Since 1975, NCSL has been the champion of state legislatures. They’ve helped states remain strong and independent by giving them the tools, information and resources to craft the best solutions to difficult problems. The Legislative Summit is the biggest and best gathering of state legislators and staff in the county. Every year NCSL holds a summit for approximately 5,000 legislators and staff with over 300 speakers and 50 educational sessions. This August, they engaged Paulette Wolf Events to produce the social events surrounding the conference as well as provide volunteer management and ground transportation for the NCSL summit.

The opening night networking reception was a celebration of Chicago Sports. Prior to the reception, Wayne Messmer, the frequent singer of the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs, kicked off the Opening General Session with his stirring rendition of the song. Later, just as the Opening Session adjourned, attendees were surprised as a 70-piece marching band from Kenwood Academy, which played through the room, performing a medley of sports-themed standards. They then led the guests from the session ballroom to the opening night reception where they were greeted by the mascots from nearly all of Chicago’s professional sports teams.

Once inside the ballroom, guests were constantly engaged as they competed against each other in sports games, such as a pitching machine, a golf simulator, a hockey shooting simulator, quarterback challenge, pop-a-shot basketball hoops, tailgate bag toss games and a sports video game lounge. There were social media photo booths where guests could take photos with the mascots, and a troupe of improv-trained “referees” who playfully heckled the audience as they dined on ballpark fare, including hot dogs, pizza, sliders and craft draft beer.

The closing night event was a somewhat more formal occasion, with the Field Museum of Natural History serving as the backdrop. Guests were welcomed by a living red carpet; 150 feet of red fabric connecting to the dress of a model who was raised on a pedestal at the top of the stairs. Once inside the museum, guests were free to enjoy the museum’s exhibits, including exclusive access to Terracotta Warriors, the Field’s newest exhibition. Hitstrumental, a 4 piece acoustic band, played as guests enjoyed the food and decor focused on Chicago’s various neighborhoods with food stations themed for Pilsen, Wrigleyville, China Town and Rush Street. Guests were entertained by various New Moon performers, including Stilted Servers, Floating Trays, a Wine Bike and Kegways who provided whimsical delivery of the food & beverage.

The evening concluded as guests adjourned to the North Terrace to enjoy a fireworks demonstration – a fitting end to lively week.