60-Second Symposium

By Melissa August, Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Randy Hartwell, Daniel S. Levy, Ellin Martens, Josh Tyrangiel and Rebecca Winters

BREAK ON THROUGH

George W. Bush's Inauguration is Washington's hottest ticket, and scoring invites to various shindigs is not easy. We asked some social savants how those left off the guest list can crash the party.

LIZZIE GRUBMAN, publicist. "In New York City and L.A., publicists see party crashing elevated to an art form, but in Washington, you have the armed Secret Service, so don't risk bullying your way in. Try to pass as someone who may have been invited but who may not be instantly recognizable."

HOWARD GIRSKY, journalist, who taught the course Gate Crashing 101. "Call and tell them you are a free-lance writer. Ask for credentials, and show up dressed for the party. Don't settle for one gala; ask for invitations to all events. And call a friend. Dates and spouses are welcome."

MOBY, musician and inveterate Manhattan partygoer. "Seeing as it's essentially a Republican Inauguration, I think using Republican tactics makes the most sense, so try 1) lying, 2) cheating, 3) stealing and 4) a little dollop of good old-fashioned nepotism."