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. Venues & Destinations
  2. Global

Washington Opera Sells Out Midwinter Party Despite Cutting Advertising

D. Channing Muller
February 15, 2011

The Washington National Opera hosted its ninth annual midwinter fund-raiser, renamed the Midwinter Fiesta this year in honor of its Mexican theme, on Saturday night at the Mexican Cultural Institute at the Embassy of Mexico. Despite cutting its advertising budget, the event sold out for its ninth year, with 300 people in attendance.

“I don’t think [not advertising] made one bit of difference,” said Deana Taylor, the opera’s associate director of special events, who worked with the organization’s women’s committee to plan the affair. “Our presence on our own Web site was stronger, and our ability to direct people to our auction Web site, which we got up earlier this year, made a real difference.” 

Taylor displayed the more than 100 items available in a silent auction throughout the second floor, after they'd been advertised online since November—nearly two months sooner than last year. The night garnered 19 sponsors, including Jacqueline B. Mars, daughter and granddaughter of the founders of Mars candy company, who secured the $25,000 title sponsorship.

The opera once again employed the cocktail-party format adopted for 2010’s Midwinter Fete at the cultural center at the Embassy of France, with six restaurants setting up tasting stations throughout five rooms, each lit in a different color, on the second floor of the venue. Occasions Caterers also provided passed hors d’oeuvres of beer-and-Brie quesadillas, spinach and mushroom empanadas, and grilled shrimp skewers with guacamole. Casa Dragones Tequila and the Mexican Embassy sponsored two specialty bars this year serving tequila and margaritas, respectively.

About two hours into the evening, Mexican tenor José Ortega, one of the opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists, performed a 30-minute show on the main stage. Mariachi Los Amigos also performed throughout the night, before turning the entertainment over to DJ Dino, who played salsa music for two hours before the party wrapped up at 12:30 a.m.

Though final numbers still being determined, event organizers estimate the night surpassed this year's goal of $145,000.

