Category Archives: Uncategorized

National Sporting Library & Museum Celebrates Sir Alfred Munnings

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized

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.

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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.

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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 , , ,

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Expectations vs. Reality: Event Planners

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Expert, Production, Uncategorized, Washington DC and tagged with , ,

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.

Event Planner

“What my friends think I do.”

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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

Lupus NYC 2013

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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.”

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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?

Challenge Accepted: AFP Photo-a-Day

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in DC, Events, Fundraising, Uncategorized, Washington, Washington DC and tagged with , , , , ,

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!

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Venue in Review Part II: The PowerHouse Opening Party

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized

PART II: DÉCOR AND DESIGN

For those who missed last week’s post (tsk tsk) we took a look at one of DC’s newest venues, Powerhouse. “It’s literally a blank palette for décor designers,” says Director of Production Desiree Adams.

At the Powerhouse opening last week, Amaryllis Designer, Nick Watts created two separate looks for the space. Using a combination of clear glass, lush greenery (succulents, ferns, etc.) and rusted metal, the first floor displayed a look of “industrial meets organic.”

Inspiration for décor at Powerhouse.

Inspiration for décor at Powerhouse.

In the designer’s words, “The large scale front installation piece, made of driftwood and lush greens set the tone for the event,  juxtaposed  against the exposed brick and bare-bones nature of the space. Frames filled with moss and other greenery provided visual interest and stood out against the blank canvas. Reclaimed wood was used to construct the unique triangular buffet pieces as well as the pallet bars, furthering the look. The look was completed by terrariums filled with air plants and other succulents which brought life into the space.”

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The first floor décor

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We loved this spread!

Our favorite touches were the Edison lights suspended throughout the venue. The fixtures “provided an element of minimalism,” according to Nick.

Edison Fixtures

Edison Fixtures #love

Featuring sleek black and chrome furniture, the second floor took a drastic turn toward contemporary.

Second floor décor, what a difference!

Second floor décor, what a difference!

Here, Amaryllis created “a clean, modern look, with banquets and hammered metal [to add] texture,” while “modern florals, including asymmetrical arrangements of flaming parrot tulips, completed the sleek look and added a pop of color.”

Not only is the space versatile, but every event rental fee comes with a complimentary photo booth package by Onomonomedia! TWG has been a big fan of Onomonomedia for a few years and has always loved the photos they produce. Here’s why:

  1. They can brand your pics.
  2. They can turn your multi-shot photo shoot into an animated gif.
  3. They can display your pictures on a screen at the event.

AND your pictures will look gooood!

We’ve taken countless photo-booth pictures, and Onomonomedia’s photos are top-notch.

Between the camera resolution, the photoink and the paper quality, the photos are bomb-proof.  Check out our snapshot below:

Patton, Desiree, Holly and Samantha

Patton, Desirée, Holly and Samantha

 

By: Desirée Adams, Director of Production

Edited By: Brittanie Clement, Creative and Digital Marketing Strategist

Photos By: Rodney Bailey

 

Venue in Review: The PowerHouse Opening Party

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Expert, Food and Beverage, Georgetown, Production, Tips, Uncategorized, Washington DC

PART I: Food and Venue

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This week, we went to the opening of the new space Powerhouse (3255 Grace Street, NW) – in the southern part of Georgetown, where those “only in the know,” know where to go. With exposed brick walls and wooden floors, this blank slate is where industrial meets vintage (without the late 19th century feeling of soot and child factory workers).

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The space is represented by Rise Events and the food, provided by Design Cuisine, was top notch! Design Cuisine’s ultimate goal was to create small plates (BTW, so hot right now) that work in a reception setting. While there were traditional passed hors d’oeuvres, the best treats were more than one bite, so it was a challenge to enjoy both the food and drink at the same time (double fisting anyone?)

See our favorites below:

GOAT CHEESE AND CHIPS

waffle fry | roasted leek | carmelized onion | fresh thyme sauce |

waffle fry | roasted leek | carmelized onion | fresh thyme sauce |

MINI SKILLET BRISKET AND CORNBREAD

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individual cast iron skillets | red pepper corn bread | slow smoked brisket | molasses BBQ drizzle

BURGUNDY CHICKEN POT PIE JARS

bacon | leeks | carrots | turnips | pearl onions | wild mushrooms | puff pastry

bacon | leeks | carrots | turnips | pearl onions | wild mushrooms | puff pastry

SALTED CARAMEL ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

toffee cookies | praline crunch

toffee cookies | praline crunch

The space can hold up to 480 for a reception (including both the balcony upstairs and main space downstairs) and 160 for seated at 5.5 foot rounds upstairs.

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See the artist’s rendering of the blank slate you will find at the venue (a décor designer’s dream!)

