatives from Nashville-area schools and educational organizations.

Initially planned as an intimate 15-person dinner in the historic Hermitage Hotel, it quickly grew to 40 people. TWG staff was able to negotiate a larger room within the hotel to accommodate this larger crowd.

Because the Hermitage Hotel, built in the style of Beaux Arts Classicism, is already a beautiful building, not much additional décor was necessary for the dinner. The Webster Group staff designed the tables to include linens, floral to include blue hydrangea and yellow lilies, and individual place cards for that added touch. The book Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty was placed in each guest’s chair, which was also signed by Medal of Honor recipient, Leo Thorsness, after the dinner.

For more information about the Medal of Honor Character Development, click here.

For information about the 2014 Congressional Medal of Honor Convention in Knoxville, contact, Wendy Drake, President, The Webster Group at wendy@webstergroupinc.com.

Less than One Month Until The Grin Gala!

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Events, Fundraising, Production, Washington DC and tagged with #DCEvents, Clinton Wheeler, Gala, Grin Gala, Mark Kimsey, Operation Smile, US Chamber of Commerce 04/15/2013

Between producing the National Cherry Blossom Opening Ceremony, the AMVET’s Silver Helmet Awards Banquet and running registration for a Fashion show and movie premiere (more on these later!), TWG is in full-on event mode. Although it’s a busy time for the TWG team, the nice weather, beautiful cherry blossoms and change in season give us all something to smile about.

And speaking of smiling, we are proud to announce our partnership with Operation Smile to produce their 6th annual Grin Gala at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 11, 2013, which also marks the organization’s 30th Anniversary.

This year, Mark J. Kimsey, Enily Wheeler and Clinton F. Wheeler, Vice President of Corporate Programs at the U.S. Chamber, have once again offered to provide their tremendous leadership and renewed commitment to the Grin Gala mission by serving as the Executive Chairs. While both US Congressman Trent Franks and the Honorable Thomas R. Pickering will serve as this year’s Honorary Chairs.

With less than one month to go, the Grin Gala team and TWG are working tirelessly to secure sponsorship support from some of the area’s most formidable companies, pushing rooftop reception tickets sales and drafting production schedules.

Last year was the first year TWG partnered with the Grin Gala team and helped to raise nearly $250,000 on behalf of Operation Smile. Although we’re grateful to have contributed to one of the organization’s most successful and well received events, we know that 2013 will be even more impressive.

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee and headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, Operation Smile has provided more than 3.5 million healthcare evaluations and conducted over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities, as well as patients suffering from burns. Operation Smile is dedicated to building self-sufficiency in developing countries by training doctors and local medical professionals in our partner countries so they are empowered to treat their own local communities, donating medical equipment and supplies, and providing year-round medical treatment through our worldwide Comprehensive Care Centers.

With the purpose of raising awareness for the mission of Operation Smile, the Grin Gala raises funds to enable life-changing surgeries for children with facial deformities and encourages international philanthropy and stewardship. Today, the Grin Gala is composed of friends, families and Operation Smile volunteers, donors and advocates that come together to celebrate and support the mission.

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Location: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20062
Dress: Black Tie Optional

Schedule:
6:00 PM VIP Rooftop Cocktail followed by VIP Dinner and After Party
7:45 PM Founders Circle Rooftop Cocktail followed by After Party

To purchase tickets, please click HERE!

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Opening Ceremony

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Production, Washington DC and tagged with Andy Grammer, Bloom, Celebration, Cherry Trees, Entertainment, National Cherry Blossom Festival, NCBF, Show, Spring, Springtime, Urban Nation, Warner Theater 03/29/2013

There is no doubt that every year Washingtonians and tourists alike anxiously await the greatest springtime celebration: the blossoming of D.C.’s famous cherry trees. The blooming period lasts less than two weeks, with the peak blooms lasting only a few short days. As you can imagine, timing is everything when planning your visit into the city to view these magnificent trees. With snow sweeping the nation’s capital last week, the National Park Service has forecasted April 3-6 as the peak blooming time this spring.

Amazing stage set.

Warner Theatre

Regardless of the weather last Friday, D.C. was ready to begin the Cherry Blossom festivities and usher in the start of a new (hopefully warmer) season. TWG teamed up with The National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) to help ring in the new season and produce the NCBF’s Opening Ceremony.

