BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Programming & Entertainment

After Biden Cancels, H.R.C. Readjusts Its National Dinner Program

The Human Rights Campaign National Dinner had to readjust its program when the vice president bowed out due to the government shutdown.

D. Channing Muller
October 10, 2013

The Human Rights Campaign’s 17th annual national dinner on Saturday night experienced some last-minute program changes when Vice President Joe Biden dropped out as the night’s keynote speaker just two days before the event because of the federal government shutdown. Rather than search for a replacement speaker, organizers reworked the program to compensate for the loss.  

“The vice president would have spoken in the first half of the program, so we simply readjusted and shortened that portion of it,” said Mollie Levin, director of events for the nonprofit.

The event still had star wattage: Jennifer Lopez received the Ally for Equality Award for her support of the L.G.B.T. community, and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles performed. Other presentations included a speech from H.R.C. president Chad Griffin and a video about the progress made for equal rights.

The dinner, which sold out three weeks earlier than in past years, drew 3,500 people the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to celebrate the work the nonprofit has done for marriage equality and equal rights for the L.G.B.T. community. With the increased press resulting from the marriage equality campaign that went viral earlier this year on Facebook—supporters used red versions of the organization's logo as profile pictures—the event grew by 400 people this year, prompting organizers to move to a different hall in the convention center. While Hall D is a bit wider than last year’s space, the column-free layout provided more space and unobstructed views of the stage. 

Here's a look inside the evening.

