What town needs good PR and marketing skills more than D.C.? mb invited smooth talkers and innovative campaigners for cocktails at the upscale Ozio Martini and Cigar Lounge. Talking shop is always more fun in a classy joint.

At Ozio, August 24, 2005

Photos by Nkemjika Nina Ofodile

Freelancer Merrick Murdoch with mb host Phillip Raskin

Federal Citizen Information Center consumer media specialist Shantae Goodloe, U.S. Conference of Mayors's Elena Temple, DNC deputy press secretary Amaya Smith, and Lockheed Martin senior communications representative Denni Cravins

McLeod International Network president Barb McLeod, Collins & Company senior business development associate Leslie Keating, and Reach's Christine Marsh

Communications Marketing Group media relations manager Lauren Lawson and Common Good web editor/media outreach assistant Alejandra Ramos

mb photographer Nkemjika Ofodile and Hispanic Communications Network account executive Pablo de Oliveira

Shrila Pradham with Increasing Revenue Inc. new business developer Tamika Banks

Linda Roth associates Kate Hoffman and Piper Anderson

Share Our Strength public relations manager Malia Miller-Censi, American Medical Informatics Association manager of member services Michael Hamilton, and National Headstart Association communications manager Mark Ferguson

ASAE public relations manager Angel Venable, Phillip Raskin, Steptoe & Johnson event & communications coordinator Alycia Polley, and Armenian Assembly associate director of public affairs Christine Kojoian

Big Earth Music & Multimedia technical director Timothy Kelly, GMMB account assistant Chris Howard, and National Geographic Society publicist Renee Kelly

Washingtontimes.com advertising's Erik Requidan, Washington Performing Arts Society marketing manager Chris Zager, and also from Washingtontimes.com A. Turner and Kate Walsh