Mariko Furukawa, Junko Yagami, the Chihiro Yamanaka Trio

Held at the Warner Theatre, this year’s opening ceremony showcased the history of the blossoms with remarks from both, His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan to the U.S., and the Honorable Vincent Gray, Mayor of Washington, D.C. Guests were also entertained with musical performances by breakout pop-star Andy Grammer, Nanae Iwata and Mariko Furukawa, Junko Yagami, the Chihiro Yamanaka Trio, Rina Haruki and the Urban Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir.

One "junior" member of Urban Hip Hop, too cute!

One “junior” member of Urban Nation, too cute!

We got to meet Andy Grammer!

With an amazing stage set, a packed house and a fabulous lineup of speakers and entertainment, TWG couldn’t ask for a better show. Whether we were tip-toeing in the corridors under the theater to reach stage left with our entertainers or calling a flawless show, we felt honored to be a part of one of D.C.’s most time-honored springtime celebrations.

Wall of "Good Luck Kisses" in one of Warner Theater corridors

Wall of “Good Luck Kisses” in one of Warner Theatre corridors

We would like to give a special thank you to: Kris Rohr, National Cherry Blossom Festival Board Chair; Diana Mayhew, President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival; Jessica Doyle, our amazing Emcee for the evening and reporter for WUSA9; and Hargrove and EventEQ. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with all of you.

TWG Team: Patton, Lea and Holly

“Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. Today, more than 1.5 million people visit Washington, DC [ generating $170 million in revenue] each year to admire the blossoming cherry trees and to participate in diverse programming that heralds spring in the nation’s capital” – National Cherry Blossom Festival.

For more information regarding the National Cherry Blossom Festival , please visit their website or follow on all the events via Twitter.

TWG Takes Deeper Look: Critical Exposure

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Events, Fundraising, Washington, Washington DC and tagged with Critical Exposure, DC nonprofits, DC Public Schools, nonprofits, photography, social change, social reform, youth 03/22/2013

Over the years, The Webster Group has worked with and helped a number of nonprofit organizations. We have provided services to some of the largest high-profile national organizations and advised smaller local nonprofits, reaching thousands in our own backyard.

One of our favorite local organizations, Critical Exposure (CE), is a DC-based nonprofit “that teaches youth to use the power of photography and their own voices to become effective advocates for school reform and social change.”

In 2009, TWG began a partnership with Critical Exposure in planning fundraising and sponsorship materials, while offering some insight into preparation of their annual photography auction, “Picture Equality: An Evening of Empowerment through Photography.” This fall, as TWG prepares to give back to the local community, we look forward to serving on their host committee once again.

Adam Levner, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Critical Exposure and Alison Hanold, Development & Communications Director, both took some time to speak with our resident blogger, Brittanie, about Critical Exposure and the power of photography as a tool to create social change.

At TWG, we know starting a nonprofit is far from easy, but Critical Exposure managed to get a jump in 2004 with a brainstorming session in two DC studio apartments. From there, the team began operating at a quick pace.

Adam explained that, in terms of board development, Critical Exposure used personal networks and worked through direct relationships to recruit members and expand their reach. Soon enough, CE secured a few small grants which enabled them to buy cameras and get a start with a group of Baltimore students.

When asked what moment or moments have made him most proud as a founder, Adam stated, “Getting to hire staff! It really makes you feel like a real organization….”

Adam also mentioned that Critical Exposure just wrapped up a huge project within the last year. Working with high school students to use photography to advocate for a new library in their school, CE taught the students to tell their story, use photos to tell their stories to the audience that could help them create change, and persuade public officials to fund their library.

“We had the opportunity to advise and follow this group through the whole process; from research to ribbon cutting,” said Adam. “It’s an exciting process to watch.”

He continued to explain that all nonprofits face challenges in this tough economy, but staying innovative in a niche that is not quite filled is what keeps Critical Exposure going. “[We] are teaching young people to use an art for concrete changes.”

Looking ahead at 2013, Adam painted a very eventful season for Critical Exposure. Between the annual spring exhibit in May at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery, a fellowship program and student-run campaign geared towards improving the current DC school discipline system and CE’s summer leadership program, Adam and his team have their hands full.

TWG wants to wish the best of luck to the CE team and their students over the next few months. We look forward to continue working with them!

