Register now for our next in-person Protocol Training in Brussels on 6, 7 & 8 December 2023
How to use protocol to maintain or build strong relationships? How to ensure a successful visit of a high-level delegation or a successful networking event with dignitaries? How to officially welcome dignitaries? How to ensure a formal seating also supports the goal of strengthening relationships? What is the role of the 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 the method in several case studies, you will become proficient in preparing any type of meeting with dignitaries or any other most valued stakeholders.
Learn how to become the protocol management expert of your organisation 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 to build 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; during several interactive classes we will teach you diplomatic and networking skills. 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.
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 – 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.
Masterclass ‘The method of 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 – 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.
- The visit of a high-level delegation – the practical application of protocol in a case study.
- Managing seating arrangements – the role of the protocol officer.
Why cultural awareness is important in the work of a protocol officer:
- 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 the protocol is influenced by the cultural differences.
Programme Thursday from 09.30 – 18.30 hrs.
Looking back – what did we learn yesterday.
Masterclass ‘The method of protocol’ (continued):
- A VIP networking event with dignitaries – the practical application of protocol in a case study.
- Welcoming guests and coordinating the greeting procedures – the role of the protocol officer.
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.
Programme Thursday evening from 18.30 – 22.00 hrs
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.
Programme Friday from 09.30 – 17.00 hrs.
Evaluation of the etiquette dinner.
Masterclass ‘The method of protocol’ (continued):
- A high-level international conference – the practical application of protocol in a case study.
- Coordinating a signing ceremony – the role of the protocol officer.
Protocol at the European Union:
- The European institutions.
- The officials at the European Union and their precedence.
- Protocol at the European Union.
Closing: certificate ceremony.
Register
Register now; complete the online registration form.
Dates
The Protocol Training will take place at:
- Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December 2023.
- Wednesday 2, 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 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 €2,395 in total per person (excluding 21% VAT). The fee is including:
- Online introduction to protocol; an online mini course before the start of the training.
- All class material including an extensive binder with 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 creditcard
It is also possible to pay with creditcard for participation in our in-person Protocol Training in Brussels (or The Hague): go to our online platform to make the payment.
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. For individuals and organisations outside the EU, VAT is also not applicable.
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. Protocolbureau has the right to move the training to another date. The programme of this training may be subject to change. During the training (by us but also by the participants) confidential information is often shared. We therefore ask our participants for discretion.