Results

Opsail - State of Connecticut Millennium Event

Situation
Design a series of events over 2 miles of unconnected waterfront property, fit one million visitors and connected with transportation, bridges, and ferries.

Prepare docking and services for 40 tall ships
Manage protocol and hospitality events for 1,200 dignitaries and sailors
Create volunteer and education programs for six-month build-up in the State

Solutions
Three unique simultaneous land-based celebrations focused attention on various areas for long term impact:

Celebrate Connecticut (sponsor, tourism, education showcase);
New London and Beyond (local attractions and artists);
Festival America (historic and national impact at new state park).

Budget of $6.2 million included 300 contractors and 20 staff, 55 protocol and vessel-related events, and a volunteer program for 1,500.

Results
The resulting economic impact was $151 million, a legacy of waterfront development and the introduction of New London to host ongoing world class events.

Old State House Rededication

Situation
United Technologies wished to create a daylong event to celebrate the reopening of the oldest state house in America after three years of expansive renovation and restoration. Event needed to showcase the building, create high visibility, and attract large numbers of participants.

Solutions
Celebration was launched with May as "Old State House Month, featuring 30 days of events. Naturalization ceremonies, readings of the Bill of Rights, education tours, Voice of Democracy awards and speeches. Parade of Connecticut featured 169 cities and towns marching in the order they were chartered. Over 5,000 participants celebrated the history of our State.

Results
National press coverage for the “New Old State House”
Event was educational and high impact
The entire State participated and local pride for each town was demonstrated.