Picture Perfect Protocol

When Don Henley wrote the lyrics “People love it when you lose, they love dirty laundry,” he probably never guessed the ever increasing prevalence of “dirty laundry” airing in today’s news cycles, especially when it comes to awkward or unflattering photography. But protocol officers who plan and orchestrate ceremonies, gift exchanges, presentations, international visits, meetings and special events stay focused on what is important – making their guests feel welcomed and capturing moments to remember.

“During any visit, meeting or event that demands the highest level of protocol, we all should remember that we are ‘on stage’ for the world to see. Effective photography should represent a historical memory and not an embarrassing one,” said Pamela Eyring, president of The Protocol School of Washington. “Protocol officers might not take the photograph, but many have to help create the environment while managing media and photographers. The right photograph can capture the moment, stir our emotions and create a memory of a lifetime.”

The “Protocol Memories of a Lifetime Contest” invites participants to submit photographs that demonstrate effective protocol captured in perpetuity. Submissions can be in the form of still photography; a video; a visual presentation (i.e., PowerPoint); essay; white paper or social media posts. The winner of the contest will receive a complimentary tuition to any 2017 scheduled Protocol Officer Training offered by PSOW.