Protocol International’s insight into 2024 and beyond!
Sometimes we start a project with trepidation. Sometimes we start a project with excitement and hope. Whatever we feel when we start something we never really know how or where it will end. The important thing is to have the courage to start.
When I embarked on my new journey with Protocol International, I did not know where it would take me, but I was excited to find out. In a very short time, I discovered entirely new aspects of protocol when I launched into “sports protocol” for the first time as we supported the Invictus Games in The Hague in 2022 - a journey filled with emotion, humility and awe. Training opportunities in parts of the world that were new to me. Connecting with people and new industries. Consulting and analysis. People skills – looking at the same scenario from different perspectives. The world of protocol is exciting and protocol is an important skill in life no matter what your field of endeavour. None of us are an island. When we look back at our journey we realize people, experiences and interacting with people have all had a part in defining the person we currently represent. Networking is defined as the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. It is through that interaction that we grow and develop new ways of perceiving the same scenario, which gives us the ability to connect with a broader group of people. The skills of networking, bargaining and negotiating are played out daily. The broader your network the more room you have to grow!
2024 is approaching and so are many new and exciting projects for our clients in Belgium, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and USA, to name but a few. However, I am most excited about the launch of our own open subscription training programmes in Norfolk (Virginia), Rome, and Dubai / Abu Dhabi – all in the first half of 2024! Keep on the lookout in the next couple of weeks for where you would like to interact on the international protocol stage in the safety of a classroom and a supportive network:
26 – 28 February
Norfolk: home to the largest navy base in the world will come with a strong military and international affairs background with the highlight of a guest speaker who spent many years in service of General Colin Powell. She is also author of the book, “My time with General Colin Powell – Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, & Protocol”. This may be a great opportunity to get your book signed by Leslie Lautenslager!
11 – 13 March
Rome: the eternal city will highlight protocol in multilateral institutions, and bridging the gap between civilian and military organisations on the world stage. Here we will look forward to a panel discussion with protocol professionals from both the Italian Ministry of Defense and the UN World Food Programme! Strategic networking and international negotiation skills will be an integral part of the course, as well.
27 – 30 May
Dubai & Abu Dhabi: protocol in the Middle East will be highlighted by our associate partner Maria Hall, specialized in the culture of Gulf business knowledge, corporate protocol and psychometrics in the GCC region. She has worked directly within private offices of Royal Princesses of Saudi Arabia, UAE Royalty, a Bahraini Sheikha, and a renowned VVIP from Dubai. Participants will be offered a unique perspective on gifts and cultural diplomacy. This course promises to be a fascinating “Show and Tell” opportunity for all with three days in Dubai and one day in Abu Dhabi.
Whichever programme you choose, you will surely find it a unique growing opportunity. More information about the content, venues, fees, take-aways, as well as a discounted pre-registration possibility for the above courses, will be available on our website as of 15 November.
Keep following us to see what destinations the second semester of 2024 and beyond brings!