For more information on Critical Exposure please visit their site here or follow them @pictureequality.

Expectations vs. Reality: Event Planners

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Expert, Production, Uncategorized, Washington DC and tagged with Event planner, meme, What I do 03/18/2013

With the help of the media, especially reality TV and the onslaught of movies glamorizing the event planning world, it’s easy to skew the real reality of what our job entails as event professionals.

With that, we bring you TWG’s very own “What I Do” meme. Here we not only address the false misrepresentations of event planners, but give you a glimpse into the exciting world of TWG.

“What my friends think I do.”

Event planning does not necessarily equal party planning. In fact, there are MANY different types of events that TWG plans: meetings, conferences, salon dinners and the list goes on and on. More often than not we are the ones not seen in this picture; we’re behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. The best planner is one you didn’t notice was there.

“What my mom thinks I do.”

True story: Several of our mother’s still think we plan birthday parties. Birthday parties, sweet sixteens, bar/bat mitzvahs are not a TWG specialty (although whoever created this kid’s save-the-date is awesome). At TWG, we not only specialize in high-profile special events such as galas, conferences and launches, but we have a range of services in fundraising, marketing and government initiatives.

“What potential clients think I do.”

Between developing innovative strategies, cost effective solutions and delivering value-added services, we would like to think of ourselves as superheroes of a sort. Even when thrown a curve-ball we’re quick on our feet and proactive. It’s important to learn from experiences, strive for the very best, and deliver superb services to our clients.

“What the world thinks I do.”

Somewhere between the advent of reality TV and the popularization of movie characters as event planners, the event profession and industry became glamorized or even “sexy.”

However, we’re here to tell you that the real gritty event production is far from what you see on TV. Our Chairman and CEO once had to shine up some pumpkin centerpieces with mayonnaise five minutes before doors opened for a prestigious gala. Being flexible and resourceful goes a long way in this industry, even when you do come prepared with a supply box.

“What I think I do.”

Lupus NYC 2013

2013 Black Tie & Boots Sponsor Dinner Registration

It’s far too easy for event professionals to look back on an event and reflect only on the 3-4 hours of that one particular event. At TWG we try to remember and emphasize all the planning, time, energy and resources that went into that very short time frame, six months prior to the event.

“What I ACTUALLY do.”

As natural planners, the TWG staff typically goes into the office on any given day with a game plan and a set schedule for what the day is going to look like. Unfortunately, in our industry, all it takes is one phone call, one email or even a text message from a client in need to turn the day on its head. Before you know it, what you thought was your “to-do” list goes out the window. This is where flexibility, organization and resourcefulness comes in for us. Without these, we’d never be able to put out these “fires” and keep our clients coming back.

Plus, who doesn’t love a little curve ball every once and awhile?

Venue in Review: Georgetown – Morton’s The Steakhouse

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Food and Beverage, Washington DC and tagged with Food, Georgetown, Morton's, Venues 03/08/2013

Recently the renovated space at Morton’s in Georgetown was revealed. Located just off Wisconsin Avenue on Prospect Street, Morton’s Steakhouse is ideally situated for busy Washingtonians to stop in.

The space of the main restaurant is rather conventional. However, they replaced the mahogany walls and traditional carpeting with a black and white patterned carpet, along with chandeliers that reminded us of an art deco hotel in the 1920s. While mirrors lined the walls and opened up the space, our favorite pieces were the “cracked leather” semi-circular booths set for larger parties.

Considering the masculinity of the space, we suggest Morton’s is best suited for an intimate corporate dinner or luncheon because of its central location.

The private event space sits opposite the kitchen and with an air wall in the middle, it is flexible in size. Combined, both private rooms seat 80. Separately, Private Dining Room A seats 50, while Private Dining Room B seats 36. The décor inside these rooms follows suit with the décor of the main restaurant.

Our favorite part of the visit was the food. Although we were unable to try items on main menu, our sampling of the reception hors d’oeuvres left us wanting more – in a good way.

BLT short rib slider – Served on a brioche bun, it was a hearty portion and good for any carnivore.

Grilled lamb chop – One of our top favorites, it was cooked properly, had good seasoning. But we typically stay away from food that leaves guests with “trash” (i.e. the bone you just gnawed off the meat).

TWG recommends either smaller portions for the appetizers or having high tops for guests to rest food and drinks on.

