2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference
Client: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Event Dates: September 11-14, 2024
Challenge: Balancing increased security with a seamless, elevated guest experience at a high-profile, multi-day conference.
In September 2024, Stratus Firm had the honor of producing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) for the fourth consecutive year. This five-day event brought together over 16,000 guests, including distinguished members of the Congressional Black Caucus, artists, influential leaders, and top U.S. officials. By partnering with CBCF, we co-produced over 200 sessions, 7 off-site events throughout Washington, D.C., and 2 signature events. The culmination of the conference was the prestigious Phoenix Awards, featuring the President and Vice President of the United States as keynote speakers. With an impressive lineup of talent, Masters of Ceremonies, and heightened security protocols, Stratus navigated this large-scale production with precision and ease, ensuring every detail was intentional and aligned with the elevated nature of the event.
From the outset, Stratus focused on creating a secure yet celebratory environment. Partnering with the Secret Service and other security agencies, we embraced the opportunity to showcase our expertise in managing events of this magnitude. By integrating security measures seamlessly into the guest experience, we ensured that with multiple security sweeps and check-ins, attendees felt both welcomed and safeguarded throughout the conference.
With this year being an election year, security for the Phoenix Awards was heightened to accommodate the President, Vice President, and other distinguished figures. In the days leading up to the event, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center underwent thorough security sweeps. On the night of the awards, additional protocols were implemented, including metal detectors, bag checks, and restricted access points. Stratus worked closely alongside the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s event team as well as with the Walter E. Washington Public Safety and Security teams, CSI Corporation of DC, Metropolitan Police Department, and the Secret Service, to ensure these precautions did not interfere with the event's flow. Through intentional planning and clear communication, we maintained smooth guest arrivals while keeping the focus firmly on the evening’s celebrations.
The Phoenix Awards, as the conference’s signature event, unfolded flawlessly. Despite the extensive security, the evening maintained its celebratory and elevated tone, honoring Black leadership with powerful speeches and entertainment. Guests, including dignitaries and business leaders, passed through security checkpoints with ease, and the speeches by the President and Vice President were the highlight of the night. Behind the scenes, Stratus managed every logistical detail with care, allowing the spotlight to remain on the significance of the event.
Throughout the entire conference, Stratus’s role extended beyond event logistics. We worked closely with our client, partners, and venue staff to ensure each moment ran smoothly. This included multiple meetings and devising an elaborate security plan that allowed for adjustments for the unknown. Our proactive communication and adaptability allowed us to respond to last-minute changes while preserving the intentional design and atmosphere of the event.
The success of the 2024 Annual Legislative Conference highlighted Stratus Firm’s expertise in managing large-scale events with complex security needs and high-profile talent. By balancing security protocols with a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Stratus once again delivered an unforgettable, impactful event for both clients and attendees. This year’s ALC showcased our expertise in managing complex logistics and delivering exceptional experiences, even in the most dynamic environments.
Photo credit: David Claypool; Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
