“We really see ourselves as an example of the transformation taking place in Pittsburgh,” said Phipps Executive Director Richard Piacantini.

Piacantini was thrilled to get the call from the White House saying Phipps was selected to host a big dignitary dinner.

The challenge is that plans are a secret until the last second.

“They are definitely making sure we're flexible, and we're trying to be flexible,” said Piacantini.

Phipps may not know where every table is going, but it has made some big changes, starting with a new walkway in the Japanese courtyard garden. A few weeks ago it was stone dust. Now it's solid and easier to walk on with an evening gown.

“When we heard that we were selected, we decided now is the time we need to do this,” said Piacantini.

A ventilation project is just wrapping up. Opening the vents sealed in the glass house since the 1930s will help with air flow.

And, volunteers are rushing to finish last minute pruning and working on other details.

“I'm getting rid of the browned out leaves,” said Piacantini. “We've been getting a lot of calls from people who want to help us, and we're taking advantage of that. A lot of companies are stepping up to help us with donations and materials. PPG has donated paint and Mellon is helping us. We have a number of other organizations talking to us about what we're doing.”

Massaro Corporation dedicated its “Volunteers Day of Caring” to cleaning and preparing the conservatory for the summit.

“There are 3,500 reporters coming from around the world. They are all going to be talking about Phipps, so we feel like we are going to be mentioned in every newspaper in every country of every city of the world. That's pretty exciting,” said Piacantini.