August marked the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol (SVOP) and the San José Mineta International Airport (SJC). During the decade-long collaboration, the two entities offered a respectful and dignified welcome to visitors to Silicon Valley.
The Front Door of the Tech World
SJC is the entrance to Silicon Valley and has witnessed the arrival of heads of state, government ministers, international business professionals, and cultural delegations. The partnership between SJC and SVOP ensures that the VIP visits are meticulously coordinated and implemented with the highest degree of protocol expertise and cultural awareness. This professionalism reinforces Silicon Valley’s reputation as a global innovation hub and gracious host.
“At SJC, we take great pride in being the region’s gateway to the world. Working with SVOP allows us to deliver an experience that reflects both the importance of the guests and the global nature of our community,” says Mookie Patel, Director of Aviation at San José Mineta International Airport.
The SJC and SVOP have hosted over 40 delegations from over 25 countries. Together, the entities have ensured smooth arrivals and departures and managed the diplomatic logistics to make each visit successful.
The partnership also oversaw red-carpet arrivals and ceremonial courtesies.
“Protocol is about more than ceremony. It is about showing respect, building trust, and creating space for meaningful exchange,” said Deanna Tryon, Chief of Protocol for the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol.
The SVOP diligently works behind the scenes to ensure that all visits, whether international trade discussions, strategic investment dialogues, or civic partnerships, are executed seamlessly and without issues.
These culturally sensitive and politically delicate engagements can include various events, such as business roundtables, community visits, and formal ceremonies. Coordinating these events has been pivotal to ensuring that business and cultural delegations witness Silicon Valley in the best light and as more than just a center of technological innovation, but as a center of global cooperation.
“Bringing our Minister and delegation through San José Mineta International Airport with the support of the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol was an exceptional experience. Even with limited lead time, the coordination was smooth and highly efficient. SVOP’s professionalism and attention to detail ensured everything ran according to plan, allowing us to focus fully on the purpose of the visit. Their partnership with SJC is a tremendous resource for the diplomatic community in the Bay Area. In what was truly an emergency, they managed to get us checked in, bagged, parked, and turned around in just 10 minutes, a remarkable demonstration of airport courtesy and efficiency that far exceeded our expectations,” says Micheál Smith, Consul General of Ireland.
This year, the State Department and the White House formally recognized SJC and SVOP for their rapid facilitation of the President of Senegal’s visit to Silicon Valley. The State Department acknowledged the successful visit by commending SVOP for their guidance on protocol and the “significant support” they gave the United States.
The collaboration between the SJC and SVOP has helped solidify Silicon Valley’s identity as a global leader.
As Mayor of Santa Clara, I’ve seen firsthand how this partnership opens doors, not just for dignitaries, but for our entire community. These visits generate opportunities for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and civic pride,” says Mayor Lisa Gillmor.
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“At SJC, we take great pride in being the region’s gateway to the world. Working with SVOP allows us to deliver an experience that reflects both the importance of the guests and the global nature of our community,” says Mookie Patel, Director of Aviation at San José Mineta International Airport.
The SJC and SVOP have hosted over 40 delegations from over 25 countries. Together, the entities have ensured smooth arrivals and departures and managed the diplomatic logistics to make each visit successful.
The partnership also oversaw red-carpet arrivals and ceremonial courtesies.
“Protocol is about more than ceremony. It is about showing respect, building trust, and creating space for meaningful exchange,” said Deanna Tryon, Chief of Protocol for the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol.
The SVOP diligently works behind the scenes to ensure that all visits, whether international trade discussions, strategic investment dialogues, or civic partnerships, are executed seamlessly and without issues.
