Company: The Webster Group, Washington, District of Columbia
Company Description: The Webster Group is a woman owned, global event planning, production and fundraising agency providing award-winning, innovative and cost-effective solutions to corporate, non-profit and government clients. Our portfolio of over 600 events, ranging in size from 10 to 43,000 attendees, include dedication and commissioning ceremonies, galas, concerts, and multi-day conferences.
Nomination Category: Live Event Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Tradeshow or Convention

Nomination Title: The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention – Gettysburg 2013

The date on which this nominated production was presented: The CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013 took place September 18–22, 2013, with pre-convention events beginning September 17.

Briefly describe the nominated event's objectives and how it met those objectives (up to 525 words):

Genesis
Each year the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS), which is composed exclusively of living Medal of Honor recipients, convenes at an annual convention. This convention, which is held in a different American city each year, honors Medal of Honor recipients for their exceptional valor and courage while serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

In 2010, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was selected as the host city for the 2013 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention (CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013), with Robert J. Stevens as chair and Robert Monahan Jr. as president and CEO. Gettysburg was a particularly fitting location as 2013¬ marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the awarding of the first Medal of Honor in March of 1863.

The Webster Group (TWG) partnered with Mr. Monahan to prepare the winning proposal and facilitate the historic convention. The CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013 took place September 18–22, 2013, with pre-convention events beginning September 17. A list of convention events held over the five days is included in Attachment A with additional details in Attachment B.

Goals
The goal of the CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013 was to meet the expectations specified by the CMOHS:

To further the bond of brotherhood and comradeship among all living Recipients of the Medal of Honor.
To remember in reverence and respect those who received the Medal of Honor posthumously, and those who are now deceased.
To foster patriotism and to inspire and stimulate our youth to become worthy citizens of our country.
To recognize and award Patriotic Americans who promote and perpetuate the principles upon which our nation is founded through their life’s work.
To create an event that paid homage to the host city and America’s heroes.

As host of the convention, CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013 was responsible for funding the convention. A fundraising goal of $3 million was set to host an event that would meet and exceed the goals specified by the CMOHS.

Development
A core team of 15 TWG staff members and partners spent three years fundraising for the convention and planning it. A staff of more than 40 provided on-site support with the essential assistance of over 100 volunteers.

To ensure that the fundraising goals were met, TWG assisted Mr. Monahan in securing the chairman, Mr. Stevens, who helped achieve the goal by reaching out to his network.

TWG carried out the following tasks during the planning process:

Developed itineraries and event programs
Selected the venues, which included constructing event sites
Hired and managed vendors
Managed the $3 million-plus budget
Created event marketing materials
Managed sponsors and Medal of Honor recipients
Managed transportation and security
Worked with at least five different security entities
Managed entertainment
Managed more than 100 volunteers
Ticketed and ran registration for large-scale public events
Called the shows

Results

CMOHS Convention – Gettysburg 2013 exceeded all goals set by CMOHS and TWG. The $3 million goal was exceeded by more than $500,000; see Attachment C.

The convention met the goals specified by CMOHS, as evidenced in the written congratulations CMOHS sent to Mr. Monahan; see Attachment D.

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Facilitating Company of the Convention: The Webster Group, Washington, DC;

Client: Mr. Robert Monahan, Washington, DC