In the end, Current Sushi turned out to be the perfect location for MES. The fall weather cooperated and MES members got an exclusive look at the newly renovated back patio of the Dupont Circle sushi establishment. Dubbed “Rose Bar”, this 800 square foot patio has the feel of a Morrocan Garden. The plexiglass bar features backlit white roses and walls are adorned with a faux ivy covering that gives the feel of an exotic escape (Despite the fact that its located on the bustling Connecticut Avenue). The interior features a skeleton staircase reminiscent of a yacht and water filled floor panels that let you see through to the lower deck.

The 325 event planners and professionals who attended were treated to an open bar, dessert by Policy Restaurant, music by NYX Entertainment and Events and DJ Flounder, fun halloween accessories by Say Cheese Paper Props, dramatic lighting by Huqa AV, custom leather bracelets by Talk of the Town and strolling magic by yours truly.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2012! Wishing you a busy and productive winter! -josh

View the full album on our Facebook Page. Photos: Daniel McGarrity Photography

• Sugar Bailey and her team from DIYva Designs offered their planning and styling expertise.
• Buddha Bar provided Asian hors d’oeuvres and small bites, as well as a one-hour open bar.
• Guests were amazed by the live Buddha statue, furnished by Cast of Thousands.
• The excitement of the event was captured by Conjo Studios.
• Impressions Caterers provided the deliciously sweet cake pops.
• Signs for the event were produced by Exhibit Imaging.
• Tierra Floral Design added a delicate touch with colorful floral centerpieces and garlands.
• Hot 99.5′s DJ Chris Styles spun records in the DJ booth, providing energy for the crowd.
• Memories of the event were captured by photographer Peter Stepanek of Sky High Art.
• Yours Truly Lighting and Decor set the mood with their energetic lighting displays.
• Josh Norris performed crowd-pleasing magic.
• Thanks to our volunteer coordinator, Ellis Connolly, from CaterWire.com.

Using a unique web application, Melanie Spring of Sisarina created a LIVE twitter feed of the event’s buzz that displayed on flat screens throughout the room.  Additionally, Ultimate Amusements “Facebook Photobooth” allowed attendees to upload their booth photos directly to their social media profiles.  This was a modern twist to the traditional photobooth that I think will be a hit with young audiences (ie Mitzvahs & Sweet 16′s) and corporate networking events.

The venue, provided an unobstructed view of Georgetown from the Key Bridge all the way to the Kennedy Center.  The view, perfect weather, spacious venue, generous sponsors, and capacity crowd made this one of my favorite MES mixers to date. Looking forward to seeing everyone in June!

Event Sponsors

• Toybox Productions – Beautifully filmed and edited recap of the mixer.
• Capitol Chocolate Fountains
• The Travelling Bean – Provided some refreshing smoothies
• CORT Event Furnishings – Check out their white modern lounge furniture in the video.
• Daniel McGarrity Photography – Full album below!
• Drape Kings
• IndAroma Bakery – Their dessert station was a hit!
• Josh Norris – Modern Day Magician
• Rentals to Remember
• The Davis Event Group
• Exhibit Imaging – the most reliable event signage company we’ve ever worked with

Watch The Video Recap

Check out the video recap by Toybox Productions.

View the Full Photo Album at http://facebook.com/metroeventsorg

Folks gathered at the Warner Theatre, where, thanks to the hard work of Cristina Maria Special Events, they enjoyed the wares of fabulous purveyors of food, drink, and general fun:

• MK Catering Inc. served not only food and drink but also took care of lighting, decor, and linens
• Perfect Settings provided selected rentals and decor
• Petal’s Edge Floral Design offered stunning floral arrangements
• The Chocolate Chick wowed guests with two chocolate fountains
• Traveling Bean – Espresso Catering Company served espresso from a cozy coffee nook
• Washington Talent Agency brought green screen photography and an engraving station
• ONYX serenaded guests with great tunes
• Attendees enjoyed Interactive Magic from our own Josh Norris
• Exhibit Imaging LLC provided great posters

Alexander Morozov, of Photography by Alexander has chronicled the event on our facebook page.  Check out some of his gorgeous images and video below.

Finally, Charlie Shin Videography has put together a great video re-cap of the event – check it out!

See you at the next mixer!

There have been many mixers at many unique venues around the city, but what keeps event professionals and newbies coming back?

Conrad Weaver of Conjo Studios, LLC, a videography company, said, “MES mixers are great for making and reconnecting with friends in the event industry.” He added that the mixers are “fantastic for getting my business name in front of people who can actually use my services. In this economy, marketing dollars are really tight, and I take advantage of this free event to introduce people to me and my business. It’s time well spent.”

