United States Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall will lead the Administration’s latest Experience America trip to New Orleans, Louisiana with members of the Diplomatic Corps and their spouses from October 19^th to the 21^st, 2011.

Working closely with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and many other public and private sector officials and organizations in Louisiana, the Office of the Chief of Protocol has organized a substantive, unique, and exciting trip to plant the seeds of new international partnerships and provide our visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s people, culture, and institutions.

Throughout the trip, participating Ambassadors will crisscross “the Crescent City” beginning with a welcome dinner with Mayor Landrieu featuring the best of New Orleans’ iconic local food and music. Over the next two days, the Ambassadors will participate in events focusing on the economy of New Orleans and the city’s rebirth, recovery, and redevelopment in the wake of natural disaster by meeting with business leaders and education officials, touring new development projects, and attending a special panel discussion at the Superdome.

Experience America is organized by the Diplomatic Partnerships Division of the Office of the Chief of Protocol whose mission is to foster international goodwill and cultivate the relationship between the Diplomatic Corps and the people and institutions of the United States through an exchange of ideas, cultures, and traditions. This is the eighth Experience America trip and fourth of this Administration. Other destinations included California, Texas, Florida, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Alaska.

Detailed trip schedule and event information for Experience America - New Orleans will be released closer to the trip date. For interview requests or more information, please contact Kamyl Bazbaz at BazbazK@state.gov.