BizBash celebrated the careers of seven Washington-area event industry visionaries and recognized two risings stars at a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 22.
The ceremony, held in the RiverView Ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, was executive produced by Hello! Washington, D.C. Destination Management, which transformed the ballroom into two distinct spaces. On one side, a custom-built stage installation provided the backdrop for the ceremony, while the other side served as a bar and focal piece of the reception. The design incorporated iconic scenic elements of the region, including cherry blossoms, and capitalized on the expansive view of the Potomac River.
In front of a crowd of 200 guests, the honorees shared their inspirations, reflected on their most memorable events, and acknowledged their teams during an interview-style presentation.
The honorees were Susan Ann Davis, chairwoman of Susan Davis International; Philip Dufour, president and C.E.O. of Dufour & Co Productions; Julie Hanson, president and C.E.O. of Hanson Productions; Capricia Penavic Marshall, former chief of protocol of the United States; Eric and Mark Michael, president and C.E.O., respectively, of Occasions Caterers; and Michael Stengel, senior vice president of Gaylord Hotels and Convention Hotel Strategy for Marriott International. Also recognized were two up-and-coming industry professionals: Rebecca McFarland, formerly of Washingtonian, and Latoya Lewis and the team from EnventU, an organization that introduces high-school students to the event business.
Chosen by the BizBash executive committee for their work, accomplishments, and contributions to the industry, the honorees join a distinguished group of event professionals.
 The full list of BizBash Hall of Fame inductees can be found here.
Join us at BizBash Live: New York and the Wedding Show for Something Different, both October 25 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Learn more or register here.
