Dr. Ruth Westheimer, center in the front row, watches President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the Western Inaugural Ball in Washington in 2009. The sideline events throughout inauguration weekend are the big draws for advocates and lobbyists looking to rub elbows with lawmakers and administration officials. The events at restaurants and hotels, museums and mansions are opportunities for anyone willing to write a check to turn a night out into a chance to build a Rolodex of Washington's powerbrokers.