Showing posts with label venue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label venue. Show all posts

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Washington D.C.’s Top Ten New and Anticipated Venues in 2011

1. The Hay-Adams Hotel Rooftop: with a panoramic view of the White House and downtown Washington, the new space opened in January after undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound terrace and has five additional separate rooms to for customized events for groups of 15 to 300.

2. Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel: Less than one mile from Reagan National, this space opened in March in the Arlington section of Crystal City. It features 15 meeting rooms with more than 17,000 square feet of meeting space.

3. Graffiato: A two-level restaurant seating 150 people will be Top Chef Contestant Mike Isabella’s first restaurant coming in the spring and offering an Italian-inspired menu. Groups can reserve the second level for events.

4. Lincoln: Recently opened this spring, this 210-seat space includes private dining, a main dining room and a bar area.

5. Todd Gray’s Watershed: this 6,500-square-foot restaurant space on the second floor of the Hilton garden Inn in Washington, D.C. will feature a seafood menu. Initial plans are for the dining room to sit 80 people including a 20-seat bar, a patio, and several banquet rooms to seat 165 people.

6. Fiola: Slated to open this Spring in the Penn Quarter, the 140-seat restaurant will offer what Chef Fabio Trabocchi calls "gourmet but accessible" menu that will a huge difference from what he offered at his previous restaurant, Maestro.

7. The Virtue Feed and Grain: Coming to the Town of Alexandria in the spring of 2011 will boast a two-level, 316-seat Irish-American pub with views of the Potomac River, Waterfront Park, Wales Ally, and Union Street with an additional 60 seats on the elevated deck on Wales Alley.

8. The Hirshhorn Bubble Museum: Designed by Diller Scofidio & Renfro of New York, is scheduled to open its new space on the mall sometime in 2011 but the 145-foot tall inflatable auditorium is scheduled to be inflated during the summer of 2012. Within the bubble, the courtyard will accommodate 500 to 800 seats for an array of public events.

9. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Designed by the Roma Design Group, the new $120 million is scheduled to open on August 28 featuring a 30-foot statue of Dr. King called the "Stone of Hope" created by sculptor Lei Yixin of China.

10. Italian Cinema/Italian Shirt Laundry: Mark Weiss, the restaurateur collaborating with ABDO Development will open two new Italian-themed restaurants in the 14th Street Corridor in late 2011, Italian Cinema and Italian Shirt Laundry. Stay tuned!

Thank you, BizBash Media.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Great Global Destinations

In the November issue of M&C Magazine, Michael C. Lowe suggests the following 5 hot international cities to consider for your next destination event because they have seen recent developments in infrastructure, renovated hotels, meeting venues and transportation options. He also stated that planners will find myriad deals and affordable attractions to help keep budgets under control.

1. Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.southafrica.net
Cape Town sits on South Africa's southwestern coast with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and 3,562-foot-high Table Mountain on the other. This second most populous South African city is an international business hub with rugged wilderness around the corner.

Why Now? Because since she recently hosted the 2010 World Cup, Cape Town is bristling with new hotels and a citywide room count of around 32,000 including a strong infrastructure for meetings and convention at the currently expanding Cape Town International Convention Center. The city has held the International conference and Convention Association's top ranking spot for global gatherings in Africa and the Middle East for the past two years.

2. London, England: www.visitlondon.com
England's capital city is bursting with attractions ranging from the venerable Buckingham Palace to the vertiginous London Eye Ferris Wheel and to the ever-increasing supply of excellent hotels with state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

Why Now? Because in 2012, London will host the Olympic Games (for a record third time) and
where more than US 17 billion worth of development is taking place.

3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: www.rivieranayarit.com
Found about midway down Mexico's western coast. This scenic region begins at the large, modern city of Nuevo Vallarta in the south and meanders up some 190 miles along the Pacific Ocean to the city of San Blas in the north. She offers pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages, eco-tourism excursions and more.

Why Now? This booming stretch of beautiful coast-line was dubbed the Riviera Nayarit just four years ago and is coming into its own as a tourism destination. They are planning to add 756 new hotel rooms this year and an additional 10,000 before 2015.