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The space might not look like much in the picture above, but trust us – a little gobo action on this wall, a strategically placed bar along that wall, and *BOOM* – a hip and intimate space made in event planner heaven…

Stay tuned for “PART II: Décor and Design in Review by Des”

By: Desirée Adams, Director of Production

Edited By: Brittanie Clement, Creative and Digital Marketing Strategist

Photos By: Rodney Bailey

3 Lessons for Event Planners from the Super Bowl Blackout

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized

Reblogged from Social Tables Blog:

Well it was an interesting Super Bowl Sunday, where Team Blackout was named the Twitter winner. As you saw, the Super Dome lost portions of power for over 30 minutes, which made every event professional watching glad it wasn't them in charge. So, what can we learn from their minor heart attacks?

1) Take Advantage of the Situation

Turn the snafu around and make it a joke (after successfully fixing the issue).

Read more… 210 more words

Agreed.

Introducing: Chairman’s Corner

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized and tagged with , , ,

With some much needed R&R under our belts after the inaugural weekend; we’re back up and running full speed towards spring event season. And boy do we have a packed season ahead of us!

We look forward to sharing more sneak peeks of DC’s high-profile events (from behind-the-scenes of course!), but in the meantime, TWG proudly introduces “Chairman’s Corner,” a new space on our blog devoted to the woman who started it all, Lynda Webster.

While TWG staff may be busy producing the show, seating guests or handling entertainment, Lynda is looking at the big picture, but still maintains an acute attention to detail for each event (she’s been known for rearranging entire floral arrangements 30 seconds before the doors open). How she does it? We’ll never know.

We know you’ll enjoy her tips, anecdotes, and most importantly her stories. Take a look!

Black Tie & Boots Blows Up in the Press: A Behind the Scenes Peek

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Decor, Events, Food and Beverage, Production, Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Photo Courtesy of Daniel Swartz

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Swartz

Wheeewww, what a weekend for TWG! Now that we’re back in the office after some much needed rest, it’s time we take a look back on our whirlwind weekend and the magic behind producing not one, but two, Texas-sized events!

Between handling an electronic ticketing system (shout out to Donehue Direct!), managing more than 30 entertainers and working with a “designer to die for” (Darryl & Co), TWG had their hands full.

Amazing pieces of decor from Darryl & Co.

Amazing pieces of décor from Darryl & Co.

Although each special event we produce is unique, we begin the planning process for every event (from an intimate salon dinner for 10 to an Inaugural Ball for 15,000) the same way – by establishing the event date, the event venue and the event budget.  Below are just some of the planning elements that were involved for this year’s Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball:

  • Choose date and venue
  • Create budget
  • RFP process to hire vendors (décor, lighting, sound etc.)
  • Build registration websites (four separate websites actually!)
  • Develop marketing and sponsorship materials
  • Fundraise
  • Develop layouts and décor renderings
  • Design menus and attend tasting (yummmm!)
  • Develop transportation and security plans
  • Troubleshoot entertainment needs
  • Manage print materials and mailings (save-the-dates, invitations, program journals, tickets, credentials, and signage)
  • Develop load-in and load-out schedules
  • Develop production timelines
  • Manage VIP needs
  • Produce the shows!
Our beautiful setting for Friday's Sponsor Dinner.

Our beautiful setting for Friday’s Sponsor Dinner.

Many people would be surprised by the quirky things that go into planning an event of this magnitude. Below are some fun facts about this year’s Texas State Society Inaugural Ball:

  • Five 18-wheelers packed with event décor, including more than 15 studded leather sofas, 12 ft-tall cowboy boots, piñatas, chandeliers, reclaimed wooden tables, 2 Ferris wheels and two full-size covered wagon props left Darryl and Co.’s warehouse in Houston, Texas on January 14.
  • The trucks traveled 1,432 miles across the country, to bring a taste of Texas to DC.
  • The production, décor, security and registration teams communicate via wireless headsets and two-way radios while on-site during the event. More than 100 radios were ordered for the event.
  • On the day of the Ball, more than 300 event volunteers and staff will work the event, and that doesn’t even include the Gaylord staff.
  • Between coat checks, registration, VIP areas and the Red Carpet, we utilized over 1,200 feet of rope and stanchion.
Charlie Pride and Larry Gatlin performing at for the Sponsor Dinner

Charlie Pride and Larry Gatlin performing at the Sponsor Dinner.

FEW FUN FACTS:

  • 100 gallons of Fire-Roasted Salsa was served at Black Tie & Boots this year, along with 100 gallons of Spicy Artichoke & Crab Dip.
  • More than 33,700 drinks were served on Saturday with approximately 63,000 total hors d’ouevres.

So what is the most stressful part of the process, and the most fun part, you ask?

