Special Events

Producing Inspiring, Impactful Events

SDI has received global recognition for designing and producing high-profile events, historical commemorations and anniversaries, institutional launches, trade and tourism events, galas, conferences, and summits of all sizes. Our award-winning strategies assure the branding and design, media, planning, and logistics align with your message and your mission.

Services

Branding and design

Logistics and production

Media and creative services

Security and protocol

CASE STUDY

How We Helped 30 Million Listeners and Readers Commemorate the Centennial of World War I

SDI was selected by the WWI Centennial Commission as their national agency. To commemorate the centennial of WWI, SDI designed and developed a ceremony at the National World War l Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event, “In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I,” took place on April 6, 2017. The dramatic setting of the Museum and Memorial made the perfect backdrop. Holding the ceremony at this unique location also spotlighted the collections of the Museum, the second largest collection of World War l artifacts (the largest being in Great Britain).

The compelling program held audiences spellbound as it presented the story of the U.S. entry into World War l through live performances, video and still images of the speeches, journalism, literature, poetry and important music of the time. High-profile speakers included family members of World War l icons Generals Pershing and Patton; musical performers in World War l dress both civilian and military; and representatives of populations that had faced discrimination yet demonstrated their patriotism, skills and value to their country through their service — women, immigrants, African Americans, and Native Americans. Choirs, choruses, bands, solo artists and students from the theater program at the local university contributed their dramatic and musical talents to the program as well.

More than 4,000 invited guests and public attendees representing 29 nations, 26 states and the District of Columbia attended. VIP participants and guests included governors; members of Congress; senior military officials; the mayor of Kansas City, who extended the official welcome; and senior representatives from seven nations who spoke of the impact and their gratitude for the U.S. entry into World War l.

Fast Facts

  • Assembled and directed a team of outstanding, yet cost-conscious, vendors, who brought together top-tier performers while remaining on budget.
  • Drew an enormous audience who viewed the program through a live stream (more than 14,000 media outlets, organizations and individuals) and C-SPAN 3, which aired the program twice nationwide.
  • Drew 75 reporters to the event from outlets including the Associated Press; Missouri Public Radio; NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX local affiliates that fed coverage to their networks; 2mas2KC and Dos Mundos.
  • Created, managed, and developed content for the commemoration website.