Subject: MEDIA RSVP: U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit and Press Preview for State Dinner
From: White House Press Office<[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 5 May 2016 16:00:10 -0500

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2016

*MEDIA RSVP: U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit and Press Preview for State Dinner*

Washington, DC  On Friday, May 13, 2016, President Obama will host the President of Finland and the Prime Ministers of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland at the White House for a U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit. This event follows the convening of Nordic leaders during the Presidents trip to Sweden in September 2013.

This summit will be an opportunity to continue our close collaboration with the Nordic countries on a range of issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, protecting the environment, coordinating on Arctic issues, promoting the Global Health Security Agenda, advancing sustainable development, enhancing nuclear security, providing humanitarian assistance, and addressing the migration and refugee crisis in a humane and orderly way. 

This summit will deepen U.S.-Nordic cooperation while highlighting Americas continued commitment to European security, trans-Atlantic trade, and the promotion of common democratic values.

*_TO RSVP FOR EVENTS:_* All members of the media, including hard pass holders, must RSVP HERE [ https://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/media-rsvp-us-nordic-leaders-summit ] for credentials to cover any events or gain access to White House grounds on May 13. Those without hard passes must also submit their vitals HERE [ https://events.whitehouse.gov/form?rid=D3RPBVP9WB ] in order to be granted access to the White House.

*_Thursday, May 12  Press Preview at 11:30AM_*

The Office of the First Lady will host a press preview in the State Dining Room at 11:30AM on Thursday, May 12, in advance of the state dinner in honor of the official visit of Nordic leaders.There will be an opportunity for photos and video footage of sample place settings, as well as officials on-hand to answer questions on background. Please note that the First Lady will not be in attendance. 

Friday evenings dinner marks the 12th State or Official Visit of the Obama Administration; previous visits include: India in November 2009, Mexico in May 2010, China in January 2011 and September 2015, Germany in June 2011, Korea in October 2011, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in March 2012, France in February 2014, Japan in April 2015, the Holy See Visit in September 2015, and Canada in March 2016.

"This event is open press to credentialed media, but space is limited.Members of the media interested in covering this event must RSVP via the following link: HERE [ https://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/press-preview-nordic-state-dinner ] and members of the media without a White House hard pass must also submit their vitals HERE [ https://events.whitehouse.gov/form?rid=632VYKCWWM ]."

*_The deadline to RSVP for the press preview and all events for the summit is 9:00AM EDT Monday, May 9. Confirmations will be sent by Wednesday at 12:00PM EDT._*

*RSVPs do not guarantee access. *If we are able to accommodate your request for credentials, you will receive a confirmation in the days after the RSVP deadline with further instructions and logistical details.

*Failure to RSVP by the deadline or submission of incomplete/inaccurate vitals will preclude you from gaining access to the White House on this day.* Please make sure to double check your information before you submit it.

*_Friday, May 13  Press Events for the Official Visit_*

**

 *Official Arrival Ceremony  White House South Lawn**
"Open to Pre-Credentialed Press"*
Press will cover: The leaders arrival to White House grounds, opening remarks by President Obama, His Excellency Sauli Niinist, President of the Republic of Finland, and Her Excellency Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway. Riser space is limited. Please note that if an inclement weather call is made, the arrival ceremony will be limited to U.S. and Nordic country pools. 

 *Multilateral Meeting  State Dining Room*

*"Pooled Press"*

Press will cover: Pool spray at the bottom of the multilateral meeting with remarks by President Obama and His Excellency Stefan Lfven, Prime Minister of Sweden.

 *Guest Arrival Through East Wing  Booksellers*
*"Pooled Television, Reporters, and Photographers"*
Pool will cover: Arrival of guests who will enter the event through the East Wing of the White House. This event will be covered by the U.S. media pool and the Nordic country pools. Still photographers who are not in the pool and interested in covering this event should RSVP, but space is limited.

 *Arrival of Nordic Leaders* *to the State Dinner ** **White House North Portico*
*"Pooled for Television; Open to Pre-Credentialed Still Photographers and Reporters"*
Press will cover: The arrival of the Nordic leaders to the North Portico of the White Housefor the State Dinner. Riser space is limited.

 *Dinner Toasts and Entertainment at the State Dinner  White House South Lawn*

*"Pooled Press"*

Press will cover: Toasts by President Obama, His Excellency Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark, and His Excellency Sigurur Ingi Jhannsson, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland, and the dinners entertainment.

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