APPLAUSE

"Clair McCarthy and her team at McCarthy Events Management are the best. In all the years of the UNCA Awards we have never had such glittering, elegant and entertaining events as those that Clair helped put together in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
 
The Awards are an annual black tie dinner and dance ceremony, hosted by the United Nations Correspondents Association, held at UN headquarters in New York each December to honor exceptional journalists from around the globe and prominent individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes. Besides Secretary General Kofi Annan and his wife Nane, it was Clair's job to take care of VIPs as diverse as George Soros and Angelina Jolie, Hans Blix and Nicole Kidman, Sir Brian Urquhart and Julia Ormond… Each time she managed the task with aplomb while simultaneously taking care of 400 guests including luminaries from the media, business and the arts. She found celebrity chefs to prepare scrumptious food, she attracted numerous sponsors, she sourced original artwork from such suppliers as Waterford Crystal in Ireland and liaised with flower arrangers from Japan, she organized photo shoots and PR, and persuaded entertainers as diverse as gospel singers and world-renowned magicians to perform for free.
 
Clair is a whirlwind of energy: practical, efficient, hip and well connected, she is a pleasure to work with."

"An essential part of our campaign for The America's Cup was the creation of The Crusade Yacht Club as the base of our activities in Fremantle.
 
To our great good fortune, Clair McCarthy was available to manage the enterprise from the very beginning. Clair created, from an almost derelict warehouse, a Clubhouse of international standing and appeal. Her ongoing management ensured the very highest and unparalleled, standards of cuisine, atmosphere and ambiance.
 
She was a triumph and much admired host to the many world figures of Royalty, Politics, Sporting and Entertainment celebrities who visited and enjoyed the Club's amenities throughout the year."

"I have worked with Clair McCarthy since the early days at The Hard Rock Café in London . I was first taken with her ‘get things done' attitude as a young girl. Fearless, honest and competent – fixable – attractive – these are words that come to me.
 
I watched over several of her projects from restaurants, social events, and a variety of launches. She transformed the famous Irish Club in Eaton Square , London.
 
Over the many years I have watched her she is certainly in the prime ‘now'. I would be delighted to speak to anyone regarding this talented lady. "

"Clair McCarthy has planned and organised numerous events and parties for the RDF Media Group for the past eight years. From the time when RDF was a much smaller company, Clair has always been good at recognising what sort of party venue and atmosphere would work well for us and subsequently each and every event has been a real success. Clair has been a brilliant resource of ideas for venues and inspiration for party plans over the years.
 
Clair has great attention to detail and determination to ensure that each event, whether it is on a large or smaller scale is enjoyed to the full. As RDF has grown, Clair has helped us orchestrate events on a grander scale and has always been a pleasure to deal with. I would certainly recommend her services very highly."

"It was 10 years ago that I first met Clair McCarthy when she was General Manager of the Irish Club.
 
Clair was an exceptional manager, with a proactive organisational ability, strong marketing flair, people skills, energy and a uniquely passionate enthusiasm – in short, a marketing and administrative dynamo, who initiated and ran a range of fund-raising, charity and celebrity events with great skill and success.
 
In my view, The Irish Club and its Members were very fortunate to have had her as their General Manager."

"Each event is unmistakably a McCarthy Events Management planned delight. Everything from the most unusual lighting and decorations to amazingly presented food, sherberts in ice sculptures, individual hors d'oeuvres in shells with silver spoons. I could go on for pages, as there is always an air of excitement and ‘party time' and a sense that this is going to be a GREAT event. I never know what new treat to expect, but know I will never be disappointed.
 
Clair McCarthy has a way with people and uses that talent to make introductions, put her guests at ease, and makes them feel that they are an essential and vital part of the event."