WASHINGTON, D.C.—This year's White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner brought together high-profile politicians, journalists, and celebrities who joined President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden as well as Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff at the Washington Hilton on April 29. Comedian Roy Wood Jr., correspondent for The Daily Show, headlined the evening.
In the lead-up to the main event, the weekend was filled with parties and programming hosted by major news outlets, talent agencies, and media conglomerates including CBS News, Politico, and CNN.
Keep scrolling for a closer look inside the WHCA Dinner-related events…
CNN’s Political Hangover Brunch
CNN hosted its annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner brunch on April 30 at The LINE DC.
Photo: Courtesy of CNN
Over 400 guests joined the festivities to cap off the weekend. They enjoyed multiple performances and musical acts including DJ Dimmy, who warmed up the crowd before guests were treated to a pop-up performance by D.C.-based choir Étienne E. Lashley & The Collective, and a performance by Tiësto. Dan Goldman Events handled AV for the event.
Photo: Courtesy of CNN
The menu included mini biscuit breakfast sandwiches wrapped in CNN-branded foil, hushdoggies, beef sliders, and fried chicken. Bloody marys, provided by Filthy Foods, “Salty Dogs” and “Out for a Spritz” were favorites on the drink menu.
Photo: Courtesy of CNN
Politico Brunch
On April 30, Politico hosted a brunch, produced by Bond Events, at the home of Dr. Elena and Robert Allbritton in Georgetown.
Photo: Courtesy of Bond Events
With an overall Italian theme, the look of the main tent, provided by Sugarplum Tent Company, was inspired by Tuscany, and included a pizza activation from Timber Pizza and a risotto station from Masseria. There was also an authentic Italian cafe servicing Italiano, cafe Americanos, and cappuccinos, while the Renee Tannsbaum quartet sang Italian-inspired tunes based on the film The Talented Mr. Ripley.
This year, the pool area was expanded, enclosing a basketball court and transforming it into a specialty limoncello- and Aperol spritz-themed bar, reminiscent of Portofino.
Photo: Courtesy of Bond Events
A photo booth with a red Vespa that was titled “On the Go with Politico” featured props including branded helmets and other Italian-inspired elements. Vendors included Design Cuisine Caterers; Summit Event Production, which handled AV; Amaryllis Floral + Event Design; and rentals by Maison de Carine, Nuage Designs, and DC Rental.
Photo: Courtesy of Bond Events
Bytes & Bylines
This annual gathering of technology, media, and political leaders took place on April 27 at the Residence of Ireland. This year’s event was co-hosted by Allen Gannett, Eric Kuhn, Susanna Quinn, Sarah Kate Ellis, Shua Goodwin, and Adam Rathe. GLAAD, Ever/Body, and Town & Country were the official sponsors. The invitation-only reception gathered industry and thought leaders with the goal of underscoring the importance of the First Amendment and journalism.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for GLAAD
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis spoke during the event. In 2015, Ireland became the first country globally to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. This year’s Bytes & Bylines reception celebrated accelerating acceptance for LGBTQ people and issues in the U.S.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for GLAAD
Power to the Patients Event
On April 27, hip-hop artist Fat Joe gathered a group of fellow artists including Busta Rhymes, French Montana, and Rick Ross for a live performance event in support of Power to the Patients, a nonprofit organization fighting for healthcare price transparency. The event celebrated a week of Fat Joe’s advocacy efforts where he met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including leadership offices and the White House, to advocate for the enforcement of price transparency rules.
Photo: Eric Kayne/AP Images for Power to the Patients
Throughout the evening, guests were able to view a portrait studio display from photographer Martin Schoeller and art from Shepard Fairey, who designed the “Power to the Patients” artwork, which was used as the stage backdrop.
Photo: Eric Kayne/AP Images for Power to the Patients
ELLE’s Women of Impact Event
On April 28, ELLE magazine hosted its 2023 Women of Impact event honoring powerful women leaders. The private, invitation-only event provided a kickoff to the weekend at Ciel Social Club. Guests included first lady Dr. Jill Biden, along with honorees including Ashley Biden, Amanda N. Nguyen, Oriaku Njoku, U.S. Representative Mary Peltola, Elena Velez, Gisele Fetterman, Julia Fox, Winnie Harlow, Meena Harris, Emily Ruhl, and others. Guests received a gift from Guerlain, a wine tasting courtesy of Wander + Ivy, and a luxury eyewear fitting and gift from Barton Perreira.
Photo: Courtesy of ELLE
Swiss Ambassador’s Celebration Honoring TIME
For the first time, Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud of Switzerland opened his residence for a post-White House Correspondents’ Dinner celebration. The after-party paid tribute to TIME’s 100th anniversary. The event, presented by CRAFT Media/Digital in partnership with Kimball Stroud & Associates and sponsored by Mercuria, merged “the TIME brand with the Swiss—of course, this came out in our color palette—red and white,” explained Sinead Casey, senior vice president at CRAFT and the event's producer. There was an installation of hanging cubes of magazine covers from the past 100 years, and at the center of the bar cubes featuring imagery of Switzerland.
Photo: Courtesy of CRAFT Media/Digital
The event featured two Swiss company brand activations from Nespresso and On Running, which allowed guests to exchange their heels and patent leather shoes for On Running sneakers before hitting the dance floor. Nespresso provided an espresso martini bar as well as espressos, coffees, and cappuccinos at a coffee bar. The event's menu was provided by Susan Gage Caterers. AVLD Events handled lighting, sound, and scenic production. Security was provided by Tucker & Associates.
Photo: Courtesy of CRAFT Media/Digital