The devil is in the details. As event planners, we manage virtually EVERY aspect of the event, from making sure the napkins are folded correctly, to answering the RSVP hotline, to creating a memorable guest experience.

The Lovely Kilgore Rangerttes

The Lovely Kilgore Rangerettes

All of us agree, the nervous excitement we feel just minutes before the event and witnessing the thousands of moving parts come together as we execute our plans, is an adrenaline rush.

Check us out on the TODAY show and in The Washington Post!

Deborah interviewing with Erica Hill from the TODAY show.

Deborah interviewing with Erica Hill from the TODAY show.

Want to see behind the scenes photos of TWG at work during BT&B? Check us out on Instagram!

Deborah with Erica Hill

Special thanks to: Ward & Ames, Darryl & Co., Donehue Direct, Dosey Doe, Gaylord National Resort &Convention Center, National Harbor Police, Atmosphere Lighting, Maryland Sound International, Control Video, Charles Zhang and our wonderful volunteers…

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: The Texas State Society of Washington, DC! It has been a privilege to work with all of you!

BIG SHOUT OUT TO: Doug Centilli and Ed Perez!

Special Thanks to TSS!

Special Thanks to TSS!

The Code: Dress To Impress This Weekend

Posted by The Webster Group Blog in Uncategorized

Whether you are the social butterfly bouncing from ball to ball this weekend, or a newbie just stepping into your first inaugural season, Washington, DC is buzzing with excitement over this weekend’s festivities.

So you got your invite, bought your tickets (and maybe even swung a date for the weekend) but don’t know what the “code” means!?

Don’t worry, TWG has you covered (literally) with what to wear to some of this week’s most exciting events!

THE (DRESS) CODE:

  • Business Casual for Ladies: Try a skirt and silk blouse OR a dress with cardigan.
  • Business Casual for the Gentleman: We LOVE nice Khakis with a button down shirt and blazer.

Our very own Associate Director and TWG Fashionista Extraordinaire, Patton, says “Nice driving shoes go a long way for comfort and style for the gentleman.”

TWG Photo by: Patton at the National Sporting Museum & Library Polo Match in Middleburg, VA.

Tip from the pro: “To dress up an outfit; bring a blazer to layer over your shirt or blouse.”

  • Business: Go with a suit, it never fails!

TWG Photo by: Shmulik Almany and ImageLink
Event: ARC Philnthropic Assembly Chairman’s Council Dinner at the American Red Cross HQ.

Tip from the pro: Ladies, dress up an old suit with flashy emerald pumps to make a splash. Gentlemen, skinny ties and bow ties are in this season!

  • Cocktail: According to experts, the most common fashion faux pas at events is mixing up cocktail and formal wear (especially for the ladies).
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TWG Photo by: ImageLink Photography
Lupus Foundation of America’s DC Gala at The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

“A cocktail party is a semi-formal event where drinks and light hors d’oeurves are served,” says Patton. “Keep your cocktail dresses mid-thigh to knee-length,” she advises.

  • Formal: Attire is “fancier,” and worn to events such as weddings, private dinners or debutante balls.

“Formal means gowns, or your best LBD [little black dress]” says Patton. “Gentleman, a dark suit or even a tux is always a winner.”

  • Black Tie for Ladies: Go all the way with a floor-length ball gown.
  • Black Tie for Gentleman: Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers formal white shirt, paired with black or onyx studs and cufflinks. Don’t forget your bow tie, black patent shoes and black dress socks. Don’t worry, gloves are not necessary!
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TWG Photo by: Rachel, TWG Associate
2012 Points of Light Tribute Awards at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan

For those looking to get really fancy…check out our White Tie recommends:

  • White Tie for Ladies: MUST wear a floor-length evening gown!
  • White Tie for Gentleman: Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin coupled with white piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front, white vest, cufflinks, bow tie and white GLOVES! Don’t forget your black patent shoes and black dress socks

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER:

This week, our very own seasoned ball attendee, (or pro baller as we like to call her), gave us some very candid but great advice for those looking to venture out to this weekend’s celebrations. Chairman and CEO, Lynda Webster shares her scoop:

  • Wear comfortable shoes!
  • Be sure to keep your coat check stub with you at all times and in a safe place to avoid hassle at the end of the night.
  • Take a driver–or cab–parking is always limited.
  • Don’t bother with the jewels–it’s not Palm Beach (ha!)
  • Take patience–you might wait a long while to see the President and First Lady.
  • Take an attitude that it’s a networking experience, not a glamorous ball.
  • For parades be sure to wear comfy warm shoes and layer your clothing. Hat and mittens are a must (trust me, mittens are warmer than gloves!) You can put hand warming inserts in them too.
  • Most importantly, have fun, and be safe!

Photo Credits