A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: MDGLCC’S AMETHYST GALA
By Michael W. Sasser
Nights to remember don’t happen often, but this year’s Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce (MDGLCC) 15th Annual Gala and Awards Celebration, The Amethyst Gala, aims to be the exception. The Amethyst Gala, presented by Wells Fargo, will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016. The reception starts at 6 p.m. coupled with an interactive silent auction, followed by a grand buffet, the awards presentation and a moonlight networking soiree to end the evening. The Gala’s first-class venue boasting beautifully appointed décor by DECO Productions and roots & roots, will be dressed up in exquisite amethyst tones showcasing the evening’s flair and festive mood.
For more information, call 305.673.4440 or visit www.gaybizgala.com.
Wire Magazine caught up with Steve Adkins, MDGLCC president and CEO, to discuss the big night.
Michael W. Sasser: Tell our readers why this year’s Gala is going to be a night to remember.
Steve Adkins: Each year, we try to enhance the experience so attendees leave the event wishing that every Gala was run like this one. All of our Chamber events are about business and networking… our Gala is no exception. Attendees who attend to create/solidify relationships will be happy with the environment that we have created. We have added a number of special touches this year that we believe will be buzz worthy and will encourage people to “Network, Connect and Engage.”
MWS: What is the symbolism of the “amethyst” in Amethyst Gala?
SA: Following a tradition set three years ago, the Gala Committee selects a different color of the rainbow flag for the Gala’s theme and elevates the status of that color by interpreting it in its gemstone complement. Amethyst is a meditative and calming stone which works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace.
Amethyst is seen as beneficial when dealing with legal problems and money issues, which can lead to prosperity and abundance, though it is not the best-known prosperity stone.
MWS: How many people are you anticipating to attend the Gala and how have attendance numbers trended in recent years?
SA: We are expecting between 550 and 600 (capacity again this year). Our attendance is limited by the room configuration which we adjust each year. Last year was unique due to venue capacity limits (400-person room size). We are already at 500 reservations, so we expect to be sold out.
MWS: Why is the Gala important to the community?
SA: The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s (MDGLCC’s) annual Gala is the largest LGBT business networking event held in Miami-Dade County each year. More importantly, it is an opportunity to recognize businesses and individuals for their contributions to our community either during the past year or for a body of work. Because we have such a “corporate crowd,” this is the one opportunity each year to influence influencers.
MWS: What component of the evening are you most looking forward to?
SA: Greeting and interacting with our friends, Chamber members, and the community at large. Everyone seems to have such a great time that we all get caught up in positive energy. And, it gives many of our attendees an opportunity to add to their wardrobe (our events are color themed each year; we request attire aligned with the color… this year purple).
Also, we have a couple of new components added this year, from an interactive silent auction to finishing the evening with a moonlight networking soiree, that we are sure our guests will embrace.
MWS: Describe the Amethyst Gala in three words.
SA: Community, engagement and revelry.
MWS: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?
SA: Our community and allies have been so supportive of the MDGLCC over the years and for that we are very thankful. It is gratifying that this event continues to resonate and hold value for our members, corporate Miami-Dade, and sponsors. We appreciate the support of Wire Magazine, which continues to lend its voice to so many important events in our community each year.
The Amethyst Gala. Hilton Miami Downtown. 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 20.2016
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