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In this Issue
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It
seems like just yesterday (OK, maybe a little longer) that I was sworn
in as the ISES DC Chapter President and there were so many things that
I wanted to do in just one short year. As that year draws to a close,
it is with great pride that I look back on everything that this chapter
has accomplished. Some of the successes were in the original plan for
the year and other ideas came to us throughout the year and just seemed
too good to pass up.This record-breaking year exceeded expectations with our annual programs. This year's EXPO had the highest attendance yet and our membership numbers continue to escalate from previous years. The Capital Awards Gala saw more entries than ever before and raised the bar for future years. This year also saw several new initiatives that I hope will continue. Our April fundraising event at L2 raised thousands of dollars for the SEARCH Foundation. We took networking online with our LinkedIn group. And in case you weren't at the first annual ISES DC Halloween Party, I am happy to say it will return this fall. Start putting together your costumes now and don't miss it this year!
Thank you to all of our board members, committee chairs, sponsors and volunteers. The success of the chapter is tied to your hard work and dedication to the industry. Very soon it will be time to pass the gavel and head into presidential retirement. Now, I just need to figure out where to house the Secret Service......
Renee Stake
President, ISES DC
Marketing Events Manager, Troutman Sanders LLP
There is a niche in the Special Events industry known as Pyrotechnics
and Special FX, a.k.a. "fireworks." Say that word to anyone,
and it is likely to elicit a response. For many, it simply conjures images
of brilliant fire in the sky and resounding concussion, usually in large
scale. But for the special event professional, it is a multi-use element
of event production.
Fireworks as entertainment is rooted in the earliest Chinese court entertainment,
circa 1100AD. As an element of multimedia production, the first important
use of pyrotechnics was in Paris, France in 1615 (the wedding of Louis
XIII and Anne of Austria, in case you've forgotten). But as stand
alone entertainment, the first important show was in Edo, Japan in 1733.
Today "fireworks" is both Technical Production and Entertainment,
though many think of it in its simplest form, as "bombs in the
air" at the end of an event. Taken to its maximum potential in
multimedia event production, it is light, heat and sound, precision controlled
for volume and intensity, to create dynamic, programmatic entertainment.
It also compliments and punctuates other elements of a performance, such
as music, song, dance, and decor.
For the 2009 DC ISES Gala, two elements of the production included pyrotechnics.
The first was a unique decor installation of Fire & Ice Luminaria©,
which is comprised of large ice monoliths, containing large yellow flames.
The flame melts the ice from within, producing naturally sculptured ice
vessels. Some vessels were appointed with floral arrangements, for a
combined total of 12 fire, ice and floral luminaria, in a 15' x
30' garden environment. The second element was outdoor Pyromusical
fireworks entertainment entitled The Fire Symphony©. The performance
featured precision choreography of pyrotechnic FX to the Ode to Joy movement
of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Technical execution included timecode
synchronization, and digital computer control of 2,000 aerial effects,
arranged in 10 positions. Both multimedia elements required careful planning,
permitting, and coordination. Installation and execution were dovetailed
with, and supported by, the venue, tenting, lighting, sound, security,
floral, and valet. All coordination was facilitated by the Gala Co-Chairs
Wendy Raab and Kelly Jenkins.
So, hopeful that attendees of the DC Gala came to see fireworks in a
new light (pun intended), here is a question: Given the opportunity to
upgrade an event by adding Fireworks or Pyrotechnic Special FX entertainment,
what skills would you use to resource those services?
Naturally, your client will want an estimate, and a cost v. value discussion
may follow. But in the process of gathering that information, will you
properly vet the company that will be bringing hazardous materials to
your event?
To assure that you offering competent, professional guidance to your
client, get to know your fireworks vendor. If you are "shopping" for
a good aerial fireworks show, be advised that there are NO quality standards
in the fireworks manufacturing business. Therefore, high quantities of
product (sometimes referred to as ShellCount) on a quote, may actually
mean you are getting more inexpensive product.
You will rely on the assurances of your vendor. In getting to know your
fireworks professional, a minimum checklist includes:
- Licensing
- Pyrotechnician license
- ATF license/permits
- to possess explosives?
- to import?
- to store?
- Dept of Transportation permit to transport explosives
- In vendor's name, or that of a third party?
- If a third party, what is their safety record?
- Driver's License for delivery
- State CDL with HazMat Endorsement
- Fireworks Industry affiliations
- APA American Pyrotechnics Association is the premier trade association of the fireworks industry and promotes responsible regulation of the fireworks industry.
