DC is the epicenter of politics so at virtually all events, somewhere, somehow politics was mentioned or debated.
So when I got a call from Jim McBride president and founder of Network for Progress, I knew exactly what was in the cards.
“I like the vibe of your events, the marketing, the aura.”
“I think our groups complement each other well,” I replied with gratitude.
“August 6 is the first Republican Primary Debate,” Jim announced. “It’ll be a GOP Clown show for sure.”
“Yes, it’s hard to believe that Donald Trump is leading in the polls and lapping Cruz by double digits.”
“Can we host a rooftop event where we’re offered a panoramic view of the Capitol?”
I remembered how Armin Armin of Chaplin’s recommended I visit Cambria hotel down the road. “It’s where I stay when I’ve knocked back a drink or two, and I’ve gotten up in the morning,” he would tell me. “They have a nice indoor rooftop pool and a nice lounge with a stellar view of the city.”
“Great suggestion, the Cambria near the DC Convention Center is the perfect location,” Jim responded.
“I’ll talk to Evan Walton, the Director of Food and Beverage to see if he can offer specials on select apps and bar drinks.”
“We also would like to televise Jon Stewart’s last ‘Daily Show’ after the Debate. He’s bidding farewell that night.”
“He’s a legendary pundit and BS caller. We’ll definitely miss him.”
“Yup after watching ten candidates for four hours play musical chairs, we”ll be bored to tears.”
“Well, music always goes well with politics and allegiances are expressed well in song. Lemme tap into my Rolodex and contact a few musicians who can add joviality to the evening.”
I remembered watching Flo Anito perform at the H Street Festival and enjoyed listening to her Jazz Pop on Keys and Guitar. She has the sound of Fiona Apple.
A week before the event, we were pleased to see that over 100 had RSVP’d and the numbers just kept rising.
“We’ve never gotten this kind of response for any of our events, not even the State of the Union or our annual Charity Date Auction,” Jim stated.
But luck would have it on event day, the skies darkened and Acuweather called for a downpour.
So at the last minute, the decision was made to move the entertainment and food down to the hotel lobby — a bummer for many who were hoping for relaxing summer breeze and views.
But the inclement weather turned out to be a mixed blessing, because by the end of the night over 500 people had congregated at the Cambria some socializing and networking, some fully absorbed in the Debate, many enjoying the jazzy tunes from local favorite, Flo Anito.
It helped greatly that our event got a lot of play in the Wall Street Journal, DCist and others. For many Millennials, they were still in high school when Obama was inaugurated and their vote would be critical in deciding the dynamics of the election.
“No way, will Donald Trump win the GOP nomination,” a house intern blurted.
When it was Trump’s turn to talk, he was greeted with a cacaphony of boos.
“We kept the roof open for folks to check out the views and come back down for the food, fun and mingling,” said Evan. “We definitely set a record for attendees in our first year in Shaw, and we were thrilled that people from all over the city chose Cambria for such a historical event.”
And the winner of the Debates? Our events team, our talent, the hotel (of course), DC politicos, everyone but Trump.
The event surpassed all expectations, and Jim and I vowed to host another political event in the near future. The elections were approaching, and many big name candidates were jockeying for votes.
