Overheard at Washington Mardi Gras

• “DC Mardi Gras is like drunk Davos.”

• “There are more deals made in six days at DC Mardi Gras than in six months back home.”

• “If you haven’t lost your voice by Sunday, you’re not doing it right.”

• “We’re from Louisiana. We’re here to cut deals and cut up.”

• At 8 a.m. in the hotel elevator: “Are you ladies just now getting in, or starting your day?”

• “Breakfast of champions: espresso martinis and king cake!”

• “I’ve been stepped on, had a drink spilled down my ball gown and I threw my shoulder out trying to catch Mardi Gras beads.”