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Company: The Webster Group, Global Event Management, Washington,DC
Company Description: The Webster Group is a certified 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 includes workshops, conferences, galas, conventions, trade missions, dedication and commissioning ceremonies.
Nomination Category: Event Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Art, Entertainment & Public - Live Event
 Nomination Title: The Washington Ballet's 2021 Gala
- Which will you submit for this nomination, an essay of up to 525 words describing the event - its genesis, goals, development, and results - OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same? CHOOSE ONE:
Written essay of up to 525 words
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing a written essay of up to 525 words about your nominated event, place it in this space. Make sure that you address the genesis, goals, development, and results of the event, and mention that date(s) on which the event was produced:
Total 512 words used.
For several years, The Washington Ballet has marked the beginning of a new season with a themed benefit. A myriad of themes and venues have inspired the event and its established reputation has made the gala one of D.C.’s most anticipated evenings of the year. After holding the 2020 Gala virtually, The Washington Ballet was optimistic to host its black-tie benefit in-person in 2021 – albeit in a different format than year’s past. More symbolically, The Washington Ballet hoped the 2021 Gala would be a demonstration of the perseverance of the ballet company and its performers, who were moving forward amidst unprecedented circumstances. Following the commitment to an in-person event, a slew of challenges and decisions came. First and foremost, The Webster Group (TWG) and the Gala leadership team drafted a waiver for the D.C. Council requesting permission to host an event larger than 250 people since, at the time, COVID-19 capacity restrictions were still in place. In conjunction, and particularly since this was Washington’s first post-pandemic Gala of this size, TWG also devised a COVID-19 protocol plan with the input of legal counsel. With this, the intent was to increase the comfortability of the guests and decrease the likelihood of a post-event outbreak. Throughout the planning period, attendance limits changed, mask guidelines shifted, social distancing was required, dancing was not and then was allowed, food preparation was in flux, vaccine proof was a logistical challenge, and on top of that, orchestrating an outdoor event added further challenges. On June 4, 2021, the leather and lace themed Gala started off with guests attending one of twenty-six private dinners which were held at a myriad of locations from social clubs to residences of ambassadors. Guests then convened together on the North Plaza of the Kennedy Center for a dessert reception, program, and performances by the Ballet. In compliance with the COVID-19 protocol plan put in place, each guest and event staff member were required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result prior to attending. TWG followed up with each guest to acquire this information, and Reditus Laboratories provided on-site rapid testing as well as mailed guests COVID-19 PCR tests as part of their sponsorship. The layout of the event changed almost daily to incorporate unique furniture groupings, adhere to the D.C. event restrictions, and comply with the venue’s restrictions. The final layout featured theatre style seating to view the performance and program and a variety of lounge furniture and tables. Waiters greeted guests with cordials and cocktails and walked around with a vast array of leather and lace themed desserts. There was a palpable level of excitement, evident by the fact that mingling guests at the reception had to be persuaded more than normal to take their seats for the exclusive ballet performance. The positivity energy lit up the night and made the event truly magical. And to boot, it was a record fundraising fete for the ballet company. As put by The Washington Post, “Washington was back to normal, at least for one night.”
- Optionally, list the appropriate creative and production credits for the nominated event, such as the following: Advertising Agency/City: Client: Art Director: Cinematographer: Creative Director: Designer: Director: Illustrator/City: Music Producer/City: Photographer/City: Printer/City: Producer: Production Company/City: Programmer: Writer: Web Development Firm/City:
The Webster Group, Global Event Management – Event Management & Production
- The Kennedy Center – AV, Lighting, Venue
- Tony Powell – Photography
- Occasions Caterers – Catering
- Design Foundry – Décor/Stage Design
- US Event Structures – Tent Rental
- DJ Kryptk – Entertainment
- Atelier Ashley Flowers – Florals
- Valet – MJ Valet
- PR – Pen Communications
- Health Screening – Reditus Laboratories
- Subsequent Venues – The Metropolitan Club, Delegation of the European Union, Sulgrave Club, Chevy Chase Club, The George Town Club, International Student House, The REACH at the Kennedy Center
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