On Saturday, Oct. 8, I hosted the annual Consular Ball. It is the premier international, white-tie event in our City. The event at the George R. Brown Convention Center honored the 90-plus countries’ consulates and the international communities that call the Houston area home. This year’s theme celebrated Houston’s leadership in City Diplomacy while also celebrating our 70th anniversary of the Consular Corps.

The spectacular event will fund Houston International Initiatives and international educational programs at local universities.

Approximately 550 guests attended, including a record 57 Consular officials. Table sponsors were allowed to select a consular official to host for the evening. Their hosts are wearing sashes made from the colors of the flag of their consular guest.

The Ball honors Houston’s Consular Corps and fosters a personal and business interchange between foreign diplomats and Houston’s civic, business, and social leaders. The consular Ball also promotes Houston as an international city. I hope you enjoy some of the pictures from the event.

I look forward to next year’s Ball, which will be bigger and better!