The 60th Anniversary of NBC’s Meet the Press

Recently Hayes & Associates collaborated with NBC, the Newseum and Wolfgang Puck Caterers to put on a Gala Reception to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Meet the Press.

It was the inaugural event to be held in the Great Hall of News at The Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue which is not due to open to the public for a few more months. Hosted by Jeff Zucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal Inc., Steve Capus, President of NBC News and Tim Russert, at 16 years the longest running moderator of the show. The event attracted 600 VIP’s, 160 of whom were past guests from the show including Bob Dole, heralded as the guest with the most appearances (63). Amongst the 40 members of Congress in attendance were Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator John Kerry, Senator Arlen Specter and Senator George Voinovich along with many notable celebrities from the broadcasting world. Guests walked down the red carpet into the 50 foot atrium where a 40 foot LCD screen displayed coverage from the past 60 years of the show whilst a jazz trio played. H&A worked alongside NBC from the concept development, managing all logistical details to transform a construction site into a spectacular venue for this memorable reception.

Guests were invited to visit the interactive gallery on the 2nd floor whilst enjoying the passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Catering was provided by Wolfgang Puck Caterers and food stations included a Raw Bar presentation, an Asian Station and a Southern Surprise Station along with a magnificent dessert buffet. The event garnered huge publicity in local and national newspapers and magazines.