Register now for our next in-person Protocol Training in Brussels on 26, 27 & 28 June 2024
How to use protocol to maintain or build strong relationships? How to ensure the success of a visit of a high-level delegation or networking event with dignitaries? How to officially welcome dignitaries? How to ensure that a formal seating plan also supports the goal of strengthening relationships? What is the role of a protocol officer?
At our in-person 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 (Amsterdam University Press). By applying this method to several case studies, you will become proficient in preparing any type of meeting with dignitaries or other most valued stakeholders.
Learn how to become the protocol management expert of your organisation and be in charge of building strong relationships. After following our Protocol Training, you will be equipped to meet the challenges and complexities of contemporary protocol management and building strong relationships.
The in-person Protocol Training, given by Europe’s leading protocol experts – the authors of the book Protocol to Manage Relationship Today – also focusses on developing personal skills. Over several interactive classes, we will teach you diplomatic and networking skills. Furthermore, the Protocol Training includes a formal three-course etiquette dinner, a workshop on cross-cultural communications and a guest lecture on UN, EU and NATO protocol.
Programme Wednesday from 09.30 – 19.00 hrs.
Welcome and introduction:
- What is protocol? What is the difference between protocol and etiquette?
- Why do organisations need protocol? What is the goal of protocol? How can protocol contribute to the strategy of an organisation?
- What is modern protocol?
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 – flag protocol, speeches, forms of address, group photos, gifts, toast, cortèges and escorting guests, wreath laying, honours, signing ceremonies, press & security.
Case study (1):
- The visit of a high-level delegation.
The role of a protocol officer:
- Managing seating arrangements.
- Managing official ceremonies.
Why cultural awareness is important in the work of a protocol officer, a workshop by the foremost Portuguese expert in protocol and cross-cultural communication, Isabel Amaral:
- Cultural dimensions theory – the Hofstede model.
- The challenges of cultural awareness in protocol – good and bad examples.
- Exercise – determining the cultural differences for today’s case study.
- Exercise – determining how protocol is influenced by the cultural differences.
Programme Thursday from 09.30 – 18.30 hrs.
Looking back – what we learnt yesterday.
Case study (2):
- A VIP networking event with dignitaries.
The role of the protocol officer:
- Escorting dignitaries.
- Welcoming VIPS and coordinating the greeting procedures.
Masterclass in networking and politesse by the British William Hanson of The English Manner:
- 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 someone’s name.
Last preparations of the Etiquette Dinner by the participants.
Programme Thursday evening from 18.30 – 21.30 hrs
Three-course Etiquette Dinner:
- An etiquette tutorial by William Hanson in styles of service, navigating the place setting, the tools on the table, international variations on Western table settings, how to hold cutlery & glassware correctly, 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.
Programme Friday from 09.30 – 16.30 hrs.
Evaluation of the Etiquette Dinner.
A guest lecture about protocol at the European Union,by the former Head of Protocol of the European Parliament, François Brunagel.
Introduction to international protocol, by the former Chief of Protocol of the International Criminal Court, Bengt-Arne Hulleman.
Case study (3):
- A high-level international conference with foreign dignitaries.
Closing: certificate ceremony.
Register
Register now; complete the online registration form.
Dates
The in-person Protocol Training will take place on:
- Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June 2024.
- More dates – Training calendar.
Location and accommodation
The Protocol Training will take place in a hotel in the centre of Brussels, Belgium. Participants will be given the opportunity to reserve accommodation at the hotel where the training takes place.
Fee
The cost for the Protocol Training is €2,395 in total per person (excluding 21% VAT). The fee includes:
- Online introduction to protocol: an online mini course taken before the start of the training.
- All class materials including a binder with extensive hand-outs and presentations.
- The book Protocol to Manage Relationships Today (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).
Pay with a creditcard
It is also possible to pay with a credit card for our in-person Protocol Training in Brussels (or The Hague): go to our online platform to make the payment. In this case, payment for the training is made via Teachable. They may charge VAT for this, even though we do not charge VAT. Payment via credit card costs €100 extra.
VAT
Some organisations such as embassies, international and/or multilateral organisations are exempt from VAT; we will not charge VAT if the necessary documentation can be shown. VAT can also be waived if a EU VAT number is provided. For individuals and organisations outside of the EU, VAT is also not payable.
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 receipt of full payment.
General conditions
All fees are transferable but non-refundable. Protocolbureau has the right to move the training to another date. The training programme may be subject to change. During the training (by both us and the participants) confidential information is often shared; we therefore ask all our participants for discretion.