- PGI Pyrotechnics Guild Intl is comprised of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts.
- General Liability Insurance
- What are the limits? (Is the minimum required by the government, really enough?)
- Does the policy specifically cover fireworks?
- Who owns the policy? (Your vendor or a third party?)
- Have there been ANY claims made by your vendor, or anyone on that policy? (Has the vendor had any losses?)
- What is the A.M. Best financial rating of the policy? (All policies are not created equal.)
- Get the phone number of the insurance agent, and call them to verify the above information.
- Expertise
- What is the experience of your vendor?
- Part time?/Full time?
- High profile multimedia events?/Mom and Pop Shows?
- All their own company experience?/Working on another company's show?
- References
- What is the expertise of the crew that will perform your show? (A very large company will have an impressive resume, but will their "A" Team show up for your show?)
- Artistry (Does your event require more than a "bombs in the air!" approach?)
- If your show is to be a "choreographed" and computer fired,
who is the designer and programmer?
- If your show is to be a "choreographed" and computer fired,
who is the designer and programmer?
- What is the experience of your vendor?
- Professional Services and Costs
- What is included in a price? ... applications, transportation, transportation insurance, permits, Fire Watch, security
- Coordination with other vendors
Producing safe, dynamic fireworks entertainment is a challenging business. Whether the event is the wedding of a couple of royal 14 year olds at the Chateau de Versailles, or DC ISES members laissez les bon temps rouler at the Party Rental Ltd warehouse, look beyond the estimating to assure you are providing professional services to your client.
Denis O'Regan
FIREWORKS CONCEPTS, INC.
In his 23rd year of fireworks and 14th year of ISES, Denis has performed creative and pyrotechnic production work in London, Canada, the Caribbean, and China. In the states, Denis has produced pyrotechnics for all manner of events, including Presidential. On three occasions, Denis and Fireworks Concepts has been recognized in the international special events industry for fireworks productions; and has presented seminars at The Special Event, RECs and Event Solutions EXPO.
- Networking
ISES membership connects you to over 5,500 members worldwide from all disciplines within the special events industry. There is an online, downloadable, searchable directory of ISES professionals for members only at www.ises.com. In addition, by joining the largest chapter of ISES in the world, you will have access to an elite pool of event industry professionals in the Washington, DC area.
- Marketing
As an ISES member, thousands of potential clients and fellow ISES members can locate your organization through listings on both www.ises.com and www.dcises.org.
- Education
ISES members enjoy the opportunity for personal and professional growth through education at monthly chapter events. Each month, the program features valuable education related to such relevant topics as latest trends, business advice or marketing strategies. In addition, ISES' Eventworld conference provides an institute for professional development annually spotlighting the special events industry and providing a forum to meet other event professionals from around the world.
- Awards
ISES members can receive recognition for their outstanding achievements by submitting an entry for the ISES Esprit Awards or the Greater Washington, DC Chapter's Capital Awards.
- Discounts
The ISES Affinity and Discount Program allows ISES members to take advantage of savings on high quality products and services through such partners as FedEx Kinko's, Staples, Alamo and many more.
- Certification
The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation administered by ISES is the hallmark of professional accomplishment in the special events industry. This designation is recognized and respected worldwide.
- Career Opportunities
The ISES Career Center and DC's Job and Resume Bank are dedicated to connecting special event professionals and employers. These are excellent resources to either find a job or look for a qualified special event professional to expand your team.
- Resources
In addition to a free subscription to Special Events Magazine, the international resource for event professionals - www.ises.com and www.dcises.org - provide members with invaluable information and resources to support their special event related organizations.
- Online Communities
The ISES Community is the professional and social network on www.ises.com exclusively for ISES members. It allows members to connect worldwide to share information, meet new colleagues, seek advice, and much more. In addition, the Greater Washington, DC Chapter has established an online group on LinkedIn to foster this same connection on a local level.
- May is ISES Membership Drive Month!
May is the perfect time to join ISES! This month, the $50 application fee is waived and you can enjoy all of the benefits of ISES membership until June 2010.
Update your profile on the new ISES Community, which hosts thousands
of members from around the globe looking to connect with fellow ISES
professionals in an attempt to create more efficient, informed business
decisions, projects and potential project leads. Watch destination videos,
see event supplier photo albums, join or start a topic or regional discussion
group, and read member blogs (or start your own).
