JohnsonDiversey "Facility Care Forum"
Newseum, Washington, DC.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2008.

Client's Needs:
JohnsonDiversey, an industry leader in facility care products, wanted to plan a symposium to advance their industry leadership in providing cleaning products and systems for health and environment. They needed multiple venues in Washington, DC for a welcome reception followed by an all day symposium for 250 attendees.

Approach and Solution:
Once the dates and times were secured WM was able to provide the client with a detailed list of exclusive venues and the specifics of their meeting space as it related to the 2 days of planned activities. With an eye on the budget, we narrowed down the options, conducted site visits and negotiated contracts, food orders and audio visual specifics. The Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC was eventually chosen for the day long symposium and proved to be a dynamic venue with a stunning vista of the U.S. Capitol and Mall.

Lessons Learned:
The leading venues in Washington, DC require detailed contracts that often have language adverse to the client. With this project, a great deal of time was spent insuring all parties involved, and their legal departments, had enough time to communicate and establish a comfort level with contractual changes in the final signed documents. In addition, WM was reminded how important it is to anticipate unique issues associated with new venues.