News

Courtesy Associates Plays Leading Role in Convention Center Grand Opening

Courtesy Associates, a Washington, DC-based subsidiary of SmithBucklin, works regularly with government agencies and associations that expect a deft understanding of how the idiosyncrasies of politics mix with the complex world of event management. It was Courtesy’s expertise in this regard that led event planners to select the company to manage invitation and seating logistics for the March 2003 grand opening of the newly refurbished Washington Convention Center.

According to Susan Cherney, Director of New Business Ventures for Courtesy, well-planned seating is critical when a large number of high-profile guests are involved. "There is a very specific protocol for handling 2,500 politicians, celebrities and other dignitaries, particularly when many are on opposite ends of the political spectrum," said Cherney. "You must be sensitive to people’s professions, their expectations and their individual needs. Having the ability to advise our clients in these matters is an enormous asset."

Additionally, Courtesy was the Event Executive Producer for the following day’s block party celebration, which involved local politicians, dignitaries and more than 7,000 community members. In this capacity, Courtesy was responsible for managing the entire event, from conceptualizing the theme design and décor to selecting the ribbons that adorned the event’s flatware. The party featured five music stages, 25 entertainers, local marching bands, choirs, food, games and other activities. Event highlights included the cutting of a cake modeled after the new convention center, which measured 18 feet long by six feet wide and three feet tall.

While it is well known for producing such high-profile affairs as Presidential Inaugural events and Hollywood back-lot parties, Courtesy’s event and meeting management expertise has also earned a distinct reputation for excellence among corporate, government, health care and association clients. Technical and IEEE conferences, international congresses, medical meetings, exhibitions and corporate seminars are a small sample of the nearly 10,000 meetings and events Courtesy has planned during its 56-year history.

"We attribute our long-term success to our ability to understand the unique goals and needs of each client and developing solutions that meet those specific needs," said Courtesy President Sheila Stampfli. "Our commitment to providing this kind of personalized attention is unmatched in the events, meetings and related industries, and will remain a significant element of our approach to each new assignment we undertake."