Obama’s last state dinner… And my very first
My own digital diplomacy behind the scenes look at the White House.
A state official visit to The White House is not just a day-long event that culminates in the fanciest dinner imaginable. It’s a complex dance preceded by months of preparation. It’s a nightmare for those involved in organizing protocol details, security, logistics, media, and table seating.
But it’s also a lot of fun — I can’t lie, for me it was indeed a lot of fun!
I wasn’t seated at one of the tables. I didn’t experience Mario Batali’s Italian-inspired fall menu — although I tasted it the day before during a preview in the State Dining Room with Batali himself and White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford.
And I didn’t get to shake hands with President Barack Obama or The First Lady, nor I danced and rocked the room with musical guest Gwen Stefani.
But I was lucky enough to experience first-hand the behind the scenes of the visit and the dinner, as well as collaborate with the White House digital team, the press corps, and many of those involved in the event.
Being on White House grounds during such a big event was a great adventure for me, as was walking and biking around the city in the days before the visit. Like many Washingtonians, I experienced the nation’s capital flooded with Italian flags; green, white, and red flags were everywhere.
The day of, my day started at 6am, first in the White House press briefing room, and a bit later on the South Lawn, for the arrival ceremony — it was quite emotional to hear the Italian and the US national anthem there.
All of this while Facebook-ing live from Italy in US.
After the arrival, the two leaders met in the Oval Office for bilateral talks, followed by a joint press conference in the Rose Garden. In the meanwhile the first lady hosted Renzi’s wife Agnese Landini in the White House kitchen garden for a small performance by a local school.
After I socialmedia-ed the heck of all morning events, the funnest and most memorable moments for me happened at night for the state dinner.
Seeing first-hand the first lady’s rose gold dress glistening and twinkling in the night was amazing… As was attempting a selfie with the Obamas after they came down from the residence via the White House iconic grand staircase; or being at the dinner as Gwen Stefani rocked the room (the tent rather).
And, again, all of this while Facebook-ing, Twitter-ing, and Instagram-ing live (as well as on Medium and Medium Italiano). Yes, digital diplomacy can be cheesy and fun, don’t you agree?
The night for me concluded with a few photos of the White House by night, lit up by the most amazing and bright moon you’ve ever seen. And…
And if you’re a fan of House of Cards like me, you probably recognize the arched window on the west side of the White House.
The day was long. I was tired, as were all the Italian journalists covering the event — like me up since before 6am. But it was a lot of fun!
