Forget Small Talk– It’s Global Talk at YPFP’s Affairs of State Gala

Hundreds of “young professionals in foreign policy” gathered at the National Press Club on Saturday night for their namesake’s seventh annual Affairs of State Gala. Now in it tenth year, the association– YPFP— runs a host of programs for its members, all of whom are “bound together by an interest in addressing global challenges.”

YPFP President Gary Barnabo admitted that what he loves about Affairs of State is that even in a festive setting, you’ll overhear conversations on topics ranging from the Middle East to the Russia-Ukraine crisis; from conflict resolution to impact investing.

But the foreign policy wonks know how to have fun, too. Guests enjoyed an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a whiskey tasting sponsored by Whistlepig Whiskey, and late-night dancing. (Let’s just say, the Cupid Shuffle was involved!)