Project STEP identifies musically talented school-age children from underrepresented Boston communities and provides them with opportunities to develop their talents through comprehensive music and string instrument instruction. Based on the success and encouragement the students receive by being part of the program, many of them go on to pursue higher education after high school when it otherwise may not have been considered.

"We're extremely excited about this year's event and the impact it will have on the children from Project Step, as well as the local Boston community and our event attendees," said Tamara Hunziker, senior director, Marketing and Sales Strategies, CWT. "It's an honor to be working with an organization that truly cares about improving the lives of children in the Boston area."

CWT and CWT Meetings & Events (CWT M&E) chose to partner with Kuoni Destination Management, the world's largest, wholly-owned destination management company and one of CWT M&E's existing North American preferred partners, on this year's event. Attendees will experience a Mad Men-inspired 60's night club theme that will transform one of Boston's most beloved landmarks back to an era of glamour and style, with entertainment by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra. Kuoni will bring the vision to life by replacing the hall's leather floor seats with conversational lounge furnishings and, for the first time ever, lowering Symphony Hall's famed chandeliers from the 60-foot high ceiling to create a more intimate environment.

Lisa Paul, head of marketing and manager, National Accounts, for Kuoni, explained that the city and people of Boston will be the focal point of the evening. "We knew that CWT wanted to host the event in a venue that was unique to Boston with local entertainment," she said. "Honestly, I don't know what could be more 'Boston' than being inside Symphony Hall and being entertained by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra."

CWT is calling its event "Thrive in Retro." Co-sponsors include United Airlines (the event's Platinum sponsor), Wyndham Hotel Group, Enterprise Holdings, Travelport, Boston Coach, The Boston Pops and Active Network І StarCite(R).