A supporter wearing a sweatshirt attends a Tea Party Express rally where former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin spoke in Boston. (April 14, 2010)
BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERSPalin sets rules of engagement for Hamilton fundraiser
No jeans . . . no cameras . . . no recording devices . . . no questions . . . a rumoured $100,000 speaking fee
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/795531--palin-sets-rules-of-engagement-for-hamilton-fundraiser?bn=1When Sarah Palin takes the stage at a Hamilton fundraiser Thursday night, the crowd won't include any Joe Six-Packs in jeans.
No cameras either to record possible slip-ups by the former Alaskan governor who has sometimes suffered from foot-in-mouth disease.
Media are invited to cover Palin's appearance in Hamilton – sort of.
But there are rules as the Palin bubble settles, however briefly, for a charity fundraiser in Steeltown tonight.
Photographs of Palin are allowed for only one hour "as she proceeds through the lobby" at the 900-seat Carmen Banquet Hall.
Once the event begins, no cameras or recording devices are permitted.
"If you are in breach of this term, you will be removed from Carmen's immediately, and Carmen's reserves the right to confiscate your film/digital flash card on site," the email continues.
Journalists must dress formally – "no blue jeans" – and are invited to observe and take notes during the dinner. The 30-minute speech will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
And no member of the media will be able to ask a question of Palin in the ballroom during the event, organizers say.
Michael Marini, president and CEO of Hamilton's Capital Idea Public Relations Inc., has worked with Carmen's on "celebrity" charity events in the past, including actor Michael Douglas's appearance in 2007 and activist Craig Kielburger's talk last month. Marini said the speakers determine the media guidelines.
Details of the demands Palin makes for speaking engagements leaked out this week in advance of her Hamilton appearance. Among the requirements are first-class travel or a private jet (precise size specified), one deluxe hotel suite and two other rooms, appropriate lighting and two unopened water bottles with bendy straws, according to a five-page document two students found in a dumpster near California State University where she's scheduled to speak in June.