Post information about yourself, add optional media and marketing features,
see how Planners are rating their services, receive Requests For Information,
interact directly with professionals and your internal associates, and
much more. There are over 6,000 of your fellow ISES members on the ISES
Community
The ISES Community is the professional and social network on www.ises.com,
http://community.ises.com for ISES members. Whether you are looking to
connect with your co-workers or find new friends and colleagues within
ISES, you can get in touch with those who share your interest in the live
event industry easily on the ISES Community. All ISES members are automatically
members of the Community. Just log into the website and go to the Community!
Join us on Thursday, May 21st at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center for
Erik Wahl! "Entertaining"..."motivating"..."inspirational"..."amazing
artistic finale"...these are just some of the descriptions
attributed to our featured speaker who is a recognized artist and keynote
speaker who inspires organizations to transcend mediocrity by becoming
more creative. After first working in the business world and playing
with his art, he now plays in the business world by working with his
art.
The Art of Vision is a dynamic multi-media program specifically designed
to help companies achieve superior levels of performance. Using art as
his vehicle, he challenges and inspires individuals to discover their untapped
potential.
Discover how you can sharpen your own creative skills, and identify a personal
style for inspiring yourself and others to rethink vision and purpose.
The principles in his uplifting and highly practical message will redefine
the role of a leader as an artist as well as an architect. Each program
ends with a live dynamically choreographed painting that leaves the audience
in awe.
About Erik Wahl
Erik Wahl is a recognized artist and keynote speaker who inspires organizations
to transcend mediocrity by becoming more creative. After first working
in the business world and playing with his art, he now plays in the business
world by working with his art. He founded The Wahl Group, a consulting
firm specializing in helping organizations identify breakthrough thinking
to achieve extraordinary results. No matter what kind of organization - from
small associations to large corporations - employees at all levels
can better embrace the future by becoming more innovative. Erik has keynoted
meetings for America's top corporations, guest lectured at the London
School of Business and performed for organizations all over the world.
Click here for more information about The Art of Vision.
| 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Registration |
| 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Presentation |
| 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm | Reception |
Registration Fees
| ISES Member | $45.00 if paid by May 19; $55.00 thereafter |
| Non Member/Guest | $60.00 if paid by May 19; $70.00 thereafter |
| ISES Student Member | $35.00 if paid by May 19; $45.00 thereafter |
Click here to register now and save!
The spirit of giving filled the air at ISES DC's April 22nd event
at L2 Lounge in Georgetown. Thanks to the generosity of our members,
and especially our sponsors, we were able to raise $5,000 for the SEARCH
Foundation. These much needed funds will help fellow event professionals
who have been struck by tragedy and assist them in a time when help is
most needed.
As we welcomed in the spring season, the event celebrated with a carnival
theme. L2 Lounge was the perfect space for this whimsical event and provided
delicious food and fun specialty drinks, Passionate and Hemingway. Guests
were welcomed to the event by the friendly faces of
MarcParc Valet before they headed into the party. At the entrance, the
carnival ring leader greeted guests with a huge smile and showed everyone
where to go to see the fortune teller and sword swallower, all provided
by Cast of Thousands. Talk of the Town showcased fun games and one of
their newest services, photo flipbooks, which provided the perfect take
away for event attendees. Events Are Us spiced up the event with their
colorful balloon decor.
And, of course, the whole shebang was documented by Bob Blanken of Blanken
Photography. Click here
to check out the photos of the event.
| WE |  |
OURS PONSORS |
I don't usually put bumper stickers on my car, but if I did, this is the one I would have! When Wendy Raab and I accepted the challenge of chairing this year's Capital Awards Gala, we knew it would involve a lot of hard work and a lot of begging of our local ISES members! Then the economic meltdown hit and we really freaked out! "Who can afford to donate their time, money and services in this current recession?" I thought maybe our Big Glamorous Evening of Celebrating may turn into a mere Ladies Luncheon.
But once we recruited (in some cases, pleaded) our various committee members to join us in our quest for support, we were shocked by the generosity of our sponsors and how many companies that wanted to join our team. Pink was our theme and the mood was set in motion by Creative Parties who produced an imaginative invitation to get our PINK BALL rolling.
After an exhausting search of trying to find just the right venue, I jokingly asked our dear friend, Rose Rabin, if Party Rental Ltd. would be willing to loan us a section of their new warehouse space in Laurel Maryland..... And to my surprise, not only did they say "Yes," but they opened their loading dock doors and gave us full access to anything and everything we wanted from their inventory. A designers dream comes true!