4. Dublin, Ireland: www.meetinireland.com/us
Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture coexist in beautiful contradiction in Ireland's capital. This bustling port city on the river Liffey is studded with landmarks, museums, art galleries and pubs, while just a few minutes away are seaside villages and rolling hillside.

Why now? With its three yearlong (and counting) economic struggle unfolding at the same time, some 3,000 new hotel rooms came online in the capital city, one result has been that nightly hotel rates in Dublin fell by 7 percent in the first six months of 2010 making it surprisingly affordable for groups.

5. Hyderabad, India: www.hicc.com
The capital of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh in south-central India, Hyderabad is a relatively new destination for corporate travelers but has a rich 400-year history. The city is home to the Hyderabad International Convention Center, India’s largest, with a 65,750-square-foot main hall for up to 5,000 delegates and 32 additional meeting rooms. Adjacent is the 287-room Novotel Hyderabad Hotel, which opened in 2006.

Why Now? The city has been dubbed "Cyberabad" thanks to its thriving IT, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries. A burgeoning hotel sector has 12 new properties coming online in the next year, adding a total of 1,960 rooms to the city's skyline; with room rates generally remain reasonable. The city's many charms have been drawing events such as The International Congress and Convention Association's 49th annual Congress and Exhibition, held last October.

See the November 2010 issue of M&C Magazine for the full article.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Not-So-Big Wedding 2010

Calling all MD, DC, VA area brides and grooms! Don’t miss out! The Second Annual Not-So-Big Wedding 2010 Challenge is here! This is a FREE event open to the public. RSVP on the Not-So-Big Wedding website for your chance to receive $500 off a venue rental. However, no RSVP is required to attend!

About the Challenge:

12 Teams comprised of up to four vendors will be working together to create a wedding for $15K or less for 65 guests. They are vying for the grand prize -- $500, media spotlight, and the Not-So-Big Wedding Challenge Winner title for 2010. If you're looking to plan a wedding on a budget, this is the event for you! Come see each team's display and gather a wealth of information for your wedding!

Each package created must include all the costs associated in the production of a wedding such as a planner, caterer, Deejay or band, florist, photographer, rentals etc. and must include the rental of one of the Montgomery Parks facilities: Rockwood Manor, Seneca Lodge, Brookside Gardens, Woodlawn Manor, or Ag Farm -- all for under $15K!

Laura Gosse, Marketing Specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Parks event centers said: "The Not-So-Big Wedding is the new reality for many brides and grooms as the effects of the recession continue to play out. However, small does not have to mean plain. The challenge teams' wedding displays will show couples how they can have a wedding day to remember without breaking the bank."

Team Carnavale has returned to defend its title. Eleven other teams will strive to take it away. Come see the results and meet Team Bijou, Team Cannon, Team Centino, Team Cinful, and Team Crazy in Love, Team Forbidden Fruit, Team Intercounty Wedding Connection, Team Jackson, Team Matrimony, Team Show, and Team Williams.

The panel of judges led by Joyce Mnkande of Events2Remember, Inc. includes Denise Thorne of In Style Caterers, Julie Upchurch of Little House of Flowers, Andrew Larris of Andy Kushner Entertainment, Janice Harrison of Occasional Cakes, LLC, Dave Fritz of CORT Event Furnishings, and Carmichael Jennings of On Que Photography. Accompanying them will be live bloggers Amy Regeti and her colleague Srinu of Regeti’s Photography.

This year’s panel of judges represents the different areas within the industry and each judge brings their knowledge and expertise in those areas. Judging criteria will be based on the creative use of given space, creative use of budget, level of elegance and most memorable display.

There will be a fashion show featuring affordable gowns, which can be purchased from St. Anthony's Bridal, a local non-profit whose mission is to help people have an affordable wedding.

So, mark your calendars, come on along, and have lots of fun, food, and refreshments!

