12th Annual Capital Awards Gala Re-cap

ISES DC

ISES Greater Washington’s 12th Annual Capital Awards Gala took a decidedly different twist with this year’s An Evening of Decadence. Co-Chairs Jamie Greenwald and Patti Weiner stretched the decadence theme to the limit with an edgy concept and unfettered imagination.

Woodmont Country Club, set amidst lush greenery in Rockville, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. A gracious, curving road leads to the main clubhouse where valets elegantly clad in Waldorf Astoria-style attire greeted guests. The foyer entrance was magically transformed by rich drape and lavish use of red swag drapery and décor elements were used throughout to create pathways and intimate spaces. Silhouette cutouts of shapely vixens beckoned guests to partake of forbidden fruit and savory pomegranate champagne cocktails were served in fur-trimmed flutes.

A private VIP reception was held in the Men’s Grille for award nominees and board members and the bustling action stations featured the cuisine of a variety of sponsoring caterers. The visual presentation of the hors d’oeuvres was exquisite: delectable scallops floated atop a swirl of translucent amber-colored sauce, crisp shrimp framed in miniature square plates and sushi served from an impressive, curved, brushed steel bar.

An adjacent space transported us to a façade reminiscent of Amsterdam, complete with silhouettes of exotic figures and a grand circular mirrored bar with dramatic uplighting. One of the surprise elements was a geisha girl moving slowly through the crowd in a trancelike state. Acoustically enhanced flute and violin merged into a single sophisticated sound while dancing go-go girls and a red-hot mamma singer completed the scene. The sultry scent of sin seemed to linger in the air.

As the awards ceremony approached, guests were ushered into an elaborate tented room. Beautiful, shimmering linens and contrasting textures of leather and lace accented tables in a variety of shapes. Fabulous curvaceous utensils framed the plates like little utilitarian sculptures. In keeping with the erotic, decadent theme, some napkin rings were crafted of fur-covered handcuffs. Visual interest was stimulated with an array of dazzling lighting effects and gobos projected on the ceiling. Opulent geometric lamp shades, wrought iron centerpieces in the shape of branches and lush floral designs created a nightclub ambiance. Vibrant music pulsated in the background foreshadowing the excitement of the awards ceremony.

Woodmont provided a lavish feast beginning with a Caeser salad set in a bowl created of crisp cheese. Woodmont’s signature chicken breast in savory sauce with risotto and bundled vegetables created a delicious feast. Each table featured infused vodka in tempting flavors including pineapple, coconut and mango.

In keeping with an ISES DC tradition, Tim Lundy, CSEP and an international event planner, was our master of ceremonies. His company, Distinctive Design Events, has produced events for top Fortune 500 Companies from all over the world. As with previous galas, Tim’s presence provided continuity while allowing this awards ceremony to reveal its own unique identity. A refreshing aspect of the ceremony was the array of sponsors and past ISES DC presidents who presented award categories and nominees. Various personalities brought the ceremony to life as nominees were announced and the all-important envelope was opened. The excitement of the nominees, award winners, friends, family and colleagues was palpable and one special moment honored Rita Bloom, an ISES founding member, with the first annual ISES DC lifetime achievement award. Click here for the 2007 list of award winners.

After dinner, guests proceeded to an amazing dessert extravaganza that was designed to heighten the senses before the first morsel was consumed. Sculptural lounge settees and swank half-moon ottomans made of platinum suede set the stage for a very posh soirée. Personal favorites included sleek Riviera style pieces and cabaret tables that functioned beautifully without linens. The decadent dessert and dancing area included a full size bar sculpted from ice, a flown truss filled with moving lights and a hand painted dance floor. Both the bar and the dance floor reflected the Venetian mask motif used in the program while the vibrant music inspired a joie de vivre that was reflected in dancing and revelry. This year’s Capital Gala Awards was an extraordinary combination of the ISES DC event community working closely with this unusual venue, to produce an exciting Gala event complete with a lively reception, distinguished Awards Ceremony, and a lively; post-party extravaganza.

Guests commented on the attention to detail and unexpected surprises, such as the dance floor lighting; the fantastic, crystal chandeliers; and images projected on LCD screens. Other comments revolved around the imaginative, larger than life invitation and the special invitations for the VIP reception. The professionalism of the volunteers and their contribution to the flow was evident at every turn.

Behind-the-scenes elements were equally polished. The conceptual vision and impressive management of this event are to be credited to Gala Chairs Patti Weiner, Plan-it Parties and Jamie Greenwald, Gala Events. Securing and managing sponsors must also be acknowledged, as sponsorship is critical to an event of this scale. Our sponsors brought this production to life and photographers and videographers were on the scene to record and commemorate.

This truly amazing production was the orchestration of many talented individuals and sponsors working toward a common goal in celebration of our industry and in pursuit of excellence. Special recognition goes to our two Platinum Sponsors: Gala Design and Production and Plan-It Parties; and to our five gold sponsors: Signature Special Event Services, Fabrication Events, Digital Lightning, Plants Etc. and Woodmont Country Club. Please consider our sponsors when planning your next event.

Check out the photo gallery for a view of the venue and participants.

Special thanks to our sponsors. Click here for a complete list.