Theme / Entrance

Signage around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center—even on the floor—directed guests toward the gala.

Marriott showcased original artwork created to honor the vision and legacy of Matthew Shepard. Gala eventgoers could bid on the pieces, which were included in the silent auction.

Artist Sebastien "Mr.D 1987" Boileau painted live during the gala in the V.I.P. lounge, as part of Marriott's original art showcase.

Sponsor Macy's created a display of clothing accented by glowing rainbow panels.

A lounge from sponsor Wells Fargo included an Instagram-friendly photo op in colorful, oversize letters that spelled out "equality." Walton Isaacson created the activation concept and design, and Advanced Party Rentals produced it.

A photo booth in the Wells Fargo "Equality" lounge showcased the company's sponsorship of an exhibit at the Newseum opening in March 2019, called "Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement—50th Anniversary (1969-2019)." The photo booth featured a backdrop of newsprint with headlines from the time period, accented by a neon rainbow.

Guests posed in front of a wall covered with 3-D flowers from Lexus. Walton Isaacson also led the activation for Lexus, with production help from Living Color Design.

Guests perused the silent auction items in two different square areas, set off by rainbow "TurnOut" signage and oversize balloons.

Guests were greeted with rainbow curtains, oversize balloons, disco balls, "TurnOut" signage, and a carpet emblazoned with the campaign's logo as they entered the gala. The welcome room became a popular spot for guest photo ops.

Guests left the welcome room and headed toward a white carpet "sponsor experience" with signage and sponsor graphics. Balloons drew the eye up, while the space was kept open to help with the flow of guests.

In the V.I.P. lounge area, Smirnoff showed off its redesigned 2018 “Love Wins” bottles and a dramatic pour-over drink presentation.

Multiple screens and podiums provided a clear sightline to every seat in the dining area, while draping took on different colors as the lighting changed.

Former Vice President Joe Biden headlined the HRC National Dinner.

The evening's presentation included remarks from figure skater and Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon.