Page 6 - MIL Connection Spring 2018

has the same tastes and dietary restrictions, so it was important for us to cater to all attendees. We also wanted to offer options that
took a step away from items you’d traditionally expect during the holidays, and incorporating tastes of the Lowcountry were important
too. After much deliberation, we settled on passed hors d’oeuvres, like Caviar Bliss Potato Bites, Charleston’s Fried Green Tomato, Mini
Philly Cheese Steaks, Rioja Braised Short Rib Wonton, and Traditional Conch Fritters.
And if you aren’t too stuffed by dinnertime, we opted for dinner stations featuring a Shrimp N’ Grits Chef Station, Hibachi Action
Station offering ginger glazed chicken and fried rice, and a Carving Chef Station serving seared marinated shoulder loin of beef.
And this delicious meal was set to culminate with Cru’s delightful
Dessert Display of mini Cru lime pie, blueberry tart, and mini local
berry pie.
It was finally time to determine head count and the finalize budget. So, how'd we do?
We understood that determining the headcount would be the biggest
piece of the puzzle when organizing a fabulous event that would The 2017 Charleston MIL Winter Awards
fit within our budget. A final headcount is required by vendors Ceremony was a great success, with over
two weeks in advance of the event so that they can finalize the 185 happy MIL employees and guests at
floorplan, beverages, and food. The Social Committee began sending the event! To keep our winning streak
RSVP requests to MIL employees beginning November 21st. We going, the Social Committee is sending out
followed up with those that had not responded bi-weekly until three surveys to collect MIL employee feedback
weeks from the event. At that time, we personally contacted those to us help plan for future events.
individuals to obtain their response. We also sent reminder emails
to those that had replied “yes” to the event to remind them of the Hope to see you in 2018!!
event date and time, and to verify they would be attending. This step
reduced the initial “yes” count from 200 to 197.

This is monumental

This year, to build upon our efforts to recognize the MIL family as one community, we hosted a combined DC-Metro Annual Awards
Ceremony so that employees who reside in the DC, Maryland/Southern Maryland, and Virginia areas could have the opportunity
to celebrate the accomplishments of both their individual teams and those of the entire company. The successes and wins from the
previous year meant that the event had to be epic. It had to be superior. It had to be…MONUMENTAL! So, in keeping with the slogan
for the National Harbor’s newest crown jewel, it was only fitting that the celebration be held at the MGM Resort.
Guests who attended the cocktail hour nibbled hors d‘oeuvres and mingled amongst their coworkers and invited guests on the ballroom
terrace, overlooking the Conservatory and a display paying homage to the Year of the Dog in a massive Lunar New Year display. After
cocktail hour, the celebration continued in the ballroom where a cornucopia of fun and entertainment awaited.
Up first, MIL’s COO, Marisa Daley, presented our distinguished honorees with their awards, recognizing them for their long-standing
dedication. With tunes by DJ Sprang playing in the background, MIL employees enjoyed a lavish dinner and tried their hand at the
gaming tables, hoping to hit it big. To capture the moment, a photo booth with a twist delighted all by printing the photos out on a
cookie! With the celebration in full swing, and the dance floor shaking with revelry, guests were treated to a mouthwatering dessert of
s’mores a la mode. Then, it was on to the balcony which offered a magnificent view of the shimmering Potomac River. Although the
weather was mild for January, guests donned MIL gloves to keep their hands warm while enjoying hand rolled cigars and cordials.
With UBER credits in hand, those without babysitters ventured home while others kept the night going with a trip downstairs to the
MGM casino. We hope the night proved to be monumental and we look forward to celebrating with you again at our upcoming Spring
and Summer events!

6 | The mil connection | spring 2018