With an international footprint, Remote Medical International wanted to provide a networking event for the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) Annual Summit that related to the countries we’ve work in and of course, provided a fun atmosphere.
At the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington D.C., we coordinated six different stations, each featuring a food and cocktail pairing from a different country. Many ISOA members crowded around the Puerto Rico station that featured a delicious flan and the Kenyan station that featured a malva pudding.
We enjoyed hosting this event and had an anonymous attendee write a review on their experience at the event.
The Thirteenth ISOA Annual Summit was held in Washington, D.C. this week. ISOA’s mission is to foster effective international stability through member engagement, networking, and advocacy. Their vision is to be the primary point of strategic engagement for the government and private sector in support of stability operations worldwide as ISOA members provide critical services in fragile environments in an accountable, transparent, and ethical way.
This year’s summit agenda focused on Overseas Operations: New Markets and Opportunities in Turbulent Times. Conference issues ranged from small business participation in government contracting and the role of contractors in light of the administration’s new Stability Assistance Review (SAR) initiative to concerns about terrorism and the future of stabilization efforts across the globe.
As is typical in well-attended and robust conference venues, substantive talks and roundtables are enriched by networking breaks and receptions. What was unique at this venue was the Tuesday evening reception sponsored and hosted by Remote Medical International (RMI).
Remote Medical International offers integrated occupational health care in challenging environments. Their mission includes life-saving medical assistance and evacuation services at project sites including Puerto Rico, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, the islands of Wake, Midway, and Shemya, and the world’s oceans. Their reception featured food and drink offerings inspired by each of these project locations.
The edible delights crafted by Remote Medical International raise the bar for future after-conference cocktail hours. Each of the regions had its own table sporting interesting and tasty hors d’oeuvres along with some serious libations. The highlights from each table were the individual shrimp cocktails and Anchor Steam beer from oceans, the chile spring rolls and potent RMI Tais from the islands, the lamb skewer from the UAE, the kafta and yogurt from Afghanistan, and the flan—beautifully presented—and pina coladas from Puerto Rico. The winner of the evening was the understated and luscious malva pudding from Kenya.
Thank you Remote Medical International for setting the culinary stage for a wonderful and productive networking experience.
Want to know what was at each station? Below is each country with their food and drink pairing.
Table 1 – Afghanistan:
- Food: Kafta Kabobs, Naan, Rice, Yogurt Sauce
- Drink: Chai-E-Zanjafeel (Ginger Tea)
- Dessert: Baklava
Table 2 – Puerto Rico:
- Food: Mini Cheese Empanadas, Beans and Rice
- Drink: Pina Colada
- Dessert: Flan
Table 3 – Wake Island:
- Food: Tofu Pad Thai, Mini Pork Fried Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce
- Drink: RMI Tai
- Dessert: Mochi Ice Cream
Table 4 – Oceans:
- Food: Mini Shrimp Cocktails, Mini Crab Cakes
- Drink: Anchor Steam Beer
- Dessert: Upside Down Pineapple Cake
Table 5 – UAE:
- Food: Lamb Skewers, Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Hazelnuts
- Drink: Heineken
- Dessert: Dish Kulfi (An Indian Style Frozen Yoghurt)
Table 6 – Kenya:
- Food: Chicken Yellow Curry with Rice
- Drink: Dawa
- Dessert: Malva Pudding
