Wednesday, May 27, 2026
7:00 pm EDT - 9:00 pm EDT
Catholic Information Center
1501 K Street NW
Washington,
DC
20005
United States
Description
DATE CHANGED TO MAY 27!
THIS ROOFTOP EVENT IS OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY (No Livestream)
The CIC is delighted to bring back our programs to our building’s rooftop. For our first rooftop program, we are delighted to welcome internationally certified etiquette expert and coach Alison M. Cheperdak for a discussion of her new book, Was It Something I Said?: Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT. Interviewing Alison will be another DC Catholic young professional, Mary Margaret Bush.
(This new date was determined as the forecast is now predicting thunderstorms and lightening on the original event date of May 13.)
You must RSVP in advance as there is limited space available on the rooftop. There will be no walk-ins allowed. On the day-of starting at 7:00 PM, you may check-in at the CIC building’s main foyer with the Security team. Once checked in, you will be escorted to the elevator.
FAQS:
MAY 27th SCHEDULE?
- 7:00 PM: Check-in begins in the main foyer of the 1501 K Street Building (The Investment Building); our Rooftop Happy Hour(s) bar opens. You may also purchase Was It Something I Said from CIC bookstore manager, Kevin.
- 7:30 PM: Was It Something I Said? interview of author Alison Cheperdak by Mary Margaret Bush.
- 8:30 PM: Booksigning by Alison Cheperdak. The Happy Hour(s) continues.
- 9:00 PM: Evening concludes; please exit down the elevators.
BAD WEATHER?
In the event of very rainy weather forecast, a decision will be made a couple days before the program to move into the CIC’s space on the first floor of the 1501 K Street building or change the date. If registered, check your email for updates.
VIDEO OF THIS TALK?
This program is offered in-person only, and will not be livestreamed. However, we will record Alison’s talk to be placed later on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to be emailed the recording, make your request through this online form: https://forms.gle/i3SNJ93uiR2Y1iSLA.
PARKING OPTIONS?
The CIC building’s garage at 1501 K Street NW (Atlantic Parking) will offer you a discounted rate of $6 to park. When arriving, tell the garage attendant you are attending the CIC’s program. Please note that the garage closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. We are presently negotiating on the garage having extended hours on May 13. Should there be a change, we will update the website and email all registrants.
NEED TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION?
Email the CIC Event Team at events@cicdc.org.
About Alison Cheperdak’s Book:
The modern etiquette guide you’ll actually use
Inspired by years spent navigating high-pressure rooms, from live TV studios to the West Wing of the White House, Alison M. Cheperdak has learned one thing: how we treat people matters more than ever. And most of us were never truly taught how to do it well.
As an etiquette expert who has taught seminars everywhere from Harvard Law School to the White House to the U.S. Congress, as well as for some of the largest global companies, Alison has helped thousands of people build confidence, clarity, and connection in their everyday lives.
Now she has gathered her top tips, most-asked questions, and real-life scripts into a book created for you. Was It Something I Said? is a modern, practical, confidence-building guide to every social moment life offers, whether big, small, awkward, or high-stakes.
If you have ever wondered what to say to a new colleague, how to handle a tricky conversation with grace, or whether your text sounded a little off, this book is for you.
With warmth and expertise, Alison shows that etiquette is not about perfection or performance. It is about respect, emotional intelligence, and making people feel at ease, including yourself.
Was It Something I Said? will guide you in learning to:
- Start conversations, sustain them, and exit gracefully.
- Navigate the moments everyone dreads, including awkward encounters or forgotten names.
- Handle tricky topics with thoughtfulness, from money to family dynamics to meeting your partner’s parents.
- Understand dress codes, dining etiquette, and everyday social cues without any snobbery.
- Show up with polished presence while staying true to who you are.
- Whether you are giving a toast, interviewing for your dream job, traveling abroad, texting a friend, or hosting a dinner that brings people together, this book helps you move through life with heart, clarity, and gracious ease.
Etiquette is not old-fashioned. It is a soft-skill superpower, and it is needed now more than ever.
Was It Something I Said? is your companion for feeling confident wherever life takes you, from boardrooms to brunch tables to the moments that matter most.
RSVP for this Event
About the Speakers
Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D. is a sought-after speaker, etiquette expert, and founder of Elevate Etiquette. She shares her expertise in modern manners and executive presence with individuals and organizations worldwide, having taught seminars at Harvard Law School, the U.S. Congress, and the White House. Alison is the author of Was It Something I Said? Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life (2026).
