Event Spotlight - SGA's Inaugural Winter Forum
Event Spotlight – SGA's Inaugural Winter Forum and Reception
Thursday, February 19, 2015 – 12-6 PM | Diane Duff, Executive Director, SGA
Explain the significance of your event for those who may not be familiar with your organization.
The event was SGA's inaugural Winter Forum. In previous years, we conducted a 60-minute business meeting with Southern governors on a Sunday morning in conjunction with NGA's Winter Meeting. By changing the date, location and format (to a working session for the staff of our gubernatorial members and corporate affiliates) SGA aimed to introduce a "new and improved” format to engage our broader membership in a discussion focused on the economic competitiveness of the American South region. We feel that this initial forum was very successful, and that using the National Press Club as our introductory venue enhanced the success of our effort.
When it comes to looking for a venue, what do you look for? Did the NPC deliver?
The driving consideration was proximity to other events our member governors were attending, primarily at the JW Marriott, site of NGA's Winter Meeting. However, the NPC venue was very attractive because it stepped out of the standard hotel meeting space and offered something with more of a sense of current events than any hotel can offer.
What were your event goals, and how did the NPC help accomplish them?
This was a new event format for SGA, focused on group participation rather than “talking heads.” The National Press Club team helped us determine an effective meeting layout for attendees, and provided excellent support in the way of logistics planning, food service and audio/visual.
What did your attendees think of the event and their experience?
Many of our attendees noted that the National Press Club was more easily accessible than some of the other venues we have used in the past, and many others stated that the food was about the best they have enjoyed at our Winter gatherings. We also received a number of compliments on the accommodations in the meeting space and reception area.
How do you feel the NPC compares with other venues in DC?
We were very pleased with the National Press Club. The staff, food, meeting space and location was a great fit for our event. And, we thought that the price was very competitive. The combination of our new format and the offerings of the NPC made this the best Winter event we have conducted in a very long time.
Based on this event, would you do more events at the NPC in the future?
Yes, SGA definitely would consider conducting future events at the National Press Club.
About the NPC Event Spotlight: The National Press Club hosts more than 2,000 events annually for our clients, and each month we feature a different event that showcases the creative and unique ways the Club can help you achieve your business, social and media objectives through our Event Services offerings. If you are interested in participating in our Event Spotlight series, please contact Brian Taylor at 202-662-7541 or [email protected].