Galas attract VIPs, politicians and association members, though far fewer events will be held compared with four years ago

The history and the hoopla—not to mention the crowds—will be ratcheted down several levels for Barack Obama's second inauguration, but some associations still plan to party.

They're sponsoring balls and a fashion show, hosting parade-watching receptions, and bringing in members from around the country for this very Washington moment.

Financial Services Roundtable, at 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, has a front row seat to the inaugural parade. The trade group will host a reception for members and "distinguished guests" to "celebrate the democratic process," said Scott Talbott, senior vice president of public policy.

"We have the whole block," Talbott said. At the 2009 parade, "the president and his wife got out and walked the length of Pennsylvania Avenue right in front of our building."

Edison Electric Institue will also host a gathering to view the festivities from its prime perch at 701 Pennsyvania Ave. NW.

Obama's first inaugural drew about 1.8 million people to the National Mall. It also spurred more than 400 events in the Washington area, said Kimberly Scott, a Democratic consultant and president and founder of DemList, the most complete online calendar of events.

Scott estimated that 200 events will take place during the long inaugural weekend, mostly on Saturday, Jan. 19, through Monday, Jan. 21, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and the day of the ceremonial swearing in and parade. Planning is also happening much later than for the 2009 inaugural, with many organizers still lining up entertainment, and many people still deciding what to sponsor or attend, she said. Ticket prices for a ball range from $100 to $400, and sponsorship packages run from $500 to $250,000.

"While the number of events is understandably scaled down, I don't believe it takes away from the enthusiasm or the excitement about the celebration," Scott said.

Nevertheless, there is less appetite and fewer opportunities for participation, especially among corporations with right-leaning Washington offices, said LeeAnn Petersen, a consultant who helps companies and associations target their spending on events. Many restaurants along Pennsylvania Avenue that were booked in 2009 were still available in mid-January, she said.

"Anyone who plays in the government relations field here in Washington recognizes that this is an opportunity to be visible, but they'll only do it if it's a good investment," Petersen said.

The National Association of Manufacturers hosted its own gala in 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, but is not sponsoring any event this time. NAM made a "strategic decision" to commit resources to other efforts, said Matt Lavoie, director of media relations. However, some NAM members are attending and sponsoring events, and CEO Jay Timmons will attend some, Lavoie said.

Sponsors get VIP access

Official inauguration events include a National Day of Service on Saturday and the Monday parade, which will include at least one association—the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.

There are just two official balls this time around, where the Obamas will be guaranteed to appear. But many state societies will hold bipartisan celebrations, providing opportunities to mingle with politicians, donors and association members. In most cases, there are receptions for sponsors to spend quality time with VIPs.

The Texas State Society's Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball, always one of the biggest and most high profile, will be Jan. 19 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The party attracted 12,000 people in 2009.

Not surprisingly, energy groups are buying in: American Petroleum Institute is ponying up $50,000 to be a cowboy-level sponsor, and three groups—American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute and Nuclear Energy Institute—share a $25,000 bluebonnet-level sponsorship. The American Society of Anesthesiologists is also a bluebonnet sponsor.

Manuel Bonilla, ASA director for congressional and political affairs, said Texas is one of the group's largest and most active components, and members from that state will be among those attending. It's the first time ASA is sponsoring an inaugural event, he said.

Sponsors for a pre-inaugural fashion show and luncheon—hosted by the California State Society—include the Wine Institute and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. New Jersey has attracted a slew of sponsors to its gala, including the American Beverage Association as a $7,500 Jersey Seashore-level sponsor.

Then there are the themed balls. The 2009 Green Inaugural Ball featured performances by will.i.am, Maroon 5 and other hot acts, along with Hollywood stars and political heavyweights. Tickets reportedly sold out in minutes. As of mid-January, tickets for the 2013 event were still available. Sponsors include the Solar Energy Industries Association and the American Wind Energy Association. The Environmental and Clean Energy Inaugural Ball (on a different night than the Green Ball) has the National Hydropower Association as a partner.

The National Bar Association, the society of African-American lawyers and judges, will hold its second inaugural ball at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball, an inaugural tradition, is the primary fundraiser for the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training. The coalition includes the Software & Information Industry Association, the National School Boards Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This invitation-only, more intimate affair will be held at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

In addition to NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti and board leaders, attendees will include national high school, middle school and assistant principals of the year, said Director of Government Relations Amanda Karhuse.

"This is a great opportunity to recognize educators who don't get much recognition for the work they do on a daily basis," Karhuse said.