Events

Minnesota Sesquicentennial Statehood Weekend
Executive Producer/Sponsorship Development
May 17-18, 2008

Project Description
The objective of the MN Sesquicentennial Statehood Weekend was to create an event where Minnesotans connected and took part in their state’s history and future. The theme was “Meet Minnesota – Make Your Moment”. Over 40,000 attendees filled the capitol grounds for the 2 day event.

Event elements included 2 large exhibitor tents with state agency, corporate and non profit displays, the Xcel Energy Minnesota Stage and the SuperValu River Stage featuring a diverse array of Minnesota talent, food vendors, a vintage plane fly-over, and closing with a Commemoration Ceremony on the capitol steps, Honoring Those Who Serve. The ceremony was highlighted by a 350 person all state choir conducted by Philip Brunelle, The Honor Song performed by Leech Lake Nation, an address from Governor Pawlenty, a satellite link to a military base in Iraq and a fabulous fireworks display sponsored by Target.

Project Details
Stagetime Productions was responsible for

• All pre-planning, production and logistics elements for the event

• Managing a $250,000 budget, including assistance with sponsorship development and fulfillment

• Hired and managed an event staff of six, including 2 producers, 1 creative director and 3 coordinators

• Assisted with sponsorship development bringing in over $75,000

• Created, judged and awarded RFP’s for AV, fireworks, tents and staging. Managed all vendor relationships before, during and post event

• Assembled an MN State advisory panel to research, judge and select the entertainment

• Worked with Melrose Pyrotechnics to create a custom fireworks show set to music, and handled all of the permits and logistics for the show.

• Recruitment and management of over 100 volunteers

Outstanding Accomplishments

• An estimated 40,000 people attended the event, which was flawlessly executed and garnered extensive media attention

• The event was produced on time and on budget and showed a profit upon completion

• Successfully produced the first fireworks show over the capitol since 2002