The first arm to twist would be that of a tent company to create additional space needed for the awards ceremony (the new warehouse was filling up fast). And not only did we twist the arm of Davis Richardson of Sugar Plum Tent Co., but we practically ripped it off. I can say this now, but I would have been thrilled to have nothing more than a steel frame with canvas thrown over it....but instead, we got a multi roomed, carpeted new tent with lush fabric lining! Once in the tent and after registration, guests passed by large blocks of frozen ice with jutting columns of fire (provided by Denis O'Regan and Fireworks Concepts), setting the tone for a real, SURPRISE OF A NIGHT for our guests!
One of the most constant comments I've heard is how seamless and quickly the awards ceremony seem to flow, thanks in part to Jeffrey Fox, Terri Bergman and Howard Teger and beautiful lit by Atmosphere Lighting. Long time Washington journalist, Paul Berry emceed on the multi leveled stage provided by All Stage and Sound (who also did sound) accompanied by CPR MultiMedia Solutions and Blue Sky Films. Click here to see all the winners.
One arm certainly not so hard to twist was that of Joshua Friedman of Elan Artists. Eager to showcase the incredible talent that he represents, he was immediately on board with not just a band, but one of the HOTTEST BANDS in the country, The Source. To create a real, OSCAR evening, he also provide the musical genius of Nation who played sexy Bosa nova style music during the ceremony as well as the electric violinist, La Femme Classique, who played from atop a hydraulic lift during the cocktail hour. But the best from Josh was the 20 person gospel choir who gave us an inspirational show at the end of the ceremony and led guests thru the warehouse to the dinner reception....THEN.... joined The Source for a gospel rendition of George Michaels, "FREEDOM"...WOW! Of all the ISES events I have been to, I have never seen the dance floor so packed with non-stop dancing. Thank you Josh!
The always clever, Mitch Rotker, of Smoothie Time provided a self serve buffet of gourmet popcorn for guests as they entered the awards ceremony. "Who doesn't like a little nosh during the show?"
The pre-show cocktail hour was held in the new Party Rental showroom and offices, where tall damask fabric boards displayed all the work of the nights' nominees, thanks to Clay and Co. Well Dunn Catering passed by with rolling hot dog carts filled with shots of micro brew with mini pigs in a blanket and passed trays of mini margaritas with skewers of chilly rubbed grilled shrimp.
Once it was time to party, guests followed the gospel choir down an LED lit path of damasked walls and towering palm trees (Thank you, Dale at Plants Alive) to a circus of stimulation and a haze of hip-ness. To create the feeling of a "Warehouse Rave" Capital Decor and Events provided elements such as an open tent frame filled with a plethora of beaded chandeliers, curved steel tables for food and seating, drapes of zebra and pink ribbon taffeta, hanging spirals of pink feathers and large suspended pink glowing orbs. Room Service provided South Beach style white leather furniture on glowing pink bases and acrylic bar stools for our steel service counters. And long sharing tables were draped in various linens with a continuous centerpiece created from a variety of rental items pulled off the shelves of the warehouse. Some tables and stations were finished with contemporary arrangements of twisted steel wire and orchids encased in glass, provided by Phillipa Tarrant.
To showcase the gourmet works of Well Dunn, we created "open kitchens" by using steel tables with hanging heat lamps, convection ovens, restaurant stoves and hot boxes filled with candles. The menu include (among other things) Asian noodle station, American Fare and Stuffed pasta station. Did I mention the chocolate????? Chocolate milkshakes, liquid chocolate shots, chocolate cakes and chocolate brownies (just to mention a few) and accompanied by funky tiered tables filled with miniature cupcakes form Breads Unlimited. We used the signature Party Rental pink glass racks to build a see through bar and create intimate alcoves for seating...or lounging..........!
On each end of the cluster of round center stages were 4ft tall performance platforms which were used by pink spandex clad muscle men frozen in artistic pose, thanks to Cast of Thousands. The stages were also used by our flying angels, Arachne Aerial Arts, who performed graceful acts of aerial magic floating far above the evening's attendees. These tall stages were turned into bars and sharing tables with glowing plexiglass counters form Party Rental and attended by Professional Bartending Services. Also entertaining guests was Dick Steiner who magically mystified with sleight of hand.
While guests were busy on the checkered floor in rhythmic dance, a gang of pink cloned women sporting pink bobs, booty shorts, pink lashes and pink skates swirled around the space serving up pink Hippotinis with attitude! (a collaboration of mine and NYX). Just in case dancing wasn't your thing..... warehouse equipment aisles became mini casinos with glowing tables of Black Jack, Poker and Craps provided by Fantasy World Entertainment. Guests could also have their pictures taken on a digitally themed backdrop to commemorate the evening thanks to Howard Lansat photography. The space came to life through the magic of Eric Hertsch and the entire crew of Frost Lighting, creatively blacking out the things we wanted to hide and accenting those worth showcasing.
