It’s event season in D.C. and everything is a go!
In order to pull off a successful function, you need to plan well and roll with the winners like Tara Marshall, one of the city’s best when it comes to event planning.
“Hospitality is just a big part of who I am,” Marshall said.
In the District, successful event planning is built on attention to detail, relationships and experience in the industry.
Marshall is among the experts when it comes to executing some of the most popular and undoubtedly impactful events in the area.
From Louisville, Kentucky via Atlanta, Marshall moved to D.C. where she had opportunities to learn the logistics of the nightlife/hospitality industry in a town known for its party scene.
In addition to managing Big Chief (@bigchiefdc), she bartends at Maydan, a James Beard Award nominee and a top 10 restaurant in America according to Food & Wine magazine located in the 14th Street corridor in Northwest.
This spring she will debut her latest endeavor, a new lounge, bar, restaurant concept named Caged Bird (@cagedbirddc) on Connecticut Avenue in DuPont Circle, of which she is the co-owner.
As the general manager of Big Chief, a bar/event space in the revitalized Ivy City section of Northeast, Marshall has brought value to a once remote and rarely visited part of town. Big Chief is home to some of the cities largest events, where she frequently works with national brands such as Jack Daniels to local charities such as Feed The DMV.
When asked the key to throwing a great event, she said “the details are always important. … As they say, the devil is in the details.”
Spending years refining her knowledge of the hospitality industry has paid dividends.
“I’ve always liked to see things through from start to finish,” Marshall said. “It’s important to gather as much information as possible when attempting to organize an event.”
Summers in D.C. are particularly active from day parties downtown to large outdoor gatherings, so if you’re looking for an activity to attend or planning your own, Tara Marshall can help you navigate the scene like a pro.
Follow Tara on Instagram at @freckledhippie.