For your calendar — upcoming PR and business networking holiday events

Tuesday, December 4

IPRA Holiday Luncheon

Maggiano’s, Tysons Galleria, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Network with independent public relations practitioners in the DC area over chicken parmigiana and ravioli at the annual IPRA holiday luncheon.

Tips: This event typically draws around 40-50 independents in their 40s to 60s who have known each other for several years, and attend the lunch annually, as well as a few sponsors and the occasional newcomer.  Men wear dark suits and Christmas ties, ladies wear festive suits, or holiday sweaters.  A collection is taken for charity, so bring a checkbook.  Good networking and terrific food, and almost no one checks their Blackberry at the table (refreshing).  Register for the event ($35/$45).

WWPR Chocolate Holiday Party

Co Co. Sala Lounge and Chocolate Boutique, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Join Washington Women in Public Relations for their Chocolate Holiday party in Washington, DC, featuring drinks, appetizers, and chocolate!

Tips: Both men and women attend these events, but they’re usually attended primarily by fashionably attired, well-heeled female PR pros in their 20s and 30s, as well as a few seasoned pros with great connections.  A mannerly bunch, and a friendly crowd to newbies.  Register for the event ($12/$25).

Wednesday, December 5

The One Party

Current, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Tonight is the local PR/Advertising industry’s biggest holiday bash, The One Party.  The multi-sponsored party typically draws about 200 people.

Tips: It’s loud and the drink lines are long, and no one ever dances, but it’s the event to see and be seen, and admission includes two drinks and sushi.  A mix of ages and backgrounds, this event skews  to the young and hip advertising/creative set.  Almost everyone behaves.  Bring cards, but this one’s mostly for the photo-ops.  Register for the event ($45/$55).

Monday, December 10

PRSA-NCC Holiday Party

Carmine’s, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Join the National Capital Chapter of the PRSA for holiday networking, drinks and Italian hors d’oeuvres in Washington, DC.

Tips: Expect to network with a suited and mature crowd of about 50 PR professionals who know each other well.  There are typically chapter award giveaways, as well.  Better for chapter insiders.  Register for the event ($40/$55).

Wednesday, December 12

AWC-DC Holiday Tea

Willard Intercontinental, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Indulge in a Holiday Tea, including vanilla cranberry scones, tea sandwiches, and petits fours, in the Peacock Room with AWC-DC (Association for Women in Communications, DC Chapter) PRofessional Solutions, LLC CEO Kate Perrin will be the keynote speaker.

Tips: A powerhouse of influential and classy women at all stages in their careers in the most refined setting in Washington.  Dress to impress, and mute your mobile at this one.  Register for the event ($45/$55).

Washington Network Group Holiday Networking Reception

Lima Restaurant and Lounge, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Cash bar and complimentary appetizers.  Register for the event ($15/$30).

Wednesday, December 19

Social Media Club DC Holiday Happy Hour

Cause-The Philanthropub, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.  $10.  Millenial group.  Information and registration.

Check out these other business-related holiday events in the Washington, DC area

Saturday, December 1

Ad2DC Holiday Pub Crawl and Ugly Sweater Contest

Various locations, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Free; buy your own.  Millenial group.  More information and registration.

Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce 30th Anniversary Celebration

Sheraton Reston Hotel, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. $175.  More information and registration.

Tuesday, December 4

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Holiday on Tap

World of Beer, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $20.   Information and registration.

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Networking Social

O’Malley’s Pub/Holiday Inn, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $15   Information and registration.

What’s Next DC Holiday Meetup

Public Bar in DC, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $15.  Information and registration.

Wednesday, December 5

Washington DC Chamber of Commerce Holiday Business Networking Reception

Hay-Adams Hotel, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ($40/$65).  More information and registration.

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception

Hilton McLean/Tyson’s Corner, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ($50/$100).  More information and registration.

Tech the Halls Holiday Party (Multiple tech organization sponsors)

Opera Ultra Lounge in DC, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  $25.  More information and registration.

Thursday, December 6

Prince William Chamber of Commerce Silent Night and Holiday Auction

Old Town Manassas Candy Factory, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  More information and registration.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer

Community Business Partnership, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Free.  More information and registration.

National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater DC Chapter, Holiday Party

Tysons Corner Marriott, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $75/$90.  More information and registration.

Alliance for Women in Media, National Capital Area Affiliate, Holiday Affair

NAB Broadcasters Hall of Fame in DC, 6 p.m. $20  More information and registration.

RefreshDC Holiday Happy Hour

Bread and Brew, Free.  7 p.m.  More information and registration.

Friday, December 7

TIVA-DC Holiday Party

Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center, 7 pm – 10 pm, $25.  More information and registration.

Tuesday, December 11

George Mason University Business Roundtable Holiday Happy Hour

Pomodoro in Vienna, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free.  More information and registration.

Thursday, December 13

Greater Merrifield Business Association Holiday Luncheon and Auction

Courtyard by Marriott/Dunn Loring, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $25. More information and registration.

SMPS DC Holiday Party (Society for Marketing Professionals, DC Chapter)

Bistro Bis at the Hotel George in DC, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 pm.  $75/$95.  More information and registration.

Women in Technology Holiday Party

Gannett Building, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ($45/$65) More information and registration.

Saturday, December 15

Online News Association Holiday Party

Solly’s in DC.  7 p.m. $5.  More information and registration.

Tuesday, December 18

Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce VA Holiday Event

Sheraton Pentagon City, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Free.  More information and registration.

For more holiday events in the Washington, DC area, refer to my holiday event listing on my other blog, Cool Yule.

A new client testimonial (video)

David and I have enjoyed our work with Kate and Melanie at PRofessional Solutions.  Here is their video testimonial for Fletcher Prince.

Look for me at WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards, July 26

Mary Fletcher Jones

Have you ever heard the expression “Good things happen in threes?”

Well, I’m not superstitious, but three good things did happen to me recently.  First of all, after a long blog hiatus, I’m feeling better and blogging again, which feels wonderful.  Secondly, I was asked to join the ADDYs committee.  And now, I’ve been invited by my PRofessional Solutions client to attend WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards on July 26.

I am so pleased and flattered to be invited by Kate Perrin and Melanie Jordan of  PRofessional Solutions. They have not only been a wonderful client to work with, but they have also provided me with two very interesting public relations assignments in the past two years.

And talk about inspiring: Kate has supported WWPR since its inception, not to mention her support of and work with PRSA-NCC, AWC-DC, and IABC-DC and now serves on the Dress for Success board.  If you have temporary public relations staffing needs, or are seeking a temporary or permanent public relations position, you should talk to Kate and Melanie.  They are the best!

Thanks very much for the invitation, Kate and Melanie!  I look forward to seeing you Tuesday, July 26.  If you see me there, please say hello.  And if you have not yet registered for this event, visit Washington Women in Public Relations online.

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