Jennifer Lopez accepted the Ally for Equality Award for her outspoken support of the L.G.B.T community.
Jennifer Lopez accepted the Ally for Equality Award for her outspoken support of the L.G.B.T community.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
The organization's campaign for marriage equality received a viral publicity boost on Facebook when supporters used a red version of the Human Rights Campaign logo as their profile picture. At the dinner, the red logo was fashioned into suspended red archways that marked the reception entrance and silent auction displays. Further down the hall, the archways transitioned into the organization's traditional blue logo.
The organization's campaign for marriage equality received a viral publicity boost on Facebook when supporters used a red version of the Human Rights Campaign logo as their profile picture. At the dinner, the red logo was fashioned into suspended red archways that marked the reception entrance and silent auction displays. Further down the hall, the archways transitioned into the organization's traditional blue logo.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Memes of the red marriage equality logo decorated the four sides of the DJ booth where America's Got Talent alum DJ Young 1 spun during the reception.
Memes of the red marriage equality logo decorated the four sides of the DJ booth where America's Got Talent alum DJ Young 1 spun during the reception.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
EMT Productions created a multitiered stage backdrop of three 28- by 50-foot video screens that showed inspirational videos of the H.R.C’s work in Washington, memes of its logo, and live feeds of the night’s speakers and performers.
EMT Productions created a multitiered stage backdrop of three 28- by 50-foot video screens that showed inspirational videos of the H.R.C’s work in Washington, memes of its logo, and live feeds of the night’s speakers and performers.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles served as the night’s headliner and closed the evening with a 30-minute performance.
Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles served as the night’s headliner and closed the evening with a 30-minute performance.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Abercrombie & Fitch sponsored the after-party in the same space that hosted the sponsors V.I.P. reception prior to the dinner.
Abercrombie & Fitch sponsored the after-party in the same space that hosted the sponsors V.I.P. reception prior to the dinner.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Macy’s set up its signature red balloons and stars at the entrance to the reception, a nod to the marriage equality decor and lighting in the space. The tables displayed the company’s silent auction items.
Macy’s set up its signature red balloons and stars at the entrance to the reception, a nod to the marriage equality decor and lighting in the space. The tables displayed the company’s silent auction items.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Wells Fargo brought its national Conversation Nation tour to the reception with local reps capturing photos of guests and polling them on lifestyle questions such as how they use social media. Photos appeared on the two screens on site and were sent via email so guests could see how their responses to the poll questions compared to others around the country.
Wells Fargo brought its national Conversation Nation tour to the reception with local reps capturing photos of guests and polling them on lifestyle questions such as how they use social media. Photos appeared on the two screens on site and were sent via email so guests could see how their responses to the poll questions compared to others around the country.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Latest in Programming & Entertainment
FX's 'A Murder at the End of the World' Dinner Party
Programming & Entertainment
Trend Spotted: Murder Mysteries Are Having a Moment at Events
Since 1996, more than 175 people have lost their lives at U.S. concerts, with over 722 deaths reported globally due to event-related crowd incidents. According to the Pink Bows Foundation, 82% of these were caused by preventable hazards.
Programming & Entertainment
How a Tragic Loss Led to This Groundbreaking Event Safety Initiative
For a 2023 event, Pixis Drones created a massive Pac-Man game in front of the Manhattan skyline using 750 drones. Watch a video here.
Programming & Entertainment
Bringing a Drone Show to Your Next Event? Follow These Expert Tips
Makenzie Stokel and Channing Moreland started EVA when they were college roommates in Nashville. The pair, now 30 years old, are on a mission to connect corporate clients with high-quality event entertainment.
Programming & Entertainment
How This Platform Is Simplifying Corporate Event Entertainment Booking
Related Stories
Lady Gaga at the Human Rights Campaign dinner
BizBash Lists
Going Gaga
Jennifer Lopez accepted the Ally for Equality Award for her outspoken support of the L.G.B.T community.
Programming & Entertainment
After Biden Cancels, H.R.C. Readjusts Its National Dinner Program
Jennifer Lopez accepted the Ally for Equality Award for her outspoken support of the L.G.B.T community.
Programming & Entertainment
Entertainment
Dior Spring/Summer 2014
Programming & Entertainment
8 Splashy Ideas to Steal From Paris Fashion Week
More in Programming & Entertainment
Programming & Entertainment
Trend Spotted: Murder Mysteries Are Having a Moment at Events
From mystery-centric dinner parties to true-crime-inspired experiences, more and more events are letting guests channel their inner detective.
FX's 'A Murder at the End of the World' Dinner Party
Programming & Entertainment
How a Tragic Loss Led to This Groundbreaking Event Safety Initiative
The inaugural Showstop Procedure training and certification takes place in Houston this month in honor of Madison Dubiski, who was 23 when she was killed at the Astroworld Festival in 2021.
Since 1996, more than 175 people have lost their lives at U.S. concerts, with over 722 deaths reported globally due to event-related crowd incidents. According to the Pink Bows Foundation, 82% of these were caused by preventable hazards.
Programming & Entertainment
Bringing a Drone Show to Your Next Event? Follow These Expert Tips
Here's how brands and event hosts can safely—and effectively—grab attention with a high-flying drone display.
For a 2023 event, Pixis Drones created a massive Pac-Man game in front of the Manhattan skyline using 750 drones. Watch a video here.
Programming & Entertainment
How This Platform Is Simplifying Corporate Event Entertainment Booking
EVA—which just announced $2 million in funding—bridges the gap between planners and performers, offering a streamlined, tech-driven approach to booking event entertainment.
Makenzie Stokel and Channing Moreland started EVA when they were college roommates in Nashville. The pair, now 30 years old, are on a mission to connect corporate clients with high-quality event entertainment.
Programming & Entertainment
Booking a Controversial Event Speaker? Here’s How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Careful preparation and clear communication are key to managing the risks of booking a potentially polarizing speaker.
Pexels Jibarofoto 2774556
Programming & Entertainment
How to Creatively Execute Stunts at Events—Without Sacrificing Safety
Last month's The Fall Guy premiere grabbed headlines with five action-packed stunts on the red carpet. Learn how the team pulled it off—and see some other jaw-dropping stunt moments we've loved at events.
Action-Packed Stunts at Events
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Sports
Fanatics Fest 2025: This Mega Celebration of Sports Fandom Returned For a Bigger, Bolder Second Year
Industry Insiders
Inside the Build: How Bellagio Fountain Club Delivers F1® Weekend’s Most Luxurious Hospitality Experience
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Programming & Entertainment
Event Personalization Moments That Really Worked
Personal touches, from custom playlists to innovative swag, are redefining attendee engagement. Here, event professionals share some of the most effective personalization moments they've created.
For a six-city tour with German gin brand Monkey47, creative marketing agency BMF designed custom silk scarves—which were then styled on site to enhance attendees' personal looks. “We chose scarves over any other branded giveaway because they are definitely having a fashion moment and allowed for guests to still embrace their individuality,” explains Melissa Notaro, a creative director for BMF.
Programming & Entertainment
Smooth Moves: How to Create Engaging Transition Moments at Events
Moving guests from one room to another can be an unexpected place for some surprise-and-delight moments.
“We once had a premiere for a show that was set in New Orleans, and transitioning 250 guests from the screening room to the after-party was an opportunity for us to enhance the experience by bringing in a New Orleans-style second line band—who led the entire audience across a busy NYC street,' remembers Vox Media's Tara Reilly. 'It not only created a smooth transition, but it gave our audience an unexpected experience that was memorable and sparked conversation.”
Programming & Entertainment
Q&A: How Neon Carnival Became One of the Year's Most Coveted Event Invites
Hospitality veteran Brent Bolthouse discusses why the Coachella-adjacent party has stood the test of time, why he refuses to sell tickets, and the hospitality trends he's loving (and hating) right now.
Brent Bolthouse Discusses Neon Carnival 2024
Programming & Entertainment
7 Important Tips for Working with Event DJs
The right DJ can make or break the vibe of your event. Here are some tips for getting it right.
Shutterstock 670249444
Programming & Entertainment
SXSW 2024 Preview: Catching Up with the Festival's Chief Programming Officer on What’s New and Noteworthy
BizBash tapped SXSW’s longtime programming chief, Hugh Forrest, to dish on what to expect at this year’s fest, taking place March 8-16 in Austin, Texas.
South by Southwest 2024 is anticipated to draw 300,000 guests to downtown Austin, Texas, March 8-16 for keynote and featured speaker sessions, music festivals, brand activations, film premieres, over-the-top events, and so much more.
Programming & Entertainment
7 Wellness Trends to Expect at Large-Scale Events in 2024
From tech-infused therapies to sound healing to new food waste efforts, we spoke with seven wellness industry players to find out which trends they predict at big events in 2024.
The team from Carillon Miami Wellness Resort plans to bring a variety of touchless wellness technologies to various trade shows that can offer quick, 10-minute recharge sessions to attendees.
Page 1 of 171
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.