Check out our two favorites below:

Tuna tartar on a wonton crisp We’re fans of anything tartar, and this bite did not disappoint. It also had a bit of heat, which gave it complexity.

Key Lime Cheesecake – This was a two-bite finish; the graham cracker crust on the bottom was moist and the key lime bit was flavorful.

Challenge Accepted: AFP Photo-a-Day

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in DC, Events, Fundraising, Uncategorized, Washington, Washington DC and tagged with AFP March, Association for Fundraising Professsionals, Instagram, Photo-a-Day Challenge #eventprofs, Photos, Social Media 03/01/2013

It is well known that TWG is competitive, not just in our industry but as individuals. We like to think it comes with the territory of what we do. Just to give you a peek into our corporate culture, we had an office-wide “dialing for dollars” competition last week to help one of our clients hit its fundraising goal.

Virginia and Olivia battling it out on the phones!

Lunch at our favorite local Chinese restaurant was on the line so, as you can imagine, each of us was “in it to win it.”

The past two TWG office retreats have also included a team-based scavenger hunt in D.C. and an intense Iron Chef competition.

Cheers to our Iron Chef Competitio!

We can’t help but love good, friendly competition!

So when the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) came out with its “March Photo-a-Day Challenge,” we were all over it.

Cuteness is key to success.

Some themes of the day include: #13 – Favorite Event, #24 – Give Back and TWG fundraising favorite #31 – In Your Suitcase.

As AFP expresses, “… the ever-growing outreach of Instagram, including 90 million monthly active users, and the inspiration through the capture of a simple picture, it’s safe to say this is a social media venture you want to be a part of.”

Some of the largest and most inspiring nonprofits are on Instagram, and it’s a great way to visually connect with the global community to raise awareness for a cause.

Screenshot of Charity: Water’s Instagram Page

TWG couldn’t agree more, so here we are on March 1 ready to engage, inspire and maybe even win! Be sure to follow along @TheWebsterGroup or on Instagram!
Click here for more information on AFP’s March Photo-a-Day Challenge.

HOW TO SURVIVE SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Events, Washington DC and tagged with #Eventtech, #SMWWD, business, Dan Soschin, Facebook, marketing, SMW, SMWWDC, Social Media, Social Media Week, Tech, technology, Twitter 02/22/2013

Let me start by saying I am a shameless newbie to the Social Media Week, Washington, DC (SMWWDC) scene. It was all too easy to get caught up in the excitement and buzz of a four-day free-for-all.

I began my adventure with SMW as little Charlie did in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I eagerly signed up, logged in and cherry picked each of the sessions to attend, all while researching (some might say stalking) each of the panel speakers and sponsors.

Imagine my delight, as I “shopped” online for SMW sessions:

”Agile Advocacy” - moderated by Facebook? Sure I’ll take one of those!

“Social Media Analytics” – hosted by American Public University? Add to cart!

“Leveraging Digital for #PublicDiplomacy” – with speakers (and potential clients) from the State Department? I’m all over it!

Did I mention the closing party hosted by Twitter?! Oh. M. G.

To say I was a kid in the social media “candy store” would be an understatement.

As the Creative and Digital Marketing Strategist at The Webster Group, this was an opportunity to flex my “digital muscles” and bring a treasure trove of technical knowledge back to home base.

Little did I know what was in store.

As I sat in the back row of my very first SMW session, I felt like a first grader in a college freshman computer science class who forgot to bring a pencil!

Analytics, SEO, ROI Facebook Insights…umm excuse me? Come again?

As you can imagine I found myself flustered, unprepared and thinking “BUT HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO EVENTS??!!”

Enter stage left: Dan Soschin, Vice President Interactive Marketing of American Public University System.

First slide: “Mind your own business.”

“Well that’s rude,” I think to myself.

But between the endless entrepreneurs and the numerous nonprofit managers asking about strategy and techniques, it finally hit home “mind your own business.”

How does this new phenomenon apply to what our industry is doing?

More importantly, how does technology, social media and digital strategy even begin to fit into the complicated moving parts of event planning, fundraising and nonprofit management?

As with any industry, the answer to that question can lead down many roads.

However, wherever that intersection is, that is where we need to be.

When discussing technology and the events industry, Dan Berger, Founder and CEO of Social Tables, put it perfectly, “It [technology] is happening…go with it!”

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