Congressional Action Days attendees will enjoy an afternoon of networking at the International Spy Museum. Watch this video to find out more about the museum.
The Society of American Florists 37th Annual Congressional Action Days, March 13-14, in Washington, D.C., isn’t all work and no play. After a morning of Issues and Advocacy Training and a working lunch to prepare to talk about the floral industry’s legislative priorities the next day on Capitol Hill, CAD attendees have an open afternoon — and are encouraged to experience the city.
“Washington, D.C., is in a class of its own when it comes to museums and attractions,” said SAF Chairman Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, of Dandelions Flowers & Gifts, LLC, in Eugene, Oregon. “SAF includes a ‘field trip’ on the CAD schedule to give us a unique opportunity to network while experiencing some of those sites. Last year, we went to a White House Briefing. CAD also has toured Arlington National Cemetery, the Newseum, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and the Monuments by moonlight.”
This year, CAD attendees will enjoy an afternoon of networking — while having some fun immersing themselves in the real lives of clandestine intelligence professionals at the International Spy Museum.
“You get a behind-the-scenes look at how spies actually operated and see a treasure trove of the actual tools of the trade with fascinating stories and photos,” said Lyons, who’s visited the museum before. “I look forward to going back with our SAF group for my second time.”
Register a second person from your company who has never attended CAD before for free. For details and to register, visitsafnow.tempurl.host/cad.
The International Spy Museum is the only museum in the world offering a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. “There is so much to see and engage with it could take all day, or you can get an overview of your favorites,” Lyons said.
Fans of 007 will appreciate the special exhibit, “Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains.” The International Spy Museum has partnered with EON Productions, the Bond film producers, to showcase more than 100 artifacts from the films — from airships and underground lairs to nuclear weapons and hungry sharks.
“One of my favorites parts as a kid growing up in the ’60s was seeing how TV and Hollywood influenced the spy world,” Lyons said. “The Get Smart series and James Bond cool cars and nifty tricks made the spy world literally say ‘aha! great idea!’ They created new real world uses from these TV ideas. Anyone who has seen those shows will enjoy learning how strongly they influenced today’s spy technology.”
“Even if you’ve been there, the exhibits change so there is always something new and sinister to learn about,” Lyons said.
Bus transportation to and from the International Spy Museum and admission are included with the CAD registration fee — as is an additional FREE registration for a second person from your company who has never attended CAD before. For details and to register, visit safnow.org/cad.