Charged with planning a meeting with attendees from around the world? If so, join the crowd. In Houston alone, there are more than 3,000 local businesses, government offices, and nonprofit organizations involved in global commerce in more than 130 foreign countries, and hosting meetings with international delegates has become the norm for many organizations. The success of a gathering with global attendees can largely rest on a religious meeting planner's ability to keep up international protocols and travel standards.
While meeting planners should not have to immerse themselves in books on global etiquette, there are some basic areas that should be considered:
Stay on top of new Department of Homeland Security measures.
Don't spring any last-minute meeting surprises. Give meeting attendees from other countries ample time to organize their personal documents in preparation for travel.
Also, build in conference rates that will cover pre- and post-meeting stays. Many international attendees will want to arrive early to acclimate to the time zone and to recover from jet lag, and they might linger an extra day or two (often a necessity if your meeting is in a smaller city with limited international flights).
International travelers also may be uncomfortable driving in an unfamiliar city, particularly if they are accustomed to different traffic laws. Arranging a pickup at the airport through a destination management company can ease the transition for travelers.
Find out if the host hotel offers international power and telephone jack adapters in its guest rooms. Does it offer currency exchange for foreign travelers to obtain a small amount of U.S. dollars for cabs and other minor expenses? At InterContinental Houston, guests can watch the news from their home country on their in-room television. They can also secure their hometown newspaper upon request.
It's also helpful for planners to provide some information about the city, including dining, entertainment, and local sites of interest if the attendees will have some free time.
Provide a written meeting agenda for each attendee to ensure that everyone understands the expectations and goals of the meeting, keeping in mind international attendees bring a different set of expectations to a meeting. While some cultures, such as those of Asia and Latin America, tend to be more relationship-focused, others, such as those of the United States and Great Britain, are more priority-driven and focused on results.
Also, if you have attendees coming from multiple time zones, it can be easier for guests to book their hotels electronically instead of making an international call.
Shipping items for international meetings can be overwhelming, with duties, customs issues, and detailed paperwork coming into play. Find out how much time is required to receive items from another country in preparation for a meeting.
Conversely, consider the amount of paperwork and materials conferees will need to take home with them. Plan on behalf of attendees how these items will be shipped back to their home country.
Proper food selection is a critical component of conducting a smooth-flowing meeting with international conferees.
Let the hotel know about any special food and beverage requirements that your international attendees may have. Partner with a chef who is experienced in catering to international guests. Also, consider attendees' dining habits. If you have a large contingent from South America, for example, they may be accustomed to eating later at night than is the norm in the U.S.
Planners also should have on hand information on how they can contact the local consulate in case of an emergency, such as an accident, illness, or lost passport.
Planners also can contact the local Consulate General's office of the country in question for country-specific protocols.
This is a big one. Arrange to have translators at the airport to greet international attendees and at general sessions to translate the proceedings. Make sure that your printed materials are available in all the languages needed.
Serving as a translator can be a volunteer opportunity, or you can contact local colleges and universities to make your needs known.
Above all, be aware that meetings with global delegates present their own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Take the time to understand the needs of international attendees to ensure a productive and inclusive meeting experience.
David Bennett is director of conference services for the AAA Four Diamond InterContinental Houston. The property frequently hosts conferences with international attendees and offers specialized amenities for travelers from abroad.