World Pride Honors 2025

 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Time: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Location: National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.

About the Event

Each year, Capital Pride Alliance hosts a gala to recognize and honor outstanding members of Washington D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. These individuals have given their time to support and bring attention to critical issues and causes affecting the ever-changing landscape of our National Capital Region. They’re champions of equality, equity, and inclusion. 

This year, Capital Pride Alliance bestowed honors on the global InterPride community as a recognition of World Pride DC 2025. The event included live music, food and beverage services, an award ceremony, and presentations by key members of the community.

Gala Honorees

Gala Hero: Ernest Hopkins
Gala Hero: Cathay Renna
Gala Hero: Jerry St Louis
Gala Hero: Lamar Braithwaite
Gala Hero: Pastor Donna Claycomb Sokol
Visibility Awardee: Gia Chanel Marius
Breaking Barriers Community Impact Awardee: Kriston Pumphrey
Bill Miles Outstanding Volunteer: Kraig Williams
Larry Stansbury Awardee: Erin Whelan (SMYAL)

Talent

Amsterdam Interpride Delegation: Tara McDonald
Opening Performance: Amber Ruffin
Award Presenter: Raven-Symone
Award Presenter: Paul Wharton
After Party DJ: Kitty Glitter
Headline Performance: Sawyer Smith
Headline Performance: Shoshana Bean
Mr. Gay American Esquire: Kristofer Inez Onyx
Miss Gay American Femme: Naomi St. James
Miss Gay America: Ivy Dripp

Scope of Services

Project Management

  • Full project management services included the use of web-based project management software throughout the planning process.

  • A timeline of deliverables was created from contracting through planning and implementation to ensure the schedule of events and programs was carried out within a reasonable timeframe.

  • Responsibilities included scheduling and managing meetings with key stakeholders, event teams, and technology teams, as well as reporting on all project updates.

  • Budget tracking covered all products, services, and other deliverables.

  • Stratus collaborated with the Capital Pride Alliance to support and facilitate the activation of any sponsorships secured from vendors by the Capital Pride Alliance.

  • Additional project management support included, but was not limited to, stakeholder updates, quality control reports, and the hiring of additional vendors and contractors.

Budget & Accounting Management

  • Presented creative solutions to ensure the best possible outcome while keeping expenses in mind.

  • Created, managed, and tracked event budgets with input and oversight from the Capital Pride Alliance team.

  • Tracked payment deadlines and facilitated all vendor invoicing and payments.

  • Continually updated the budget to reflect approved costs, expenses, and contracts, and provided updates to the client on a weekly basis.

Event Decor & Design Management

  • Managed full event design and décor for all event spaces.

  • Oversaw full stage set design and production management.

  • Led full lighting and audio design.

Event Discovery & Development

  • Worked with the Capital Pride Alliance to identify the event theme, branding, timeline, guest experience, design, additional concepts, tone, and flow.

  • Made vendor recommendations and suggested strategy and direction for all stylistic elements (artwork, décor, lighting, A/V, etc.) to ensure a consistent identity and maximum branding and visual impact.

  • Created and managed updates to the overall event timeline to ensure the event flow was logical and ran smoothly.

Venue & Logistics Management

  • Provided full on-site event management and on-the-ground support, taking lead roles in logistics, production, programming, attendee experience, speaker experience, and more.

  • Coordinated production schedules and overall floor plans for all event spaces and off-site venues.

  • Presented all timelines and floor plans to all parties and revised them based on changes.

  • Worked with vendors leading up to the event to ensure they complied with the event vision and remained within budget.

  • Negotiated and signed final contracts with selected vendors.

  • Managed all aspects of food and beverage, including menu selection, linen, glassware, flatware, floral, and centerpiece selections, as well as on-site service.

  • Managed guest seating and placement alongside the Capital Pride Alliance.

  • Sent instruction briefings to all program talent, confirming all event details.

Programming Services

  • Worked alongside the Capital Pride Alliance team to provide insight, feedback, and management regarding the design, planning, and execution of the overall programmatic vision.

  • Provided full content development consulting throughout the planning and production process, including, but not limited to, story arc creation, storyboard production, programmatic development, and script development consulting.

Pre-Event Services

  • Managed non-production vendor services, including RFP processes, contract drafting, and review.

  • Consulted on room and stage décor and design.

  • Liaised with talent/VIP staff and agents to ensure all talent/VIP needs were met before and throughout the event.

  • Conducted venue research and presentations.

Technical Production Services

  • Provided full day-of-show production and direction.

  • Managed all show-calling needs, stage operations, and floor management.

  • Oversaw all day-of technical production services and vendors, including all rehearsals, lead-up tasks, and advanced planning.

  • Arranged all necessary technical requirements, including sound, lighting, stage management, video, PowerPoint, and rehearsals.

Post-Event Evaluation & Event Closeout

  • Ensured final invoices were sent in a timely manner and all event contracts were closed out.

  • Evaluated vendor and contractor performance and provided recommendations for future plans.

  • Hosted the final post-event meeting, inclusive of all project stakeholders and Capital Pride Alliance staff.

  • Closed out the project across all areas of work.

Sponsorships & Brand Activations

Giant Food
Casamigos with specialty cocktail: “Viva la Drag”
Tito’s Vodka with specialty cocktails: “Berry Proud” and “Bi the Way”

Vendors

Stratus Firm
Design Foundry
Fabrication Events
Windows Catering
4Wall
Extraordinary Entertainment
Checkmate
MJ Valet
Select Event Group
Table Manners
Capital Pride
National Building Museum
Showcall