Planning
Use our checklist to plan for a high-profile guest’s visit.
Notify Marshal’s Office
Let us know you if you are considering an invitation to a dignitary. We can help you think through the invitation protocol, timing, and planning for your event.
Secure sponsoring campus school or department
Ensuring that you have the support of your department, center, or dean before you issue an invitation will prevent unintended consequences and will help with planning.
Plan adequately
Most high-level dignitary visits take weeks and sometimes months to plan; last-minute requests can be difficult to manage.
Consider the timing
Everything from the time in the semester, the day of the week, or the hour you will hold it requires planning and thought. If you are considering inviting a sitting head of state, you will also need to know if the President or other senior Harvard administrators are available. It is also helpful to know what else is happening on campus during the time you would like your dignitary to visit.
Determine security and safety
Beyond dignitary protection, event sponsors should be mindful of the guest experience at the event, especially if it is going to draw significant attention.
Space needs
Have you secured an appropriate space for the size and format for the event? Think about capacity, lines, door management, egress, and location on campus among other considerations.
Context
How might the current day international and national context inform your invitation and the planning required to bring the dignitary?
Intended audience
Who is the intended audience for your event?
Media
Who will handle media inquiries?
Have questions about hosting a special guest?
Work with us to plan your guest’s visit
The Marshal’s Office provides support and coordination to the Harvard community.
Invitation Protocols
The Marshal’s Office advises the Harvard community on protocols for invitations to high-profile guests. Review protocols for issuing invitations.
Student Organizations
Student organizations on campus must follow additional protocols when planning high-profile visits. Review protocols for student organizations.
Security
It is important to consider security needs early in the planning process. Review information about guest security.