To finish the night of pink celebration, the hidden doors of the loading dock flew up to reveal one of the most elaborate displays of fireworks Prince George's County has ever had! Synchronized to dramatic music was a 5 minute light show, courtesy of Denis at Fireworks Concepts, which was a perfect finale to a surprisingly successful evening. That success was greatly due to the incredibly generous donations of a spectacular group of giving sponsors, dedicated volunteers (fed by InStyle Caterers) and a hard working and devoted Gala committee.
As guests carried their Pink Hippo Hand Bags filled with departing goodies and retrieved their cars from the tender care of Atlantic Valet, they were "kissed" goodnight by CPR's large jumbotron perched on the hill with the logos of the night's generous contributors.
To view a complete gallery of photos from THE PINK BALL, please click on the link listed below and see the wonderful photographic work of Steve Canning, Juan Carlos of Fotobriceno, Arthur Remanjon and Mike B. Photography:
http://fotobriceno.myshowit.com/final_ises_slideshow
I would also like to mention Latin Concepts' Yaku restaurant, who with the help of Capital Decor and Events, Steve Canning and Marc Park Valet, created a special night to congratulate all of this year's Capital Awards nominees. And in an act of "paying it forward," we are donating a portion of this year's Gala proceeds to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure.
So despite my pre-planning anxiety of having a gala which I thought would consist of bare folding tables, metal chairs and a box lunch in the parking lot of my own warehouse, the amazing members of our local chapter came through with generous giving's, a spirited attitude and willingness to selflessly contribute....and for that,
| Wendy and I | |
our Sponsors |
We would also like to thank our generous cash contributors and prize sponsors:
- Personalized For You
- Sidelines
- Finishing Touches Events
- Viva Creative
- GEM Events
- InStyle Caterers
- Posh Parties, LLC
- Radio King Orchestra
- Regal Celebrations
- Special Events Management Services
- Steve Canning Photography
- Renee Stake
- Bike and Roll Washington DC
- Blanken Photography Studio, LTD
- Chariots for Hire
- Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
- Main Events caterers
- Mie N Yu Restaurant
- Potomac Nationals
- Potomac Riverboat Company
- Red Door Spas
- Ridgewells Caterers
- Straford University
- Tarara Winery
- The Carlyle Club
- The Jockey Club
- Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar
- United States capitol Historical Society
- Vignola catering
- W Hotel Washington DC
- Zola Wine and Kitchen
Movers and Shakers
The Arena Stage
17th Annual Benefit for Community Engagement featured a full team of ISES DC
members including Korry Hetherington (Capital Decor and Events), John Farr
(John Farr Lighting Design), Hakim Radi (DC Rental), Renee Shields (Main Event
Caterers), Pamela Burton (Cast of Thousands), and Sarah Denhardt (Arena Stage).
The team worked hard to transform the raw space at 2121 Crystal Drive in Crystal
City into the Emerald City, complete with Oz characters and a yellow brick
road. The event raised over $200,000 for Arena's education programs for students
in the DC area.
The Arena Stage Ticket Offer:
A special $20 ticket rate for ISES DC members is available for the Opening Night
performance of the world premiere of LEGACY OF LIGHT at Arena Stage in Crystal
City on Thursday, May 14, at 8:00pm. Call 202.488.4380 for more information.
Robert Holley Photography
was named the 2009 Photographer of the Year by Northern Virginia Magazine. You
can reach Robert through his website at www.robholley.net or by phone at (703)
473-4556.
Job Bank Available for You!
If you’re looking for job or you’re an employer looking for a new employee, why not post on the ISES DC website? It’s
a great resource to find the best and boldest in our industry.
Available Online at: http://www.dcises.org/main/jobs.shtml
Upcoming Events
| Erik Wahl and "The Art of Vision" |
| May 21, 2009 |
|
See article above.
|
| Table Top Competition |
| June 10, 2009 |
|
House of Sweeden
|
| Click here for
details about the event. Click here for Table -Top Contest Rules and Guidelines |
| The National Harbor |
| July 1 , 2009 |
| W Hotel, Washington DC |
| September 15 , 2009 |
| Harmon Center |
| October 6, 2009 |
| Halloween Party at Crime & Punishment Museum |
| October 29, 2009 |
Share Your News & Great Events with ISES
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