A launch party with a simple mission and huge impact 

In November 2015, the WIRB Copernicus Group (WCG) Foundation celebrated its launch at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. After conducting research and making several visits to the area to scout potential venues, ASE was drawn to the hotel for its prime city location and beautiful waterfront views. It was the perfect place for the WCG Foundation to kick off the beginning of its mission: to strengthen human research protection and to improve health and well-being for people worldwide.

The foundation raises funds in three program areas: advancing education and training in research ethics; providing scholarships that enable research professionals from resource-poor countries to study research ethics and management; and getting experimental medicines to patients in desperate need by reducing financial burdens. With such critical causes to support, the foundation envisioned an event that made a huge impact.

Guests knew they were in the right place, greeted with a custom-created and ASE-designed 30' x 50' banner that hung across the waterfront, over the hotel’s magnificent main entrance archway. The massive white banner included the WCG logo and website address, plus a simple quote: “Keeping patients first in clinical research” that commanded the attention of all the guests — and all of Boston.

ASE carefully selected all vendors and the Boston Harbor Hotel through a thorough interview process and meetings during on-site visits. They partnered with Boston’s finest to execute their vision and design to make the event a night to remember.

Inside the hotel, a premier lighting designer custom-lit the entire interior. The foundation’s logo and signature colors — shades of blue and green — were incorporated into the lighting, tablecloths, décor and signature ice sculptures. A mix of high-top tables and dining tables with custom bengaline linens were adorned with a WCG centerpiece and white tea candles to soften the atmosphere and create a more intimate setting for the 600 attendees. Industry professionals filled the seats to talk, network and learn more about the ambitious goals embraced by the foundation.

Guests were treated to the culinary delights of passed hors d'oeuvres, a full buffet dinner and an open bar. The menu selection was based on Boston favorites including Italian dishes, seafood, a raw bar and more. Cocktails, poured through carefully sculpted WCG ice luges, added an element of fun and entertainment. Everywhere you looked, there was a visual element of the WCG brand.

The most important part of the evening was when Donald A. Deieso PHD, chairman and CEO of the WCG Foundation, and Marjorie A. Speers, the WCG Foundation’s executive director, took the podium for their keynote addresses. Both impressed the crowd and inspired everyone to be part of their mission.

Once the speeches ended, it was time to get the party started. A live band took over the stage, giving everyone a reason to get out of their seats and enjoy the dance floor. Guests took advantage of the exciting party vibe to celebrate a great cause in an amazing city.

Before guests made their exit, they were gifted with a beautiful embossed blue leather journal and matching pen. The enclosure read, "Help us write the next chapter in clinical research” — a reminder of an inspiring evening presented by the WCG Foundation. And as guests left the venue, they had one last look at the custom banner that hung across the waterfront and its profound message: “Keeping patients first in clinical research.”