E20007dsc 4601salone
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Feats Inc. used blue lighting to play off the blue and white tiles in one room of the venue.
Feats Inc. used blue lighting to play off the blue and white tiles in one room of the venue.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Occasions Caterers served passed hors d'oeuvres, including heirloom tomatoes wrapped in tortillas like sushi rolls.
Occasions Caterers served passed hors d'oeuvres, including heirloom tomatoes wrapped in tortillas like sushi rolls.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Though they came in at a lower sponsorship level this year, Tiffany & Company provided jewelry for the silent auction.
Though they came in at a lower sponsorship level this year, Tiffany & Company provided jewelry for the silent auction.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Feats used linens from Mexico to decorate the tables in each of the color-themed rooms.
Feats used linens from Mexico to decorate the tables in each of the color-themed rooms.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Floral arrangements of hydrangeas and calla lilies in colorful Mexican-style vases topped the bars.
Floral arrangements of hydrangeas and calla lilies in colorful Mexican-style vases topped the bars.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Taylor arranged the silent-auction items into categories with each on a different table, collectively creating a mercado, or Mexican marketplace.
Taylor arranged the silent-auction items into categories with each on a different table, collectively creating a mercado, or Mexican marketplace.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Belga Cafe served milk, white, and dark chocolate mousse cups.
Belga Cafe served milk, white, and dark chocolate mousse cups.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Greeters dressed in traditional Mexican clothes welcomed guests and later took a spin on the dance floor.
Greeters dressed in traditional Mexican clothes welcomed guests and later took a spin on the dance floor.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
The Mexican Embassy sponsored a margarita bar with hand-shaken cocktails served all night.
The Mexican Embassy sponsored a margarita bar with hand-shaken cocktails served all night.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Mariachi Los Amigos performed on the main stage throughout the night.
Mariachi Los Amigos performed on the main stage throughout the night.
Photo: Neshan Naltchayan for BizBash
Latest in Global
Southern California's Hotel del Coronado has completed a $550 million restoration, highlighted by the revitalization of its iconic Victorian building and a range of upgraded event and group offerings. Key event spaces—including the historic Crown Room, Coronet Room, and Ocean Ballroom—have been meticulously restored. The resort's broader transformation includes the Southpointe Event Center, featuring a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and adjacent lawn, plus updated guest rooms and amenities across the property.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Texas Flooding, New Hospitality Tech, and More
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has launched SUMMIT Events, a new private event space in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s catering venture, Cuisine Boulud New York, offering an elevated experience atop one of Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic observatories. Opening July 1, the striking new venue is a 72nd-floor space with panoramic skyline views, mirrored interiors, and direct access to the immersive, multifloor SUMMIT One Vanderbilt attraction. It seats 100 or holds 120 for receptions.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Sustainability and Wellness Offerings, a 'Bed Bug Safe' Certification, and More
W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Art-Centric Experiences, All-Inclusive Resort Add-Ons, and More
'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.
Global
Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues
Related Stories
The Washington Opera Ball
Event Design & Decor
Opera Ball Offers Russian History Lessons Via Themed Rooms at Embassy
The bar at the Midwinter Fete
Strategy
Opera Changes Midwinter Fete Format, Heads to French Embassy
E19984standalone
Global
Mandarin Oriental Celebrates Chinese New Year With Live Buddha
E19774standalone
Global
10 New and Notable New York Restaurants for Events and Business Entertaining
More in Global
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Texas Flooding, New Hospitality Tech, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Southern California's Hotel del Coronado has completed a $550 million restoration, highlighted by the revitalization of its iconic Victorian building and a range of upgraded event and group offerings. Key event spaces—including the historic Crown Room, Coronet Room, and Ocean Ballroom—have been meticulously restored. The resort's broader transformation includes the Southpointe Event Center, featuring a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and adjacent lawn, plus updated guest rooms and amenities across the property.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Sustainability and Wellness Offerings, a 'Bed Bug Safe' Certification, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has launched SUMMIT Events, a new private event space in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s catering venture, Cuisine Boulud New York, offering an elevated experience atop one of Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic observatories. Opening July 1, the striking new venue is a 72nd-floor space with panoramic skyline views, mirrored interiors, and direct access to the immersive, multifloor SUMMIT One Vanderbilt attraction. It seats 100 or holds 120 for receptions.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Art-Centric Experiences, All-Inclusive Resort Add-Ons, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.
Global
Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues
Damien Baines dishes on his favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host an event abroad, and more.
'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.
Global
10 New International Venues for 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened worldwide.
Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands
Most Popular
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Event Design & Decor
Step Right Up: 10 Carnival Decor Ideas That Balance Whimsy and Elegance
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Unique Wellness Initiatives, New Sustainability Tools, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Looking for a fun event moment near some of Atlanta's most popular venues? Following a $2.5 million renovation, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has reopened the popular Fountain of Rings landmark at Centennial Olympic Park. Daily shows, which kicked off this week, see water spray to heights of over 15 feet, along with more than 250 new LED ring lights offering 360-degree illumination in vibrant colors and patterns, and a sophisticated fog system with over 200 individual fog emitters—all synchronized to a curated playlist of songs from artists with ties to Georgia. In addition to Centennial Olympic Park, GWCCA’s campus includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Billion-Dollar Airport Revamps, Hotel Design Trends, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
The 251-room W Austin completed a multimillion-dollar transformation in January. The revitalization includes redesigned guest rooms and a new restaurant concept, Serenade American Brasserie (pictured), where chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh blends Texan flavors with classic brasserie techniques. The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of event space and is located next to the popular ACL Live music venue.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: How the Wildfires Are Affecting LA Venues, Plus 2025 Design Trends and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Looking for a truly VIP event experience? Park Hyatt New York has debuted the Manhattan Suite, now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night. The exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, spans 3,500 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views of Manhattan’s skyline; it can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight. There’s also a bespoke art collection and more than 50 New York and art-inspired coffee-table books, plus an eight-seat dining table and plenty of space for meetings and social gatherings. The hotel can also arrange private jet transfers to New York City, an in-suite chef tasting dinner, Peloton bikes, and more.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: A 'Wicked'-Themed Suite, a Hotel Brand's Artisan Marketplace, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
This holiday season, New York Hilton Midtown and Universal Pictures are bringing hotel guests into the world of Wicked with a specially designed suite inspired by the film. Scroll down to learn more.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: The Election's Impact on Hospitality, a New Wellness Certification, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Up Norway offers curated work retreats in scenic Norwegian locales, ideal for remote teams seeking a blend of work, nature, and cultural immersion. Options include a village takeover in Knutholmen for larger groups, an urban creative retreat at the new Revier Hotel in Oslo, a nature-driven experience at the historic Hattvika Lodge in the Lofoten Islands, and a music and writing retreat at Raw Ocean Lodge on the western coast. With activities like fjord tours, art workshops, and guided hikes, Up Norway tailors each retreat to corporate goals, enhancing team connection and productivity in Norway’s breathtaking settings.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: First Fully Electric Conference Center in the US, Marriott's New 'Fanbassador,' and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
When Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to New Orleans in October, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room (pictured) will host a Swift-inspired costume contest brunch. The contest winner will walk away with a free night’s stay at the hotel.
Page 1 of 56
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.