How to use protocol to build strong relationships, online or offline? How to ensure a successful visit of a high-level delegation or any other event with VIP’s? How to officially invite and welcome dignitaries? What seating arrangement supports the goal of strengthening relationships? How to navigate a formal dinner or a networking event?
At our Protocol Training we will teach you not only the rules of protocol, but also the method of protocol as described in our book Protocol to Manage Relationships Today: Modern Relationship Management Based Upon Traditional Values (Amsterdam University Press, 2020). By applying the method in several real-life business cases, you will become proficient in preparing any type of meeting with dignitaries or any other most valued stakeholders. After following our Protocol Training, you will be equipped to meet the challenges and complexities of contemporary protocol management to build strong relationships.
The Protocol Training also focusses on developing personal skills; during several interactive classes we will teach you diplomatic and networking skills, non-verbal communication, and personal presentation. Furthermore, the Protocol Training includes a formal three-course etiquette dinner, a workshop about cross-cultural communications and a guest lecture about UN, EU and NATO protocol.
At the Protocol Training the safety guidelines concerning the Coronavirus will be strictly followed. The virus is also a topic during the training; how has the protocol been influenced by the virus?
Protocolbureau training programmes are certified by:
A training by Europe’s leading protocol experts, the authors of the new book Protocol to Manage Relationship Today
Welcome and introduction:
- What is protocol? What is the difference between protocol and etiquette?
- Why do organisations need protocol – examples of lack of protocol on YouTube.
- Introduction to strategic protocol – what is strategic protocol? What is the goal of protocol? How can protocol contribute to the goal of an organisation?
- What is the difference between classical and modern protocol: examples of the use of modern protocol.
- Protocol and the Coronavirus – how the protocol influenced the new protocol.
Examples of protocol in different situations – the business cases:
- The visit of a high-level delegation.
- A networking event with the most valued stakeholders.
- An international high-level conference.
Masterclass ‘The method of protocol’:
- Introduction – what is the protocol method?
- Brief repetition of the theory:
- The préséance – the ranking of high-ranking officials.
- The application – welcome and departure, greeting procedures and seating arrangements.
- The application in other forms of protocol – signing ceremonies, flag protocol, wreath laying, honours, cortèges and escorting guests, speeches, forms of address, group photos, gifts, toast, press & security.
- International and multilateral protocol.
- Practice with the protocol and business cases.
The role of the protocol officer:
- Welcoming guests and coordinating the greeting procedures.
- Managing seating arrangements.
- Coordinating the signing ceremony.
Looking back – what did we learn yesterday.
Masterclass ‘The method of protocol’ (continued):
- Brief repetition of the theory: seating.
- Practice with the protocol and business cases.
Introduction to cross-cultural management:
- What is culture: three misconceptions about culture.
- Cross-cultural communications in events.
- Main culture barriers in international events.
- Style of communication (exercise).
- How to anticipate the cultural collision and achieve intercultural competence (exercise).
Networking and politesse:
- Introducing clients, colleagues, and VIPs.
- Small talk to big talk.
- Cultural differences in introductions.
- Working the room.
- Presence and deportment.
- What to do when you forget their name.
Last preparations of the etiquette dinner by the participants.
The participants in charge of the three-course etiquette dinner.
The three-course dinner as an etiquette tutorial: styles of service, the place setting – navigating your way, tools of the table, international variations on Western table settings, how to hold correctly cutlery & glassware, common mistakes and slip-ups, tricky foods, unfamiliar cuisine or an inedible meal, customs & nuances around the world, napkin etiquette, alcohol awareness, excusing yourself, mobile phones, smoking and taking your leave.
Evaluation of the real-life business case.
Protocol at the very highest level – state visits.
Protocol at the European Union:
- The European institutions.
- The officials at the European Union and their precedence.
- Protocol at the European Union.
Masterclass ‘The method of protocol’ (continued):
- Final practice with the protocol and the entire business case.
Closing: certificate ceremony.
Dates
The Protocol Training, the Three-day Masterclass in Modern Protocol, will take place at:
- Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December 2021.
- Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 June 2022.
- More dates – Protocolbureau training programme overview.
Location and accommodation
The Protocol Training will take place in a hotel in the center of Brussels, Belgium. Participants will be given the opportunity to reserve accommodation at the location of the training.
Fee
The costs for the Protocol Training are €1,950 per person (excluding 21% VAT) including:
- All class material including an extensive binder with hand-outs and presentations.
- The book Protocol to Manage Relationships Today; Modern Relationship Management Based Upon Traditional Values (Amsterdam University Press, 2020).
- All catering during the training, including three lunches.
- A three-course etiquette dinner.
- A framed certificate (the Protocol Training is certified by Leading Protocol & Etiquette Schools of the World).
VAT
Some organisations such as embassies, international organisations and/or multilateral organisations are exempt from VAT; we will not include VAT, if the necessary documentation can be disclosed. VAT can also be waived if a EU VAT number is provided.
Safety and health measures during the training
At the Protocol Training the Belgian guidelines concerning the Coronavirus pandemic will be strictly followed.
Traveling to Belgium
Please consult the website of the Belgian government for the latest information about traveling to Belgium.
Visa letter
A visa letter will be provided upon request, but only after full payment has been received.
General conditions
All fee’s are transferable but non-refundable. The Protocolbureau has the right to move the training to another date. The programme of this training may be subject to change.
If the regulations concerning the Coronavirus pandemic set by the Belgian government do not allow us to organise the Protocol Training, fees will be reimbursed.
We ask our participants for discretion. During the training, confidential information is often shared (by us, and also by the participants).
Protocol to Manage Relationships Today: Modern Relationship Management Based Upon Traditional Values (Amsterdam University Press, 2020) explains the value of protocol, not only for Monarchies or diplomatic institutes but for every non-profit or for-profit organisation. The book presents protocol as a method to build strong authentic networks of reciprocal relationships.
Order the book here.
