Capital One Awards Afterparty Lounge

As the presenting sponsor of the James Beard Awards, Capital One wanted to create an unforgettable branded experience at the industry's most prestigious gathering. The concept: a sophisticated lounge at the official James Beard after-party at Union Station where culinary legends could gather and unwind—authentic to the culinary community and the Capital One brand.

Intersport, the agency managing Capital One’s James Beard Foundation sponsorship, was presented with this challenge—but when their account lead went on leave just weeks before the 2023 event, they needed someone who could immediately integrate into their team and their client’s team to execute Capital One’s vision. Enter: Lindsay.

For the past three years, Lindsay has been a part of the Intersport and Capital One's Awards team, transforming Union Station's Burlington Room into the Capital One Lounge—the evening's go-to destination, featuring a photo op, an iconic snack bar, and champagne and cocktail bar curated by James Beard-winning talent. The now-legendary shoe check—where guests traded heels for flip-flops and branded shoe bags—created an atmosphere where the culinary elite could kick back. 

• Collaborated with and managed creative partner on Lounge design and design process

• Compiled design presentations for client and managed feedback with revision requests

• Curated culinary and mixology talent and aligned with catering team on execution on-site

• Hired brand ambassadors for activations

• Managed Capital One budget across operational expenses, production and creative expenses, and internal expenses

• Tracked all expenses and worked alongside finance on payments and billables

• Worked with creative teams on shoe bags, shoe check tickets, and other branded items

• Day-of on-site management and oversight

• Compiled and presented post-event debrief and recap to client; learnings applied to future years

What started as crisis management became a strategic partnership. Lindsay's ability to step in seamlessly and elevate the experience led to a repeat engagement in 2024 and 2025. Since its kickoff in 2023, the Capital One Lounge has become the heartbeat of the celebration, perfectly balancing brand presence with genuine hospitality. Lindsay has continued to contribute value as a repeated, honorary member of the Intersport team.