Sunday, November 7th, 2010 from 1-4pm at
Rockwood Manor
11001 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854

Google Maps Directions

See you there!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Brightest Light in the City of Stars

Image courtesy of www.marriott.com
L.A. LIVE is the remarkable new sports and entertainment district just steps from the Los Angeles Convention Center and the legendary Staples Center. It has become one of the city’s great gathering places and home to the nation’s most important award shows, premieres, conventions, celebrations and cultural events. And now, at it’s center is the brand new JW Marriott Los Angeles, which opened in June 2010. It is the new focal point of the Downtown Los Angeles with spectacular views of Hollywood, the ocean, and the downtown skyline and a beacon for the South Park neighborhood. The multi-use tower is also home to the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles & 224 Ritz-Carlton Residences.

Key Features:
  • 878 JW Marriott guest rooms
  • 123 The Ritz-Carlton guest rooms
  • 224 The Ritz-Carlton Residences
  • The Ritz-Carlton Spa
  • 2 Celebrity Chef restaurants
  • 3 bars and Illy Coffee
  • Meeting, ballroom, amenity spaces for up to 2,000 guests
  • Rooftop pools and fitness facilities at both hotels
  • Spectacular views of Hollywood

To satisfy your hungry taste buds, WP24 is the newest culinary treat by Wolfgang Puck. It combines a dynamic conversational lounge and his signature restaurant on the 24th floor with windows offering panoramic views of downtown and surrounding Southern California. The spectacular rooftop pool bar combines sustenance and sky-gazing. 24 hour in-room dining.

While there, be sure to explore L.A. LIVE’s entertainment district and the pulse of the city with convenient access to walking tours, museums, sporting events and concerts. Centrally located, the hotel is just steps away from STAPLES Center, The NOKIA Theater, The Grammy Museum, and an array of restaurants and nightspots.

A definite "Must See" if you are in L.A. and a wonderful space for a destination event!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Odyssey Cruise - Washington, DC

If you haven’t already seen it already, this is a fabulous venue to host your next event! Welcome aboard the Odyssey:

Your pictures and fotos in a slideshow on MySpace, eBay, Facebook or your website!view all pictures of this slideshow



My colleagues and I had a wonderful networking event with a wide selection of beverages, a variety of hor’s d’ouvres, a choice of entrees (selection of three), and exceptional service. If you need assistance with planning your next event aboard the Odyssey in Washington, DC, do not hesitate to contact us at 301-317-4411 or info@events-2remember.com

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion

On Friday, April 9th I had the opportunity to attend the opening reception for the Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion exhibit at the VisArts Center in Rockville, Maryland. The exhibit featured some beautiful, unique pieces of art, all of which push the boundaries of fashion to innovative heights!

These are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:




I also had the opportunity to meet one of the artists -- Martin Figueroa-Ramirez of RōM. His sneaker designs are amazing examples of "wearable art" and are a must-see! Here are some pictures of Figueroa-Ramirez and his work:



He will be teaching three sneaker art workshops at VisArts; please visit the Classes/Workshop section of the VisArts website for more details on this unique opportunity!

Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion will be on display until June 19, 2010 so be sure to check it out if you live near or will be visiting the DC Metro Area!

The VisArts facilities are also available as a rental space for special events! The event room, gallery area, rooftop, and learning center are all spectacular areas and the four spaces can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 300 guests!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

MILAN - Baltimore, Maryland

MILAN is Baltimore's first upscale, eclectic Italian Restaurant and Lounge and is located at the threshold of Baltimore’s Little Italy. The restaurant offers Italian/Mediterranean infused cuisine and boasts a one-of-a kind Sushi bar. Complimenting the menu is a selection of top rated Italian wines and cocktails inspired by world-renowned fashion designers. It has three levels and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining throughout the year, and is considered to be a premier venue, “Where food meets fashion!"

We were honored to be on the guest list last week and we really enjoyed the space, food and music. To sum it up: a beautiful, classy, sexy, and great addition to Baltimore, as this is something you would typically see in DC, New York, or California!

