Event: Pope John Paul II - Arrival and Departure Ceremonies for World Youth Day 1993
Location: Denver, Colorado
Client: World Youth Day, an official event of the Vatican, Rome
Client Objectives
Present a celebratory, joyful and respectful ceremony welcoming
Pope John Paul II to Denver, hosted by President Bill Clinton,
Vice President Al Gore, city and state VIPs and viewed by millions
worldwide.
Skyline Recommendations and Solutions
- Worked within the confines of the location specifications, which was a private airport with extremely tight space.
- Coordinated with and accommodated a long list of agencies, including the U. S. Secret Service, the Vatican's Swiss Guard, U. S. Immigration, the Roman Archdiocese, Air Force One, Air Force Two, airport operations, local police and fire departments, the White House advance team and an international press corps.
- Designed and produced the event to look festive and beautiful while accommodating 2,000 VIP guests, hospitality tents and seating, dozens of television cameras and satellite trucks, several hundred members of the press, multiple generators, specially installed barricades, and emergency vehicle access.
- Arranged for a band to be in place, a red carpet to be ready, all dignitaries and presenters to be in place, Colorado Columbine flowers to be offered to the Holy Father and all timed appropriately to welcome the officials and guest of honor.
Results
- Millions in the worldwide television audience looked on as President Clinton extended his hand in welcome to Pope John Paul II. The live audience cheered.
- The departure ceremony took place only four days later with Skyline back on-site making sure everything went perfectly.
Skyline received a Certificate of Appreciation from the U. S. Secret Service in “grateful recognition for outstanding support,” and a letter of gratitude from the Vatican.
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