smithsonian american art museum – 10th anniversary gala

Goal

The DC Public Education Fund was planning a summit for donors followed by a 10th Anniversary Gala of their organization. It was important that while the day was long, donors walked feeling taken care of, inspired and knowing how important their support of the Ed Fund was.

Challenges

A long day for guests. An early morning, all day summit followed by a gala celebrating late into the evening meant we had to keep our guests awake, alert and looking forward to what was ahead in the schedule. We did this with incorporating some surprises throughout the day. The general session kicked off with a local high school marching band entering the auditorium from the back, and getting guests up on their feet. Lunch was presented in bento boxes and everyone sat at long communal, cafeteria style tables. Local students were the entertainment at the gala dinner highlighting their exceptional voices and instrumental skills.

A short time frame to transfer guests from the conference to the gala, meant speakers couldn’t run over. We worked with speakers and the AV team to make sure presentations were ready to go and we cued speakers earlier than planned whenever we could.

Outcome

Our client was so happy that the long day of educating came with new donors and ended with entertaining and ushering in a new executive director. They were thrilled with their first anniversary event and look forward to the next big milestone.

Vendor Team

AV and Lighting – John Farr Lighting
Catering – Occasions
Design & Builds – Social Supply
Drape – Fabrications
Floral – Amaryllis
Photography – Eli Turner
Valet – MJ Valet
Venue – Renwick Gallery