Here are some pictures of our time there:
Entrance
Lower Level Lounge Area
Intermezzo Coffee & Wine Bar
Restaurant AreaOutdoor Patio

MILAN would be perfect for a small, intimate event or a rehearsal dinner! Check them out!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Mie N Yu -- Restaurant and Catering

For one of the most unique and exciting dining experiences in Washington, DC -- try Mie N Yu on M street in Georgetown. The restaurant infuses Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean flavors into contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant has facilities for private events on-site, and will also cater for special events off-site. The decor is inspired by Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road. I recently had a very exciting networking evening there with colleagues for a breaker session. Here are some pictures from our event:


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Holiday Spirit at the Gaylord National

It's been some time since my last blog post -- I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and the New Year. If you didn't get a chance to visit the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the DC Metro Area during the holidays this season, mark your calendar for December 2010; it's a must-see!

The 18-story glass atrium of the resort was beautifully decorated with over two million twinkling lights. 150-foot light banners that replicated the colors of the Northern Lights were hung from the ceiling. A fountain show choreographed to Christmas music was also located in the atrium, as was an indoor holiday train village.




The space would not be complete, however, without the spectacular 60-foot Christmas tree made from candy-like glass that was dangling from the atrium ceiling. The tree was lit every evening at 6PM and an indoor snowfall turned the atrium into a winter wonderland.



And then there was "ICE!" -- a 15,000 square foot pavilion containing sculptures of penguins, polar bears, reindeer, gas-lit lampposts, replicas of some of Washington, DC's landmarks, four ice slides, Santa's workshop, and a beautiful nativity scene all made out of ice. The sculptures are amazingly maintained at a chilly 9 degrees, so be sure to dress warm if you plan to visit.

"ICE!" photo courtesy of the Washington Post

To view additional "ICE!" pictures, visit this gallery by The Washington Post.

All I can say is that the Gaylord is an amazing venue, and kudos to all involved in creating such a magnificent holiday atmosphere.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Embassy of Kenya/The Omni Shoreham Hotel - Washington, D.C.

On Friday, December 12th, The Embassy of Kenya in Washington, D.C. hosted their Independence Day Celebration, known as Jamhuri Day, at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. The event kicked off with a message from H.E. Ambassador Peter Ogego followed by a delicious dinner and entertainment by Cold Spring Elementary School Chorus, who sang a number of holiday songs, and a Kenyan Gospel Choir group from Atlanta who sang in Swahili to the beat of African drums. To learn more about Kenya, visit: http://www.kenya.go.ke.

The Omni Shoreham is a beautiful four-diamond hotel and is conveniently located on Calvert Street in NW Washington, DC. It would be an excellent venue for any special event! Here are some pictures from the gorgeous lobby area and the Independence Day Celebration for you to get a feel of what the hotel is like.






From top: two pictures of the hotel lobby area. The in-house interior designer did an amazing job creating a festive holiday feel. Next, a picture of the Cold Spring Elementary School Choir. They were wonderful! Finally, two shots of the Kenyan Gospel Choir from Atlanta. They were dressed in beautiful traditional clothing and had an amazing drummer!

Overall, I had a wonderful time and the event and would recommend the venue for any special occasion!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

November Events

1. November 3rd: I attended a showcase hosted by Heidi Berger of Room Service at the fabulous Long View Gallery Art Museum in Washington, DC. Here are some pictures of the wonderful furniture rentals off of their brand new line!








2. November 4th: I toured the new Sunset Room at the National Harbor in Washington, DC. This is a wonderful venue with some beautiful views -- perfect for a wedding!





3. November 8th: I participated in the Not-So-Big Wedding Competition! The competition was hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Parks & Recreation at the Rockwood Manor in Potomac, Maryland. The challenge was to plan a wedding on a budget -- accommodating 65 guests for less than $15,000. The judge's panel was moderated by Ellen McCarthy of the Washington Post's Wedding Section and panelist included newlyweds who have successfully planned a wedding under $15K. It was a wonderful experience for my entire team, as it was our first competition. Here are some pictures of our table:





I will post more pictures from the competition once I receive the rest from our team photographer!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

October Events

This is another catch-up post, picking up from where I left off after the September Events post. Here's the update from all the events I coordinated and/or attended in October!

