As a meeting planner, I am fascinated by the logistics in staging an event like the Inauguration. The details are mind-boggling. If you share some of my love of details, here are a few tidbits:
- Warm Air Blowing: The stage in front of the Lincoln Memorial had a grate in the middle of the platform that blew gentle warm air to keep the performers from freezing in the very cold weather. The stream of air had to be strong enough to work and not so strong that it made noise or blew the clothing of the performers.
- Everything Tracked: Each of the millions of tickets for the various events is bar coded and is tracked at entry and access points.
- Welcoming Volunteers: Throughout the Conert yesterday, there were over 7,000 volunteers, at every few feet, wearing a red Obama hat to keep them warm. They informed, greeted and thanked us for coming.
- Garbage Collected Continually: During the Concert, workers kept circulating to pick up and gather any garbage or trash.
- Security High Yet Friendly: Scanning the entire ticketed crowd through Secret Service gates, while totally warpped in warm jackets was impressive. And, while there was massive security, it did not feel overbearing or intrusive.
- Sound System Blew Us Away: The quality of the sound and video really was better than most of the high priced concerts that I have attended over the years. The goal was to make the experience high quality for people a mile away.
Today, we are off to several events, including receptions for our friends from Saratoga, from the Learning Field, a small party at Ethel Kennedy's house and then a dinner for the Inauguration Sponsors at the Mayflower Hotel. Stay tuned for updates.
As a meeting planner, I am fascinated by the logistics in staging an event like the Inauguration. The details are mind-boggling. If you share some of my love of details, here are a few tidbits:
