Planning a special event can be an important part of your public relations strategy. These events can advance your agenda with key audiences, build relationships, and create newsworthy events to attract media attention. They can even benefit charitable causes.

Association Vision has planned several successful special events for clients.

CCR Congressional Briefing

Association Vision planned a Congressional Briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill for the Council for Chemical Research (CCR) that drew more than 80 members of Congress, regulatory executives, academicians, media representatives, and CCR members. The event was used to unveil a landmark study that quantified the value of research and development in the chemical industry. The briefing educated multiple audiences and the study was featured in a Business Week article.

Al-Anon “Families in Recovery” Luncheon

To highlight National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, Association Vision created a “Families in Recovery” Luncheon for Al-Anon Family Groups held in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill hosted by Senator Paul Wellstone and Representative Jim Ramstad. Officials from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy were among the featured speakers, and the 100 people who attended represented Congressional committees, a wide range of associations active in the alcohol, drug, and addiction field, and the media.

The “Hospitality Olympics”

Association Vision created the Hospitality Olympics as a special event for the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia. It was designed to demonstrate the hotel’s commitment to community service and provide a fun and educational experience for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. More than 100 children made up five teams that competed in Olympic events including the luggage pull, tray toting, ad drawing, cake decorating, and towel folding. The event generated a television report on News Channel 8 in Washington, DC and extensive newspaper coverage. Read this article about the Hospitality Olympics that appeared in the HSMAI Marketing Review.

To learn more about how special events can help publicize your organization, contact Association Vision President Al Rickard at 703-402-9713 or arickard@associationvision.com.