1. October 2nd: I collaborated with VMG to plan and produce Total Health Care's 40th Anniversary Fundraiser at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (BMW). The event theme was Old Hollywood Oscar Night with all the glitz and glamor -- we had actors as paparazzi, Joan Rivers on the Red Carpet, President Obama and First Lady Michelle (complete with a Secret Service detail), and LIVE Oscar statues. It was such a successful and memorable night! The BMW is one of the premier venues in Baltimore, Maryland -- check it out for your next special event! (I'll share additional pictures once I receive them from the photographer).


2. October 6th: I went on a FAM tour to visit all the Prince George's County Parks & Rec venues. I visited Newton Mansion, The PG Ballroom, Oxon Hill Manor, and many more wonderful sites. These venues are rich in history, have beautifully manicured grounds, and are terrific alternatives to typical hotel venues in the Baltimore/Washington area.

I attended a second FAM tour to visit all the Annapolis Area & Anne Arundel County facilities as well. Again, these venues are spectacular and typically more affordable alternatives to hotel venues. They are great venues for weddings, corporate events, and more!

3. October 21st: I went to New York City for the Biz-Bash Trade Show. The event was fabulous! I was able to gain lots of interesting insights on New York venues and vendors for destination events. I also got to see the Bidpal in action -- an innovative tool for those fundraisers!

4. October 22nd: I attended the Harvest Festival Event at the Strathmore in Rockville, Maryland. This is another unique space to consider for your next event. The Mansion and the Art Center are fabulous sites!


5. October 29th: I wanted to share some pictures from my DC ISES Halloween Party. It was held at the National Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington, DC -- how appropriate a venue for the occasion! The hauted house was amazing and truly scary for those of us who scare easily. It was a blast! By the way, that's me in the jailbird costume!

6. October 30th: I attended a very emotional speaking event by motivational speaker The Scary Guy; and yes, "Scary Guy" is his legal name! His speech was absolutely phenomenal and I had to stuggle to fight back some tears. He is truly passionate about his cause -- bullying, violence, and hate crimes among youth -- which we all need to be ambassadors to. Please take a moment to visit his website: www.thescaryguy.com

7. October 31st: Halloween! Here are some family Trick-or-Treating photos I couldn't resist sharing!


Next, I'll post my events from early November and I'll have you all caught up!

September Events

It's always nice to hear from my readers, and for those of you whom I have met and asked when my next post was coming... here it is! I will begin where I left off in the previous post to get you all updated on what I have bee doing. For those who follow me on Twitter, here are some pictures to match up with all those updates you've been reading!

I've linked all the venues' websites in case you would like to check them out to host one of your future events!

1. September 15th: ISES hosted our "back from summer" party at the newly renovated W Hotel -- a beautiful venue! The view of Washington, DC from the rooftop is breathtaking! The party was a lot of fun and it was nice to see everyone again.

2. September 17th: I attended the Encore Event at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Here are some pictures I managed to snag:

3. September 22nd: I attended a food tasting at the Caribbean Caterer's in Rockville, Maryland. The food was delicious -- a traditional wedding dinner prepared with authentic Caribbean spices. My favorites were the mini beef patty appetizers followed by their macaroni pie! Consider them for your next wedding or social event! They also partner with The Shadow Chef for events that do not need a wait staff and for orders to-go.

4. September 23rd: I went to a networking event hosted by Wedding Planner/Event Manager Linnyette Richardson-Hall (you may have seen her on Who's Wedding Is It Anyways?), at the Si Salsa -- a beautiful hidden gem in Pikesville, Marlyand. It was a lot of fun and a much needed break. The food was delicious and I won a beautiful chili pepper/carnation floral centerpiece:

5. September 28th: Unveiling of the new Tanzania Embassy Chancery in Washingtong, DC by the President of Tanzania, His Excelleny President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. Not only did I plan this unveiling ceremony in two weeks, but also furnished and decorated the fifth floor to simulate the ambassador's office, conference, and reception room since the building was not complete. Needless to say, with such short notice and all the protocals to adhere to, it was a challeneging yet fun event to plan and it turned out to be a great success. My client was very happy, and as a planner, that is always the greatest satisfaction. I couldn't have done it with out my truly amazing vendors who always come through for me no matter what!


Next post will be an update of all the October events!