Hello, Hola, Salut!

No matter how you say hello or what part of the world you come from the corporate world is becoming a global place.  No longer are businesses tied to their own country's borders but are making a point to reach out to other international markets for growth and connectivity.  The meetings & events world is rapidly following suit with many domestic companies heading overseas for conferences and events!  As a Meeting Planner it is an exciting time to be in the event business and as a meeting planner it is our job to facilitate events cross culturally so that all of our guests have an eventful experience!  Which leads me to this post--what are some cross cultural meeting etiquette tips so that the goal of your next international meeting or event doesn't get lost in translation...

Before planning any international event or meeting you MUST preform your due diligence on local customs.  For instance in Argentina only in formal situations do you shake hands with your colleague but in all others you give one kiss on the cheek anything less would be considered rude.  In France their meetings are MUCH slower paced than ours (no surprise here) and agenda start-times usually do not even begin before noon!  On the other hand in Germany if you do not arrive EARLY for a meeting you are considered late. 

Most recently in Smart Meetings Magazine they listed a few resources to help master the etiquette of International Meetings.

Quick Translations-APP
Greetings Etiquette
Cultural Curiosity

Whether we say meeting, reunion, or kaigi the main goal to a meeting or conference is to provide a venue in which to connect or educate across borders.  With connections in London, Dubai, Paris, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Australia (to name a few) contact us at Capitol Event Firm to help plan your next International Event. 

As always have an eventful day.

Zaiba Hasan