Angel Santiago, marketing director and event producer of Washington Talent Agency, noted that “MES is a must-attend for me and my team. Because of the fun nature of MES’s events, I get to see the side of people that matters…the fun side!”

Watch your inboxes for the first MES mixer of 2011! Happy holidays!

Video Recap

Watch the full video recap by Conjo Studios for a sneak peak inside Vetro, Lima’s newest private event space!

Event Photos

The event was captured by JB Yong of Sweet Dreams Studio. Check out all the full gallery by clicking any of the images below!

Event Photos

The entire event was beautifully captured by Nakeva Corothers of Nightlife PR.  Check out the FULL ALBUM on the MES facebook page to see who was there and what you missed!

Event Sponsors

Our generous sponsors helped to make this the best MES networking event for event planners in our history!

• Green planning by lori hill event productions
• Venue, Food, and Open Bar by The Hotel Palomar
• Music, lighting, and sounds by Everything Entertainment
• Delicious smoothies and frozen drinks by The Travelling Bean
• A fun living plant by Cast of Thousands
• Outdoor furniture by CORT
• Event signage by Exhibit Imaging
• Photo coverage by Nightlife PR
• Video coverage by Washington Talent
• Magic and Entertainment by your host Josh Norris

Thanks to everyone who sponsored and attended! See you at our next event!

Event Photos

The entire event was beautifully captured by Jack Hartzman Photography of Washington Talent. Check out the FULL ALBUM on the MES facebook page to see who was there and what you missed!

Event Sponsors

In addition to some great networking, guests received a number of additional surprises

Washington Talent's "Aura Photos" were a hit

• Event Planning by Bravo Events
• Music by DJ Lil’ E
• Aura Photos by Washington Talent
• Strolling Magic by Josh Norris
• Floral Arrangements by Exquisite
• Furniture by Capital Decor and Events
• Appetizers by Tuscana Catering
• Live Broadcast by Marry Me Live
• Sprocket Robot by Washington Talent
• Signage by Exhibit Imaging
• Valet Parking by Atlantic Valet

Perfect Venue. Perfect Attendance.

Follow on Twitter, add on Facebook, and link up on LinkedIn. But what happens when you want to connect with someone face to face?

Metro Events Specialists’ fourth networking event brought in more than 200 attendees ranging from event planners, photographers, and nonprofit professionals to emcees, DJs, and graphic designers, even a cheesecake chef. The event, hosted at the swank L2 Lounge in Georgetown, provided a forum for pros and amateurs alike to share their passion for events and make connections for future ventures. Music was provided by a DJ from Washington Talent, Photo and Video, gift bags were distributed by Premier Bride, and on-the-spot photos were snapped and printed by Poshbooth Custom Photobooths.

“I walked in a complete rookie to event planning and organization, but left a convert!” said Ashley Haugo, who works in communications for the League of Conservation Voters. “I met extremely motivated and multi-talented individuals who gave me excellent advice and resources to break into the field . . . not to mention the very cool new friends I made!”

Sponsors included Exhibit Imaging; L2 Lounge; Poshbooth; Premier Bride Magazine; Washingtion Talent, Photo, and Video; Sweet Dreams Studios, and Magician Josh Norris.

Event Photos

All the action was professionally captured by JB Yong from Sweet Dreams Studio.  See the full photo gallery: MES February Mixer by Sweet Dreams Studio

The entire event was captured by Alexander Morozov. If you missed this event, watch the video below to get a glimpse into what it like to attend an MES event. If you were there, well you might just see yourself!

Event Sponsors

In addition to some of the best networking in the industry, guests received a number of additional “treats”:

• Event planning and coordination by Cristina Maria Special Events
• Photobooth and Green Screen by Washington Talent
• Appetizers by the Renaissance M Street Hotel
• Vodka tasting bar by Emperor Vodka
• Live jazz  by Grabielismo Productions
• International music by DJ Neekola
• Chocolate Fountain by Capitol Chocolate Fountains
• Floral arrangements by Janet Flowers
• Table Linens by Capital Party Rentals
• Custom Signage by Exhibit Imaging
• Event Coverage by Photography by Alexander
• Video Coverage by Washington Video

For more photos from the event visit the gallery at:

The entire event was captured by Alexander Morozov. If you missed this event, watch the video below to get a glimpse into what its like to attend an MES event. If you were there, then you might just see yourself!

Photos From the Event

View Full Album: MES August Photos

Photos courtesy of professional photographer Alexander Morozov.

Event Sponsors

This event would not have been a success without the help of our sponsors The Topaz Hotel, The Chocolate Chick, and The Wine Coach.