Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Greater DC Chapter of ISES with an historical (and often hysterical) walk through our first 20 years. Come experience several entertainment acts and an international surprise, over-the-top décor and extraordinary fun - plus a chance to find out who will win the top awards this year.

And the Nominees are…(Click to see the full list!)

Click here to register today!

Special Thanks to our Gala Sponsors

Did you miss the hottest idea presentation of the year?  On March 18, Lisa Hurley, Editor of Special Event Magazine, presented a fast-paced show to the ISES DC Chapter featuring the latest design trends in wedding and corporate planning, including funky decor ideas and top notch entertainment.  Want to hear the latest in bridal tattoo fashions?  What are the hottest reality shows and super heroes featured at West Coast parties? For the first time, ISES DC is offering our March education session via Podcast (click here)

The March dinner took place at the beautiful Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.  ISES overtook the Pavilion, which features a spectacular octagon shaped room with a 54-foot ceiling and balconies overlooking Woodrow Wilson Plaza.  The 160 guests enjoyed cocktails in the expansive pre-function area while pastry chef’s showcased how they design their masterpieces.  A very successful ISES 101 session during cocktails introduced several new members to the largest ISES chapter in the world.  Held in the uber-cool enclosed lounge, decorated by Ampa Events, about 40 new and prospective members gathered to network.  During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the fun “DJ In A Box” provided by Entertainment Exchange.

In the Pavilion, members dined on a fabulous three-course meal while meeting new people and networking with old associates. The beautifully-decorated cakes were presented to the attendees during dinner.  The cake designers who participated were Kendall Cakes, Occasional Cakes and Sticky Fingers Bakery. After dinner, Lisa Hurley made her presentation. Besides discussing the new trends, Lisa also mentioned that despite the slowing economy, she does not detect a slowdown in the special events industry.

Click here to listen to Lisa's presentation via Podcast.

Click here for the event photo gallery.

A special thanks again to all of the evenings sponsors: The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Entertainment Exchange, Washington Talent Photo and Video, Ampa Events and DC Rental.

And special thanks to our event volunteers:

• Carol Mays
• Kischa Roberts
• Susan Fuller
• Valerie Lewis-Bobbins
• Karlene Vanegas
• Wanda Wood
• Carrie Miller
• Stacie Steinke
• Jacqueline Barnes

ISES DC held its February Dinner to celebrate amore, brought to us directly from Italy. Even through the wind and unexpected ice storm, many people made it to the sold out ISES dinner on February 12 at the as-yet-unopened BICE restaurant in Bethesda, MD. The formal opening of the restaurant was scheduled to take place the following week.  ISES members were treated to a full four-course tasting dinner by the exuberant staff and proud management team, flown in from NYC and Milano.  BICE's signature dishes include ossobuco, cotoletta alla milanese, tuna tartare, homemade pappardelle al telefono, and risotto with scallops and asparagus tips.  It was an exciting evening and ISES members were able to discover a new treasure in Bethesda.

Bice Ristorante is an Italian fine dining restaurant, which opened its first location in 1926 in Milan, by the company's founder Beatrice Ruggeri. Today, the restaurant has several locations around the world. Click here for the event photo gallery.

Davis Richardson, an ISES member and president of Sugarplum Tents Company, has been an active participant in an amazing effort called Operation Care. Operation Care is an effort to send used tents, equipment and clothing to orphans and refugees in Afghanistan. This program is sponsored by US service men and women who volunteer during their off-duty hours to help the children and families of this war torn country.

Davis and Sugarplum Tents have recently sent some of their older inventory and are still canvassing the tent rental business for further donations. “We’ve been helping locate used tents to provide a bit of shelter for some of these refugees currently living under Home Depot type tarps in freezing temperatures over there,” says Davis.

Davis, a West Point graduate and retired Army Colonel, served two mobilization tours following September 11, 2001. He reports that the children are particularly suffering in frigid winter conditions. Our front-line airmen soldier volunteers have requested gloves, hats, mittens, coats, sweaters and footwear for the kids. Trucks are loaded each Friday with donated clothing and equipment and taken to refugee camps around the country.

Jan Bradley, a local volunteer coordinator, is also soliciting donations of used book bags filled with school supplies for the children who return to school in March. If you are interested in sending along any donations please contact Davis Richardson at Sugarplum Tents- davis@sugarplumtents.com.

You may also send boxes directly through the USPS to:

Task Force Cincinnatus 
Kuchar Shipment
Bagram ABPRT
APO, AE 09354

Contemporary design features, iconic artwork of world leaders and playful political references create a modern space that engages and inspires Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2008) – The Affinia brand makes its D.C. debut on April 1, 2008 with the opening of The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel, at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW, following a $12 million dollar renovation of the 343 room hotel.

The hotel, the closest to the US Capitol, will maximize its prime location on Capitol Hill by introducing an exciting new concept to the area offering public spaces and services that support guests’ desire to make connections and stay connected. Managed by Denihan Hospitality Group (DHG) under the company’s Affinia brand umbrella, the 343-room hotel joins the expanding Affinia brand, with locations in New York and Chicago.

Known for customized guest experiences such as fitness, tranquility and location, Affinia is launching its new Cityscape positioning at The Liaison, which offers guests an urban escape centering around a sophisticated lobby that flows seamlessly into the restaurant, lounge, and bar areas, affording unique opportunities for social interaction. Iconic six-foot by six-foot paintings of world leaders, such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Margaret Thatcher among others, are placed throughout and designed to spark conversation and contemplation.