CMP SERIES CERTIFICATION MADE POSSIBLE N

ot too long ago, a coalition of Southern business leaders hosted a group of visitors from the Middle East. The carefully orchestrated event included a formal luncheon sensitive to Muslim dietary restrictions. As the attendees took their seats, however, the lunch commenced — as many events in the South do — with a prayer; one that invoked and thanked Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, at an American Society of Plastic Surgeons

(ASPS) meeting a few years ago, a specialty organization hosted its own dinner reception for some international attendees, a majority of whom were Indian and vegetarian. The entrée that evening: prime rib. These gaffes may seem like rookie mistakes, but even experienced diplomats and global executives can run into trouble when navigating cross-cultural waters. In 1995, Bill Richardson, then a congressman from New Mexico, had a high-stakes meeting in Iraq with Saddam Hussein to negotiate the release of two Americans who had wandered across the border from Kuwait. Despite being an experienced international negotiator, the first thing Richardson reportedly did upon sitting down was cross his legs at a 90-degree angle, showing the sole of his shoe to Hussein — an insult in some Arab cultures. Without a word, Hussein stood and left the room. More recently, Bill Gates created an international stir this

spring when he shook hands with South Korean President Park Geun-hye with one hand in his pocket and his suit jacket unbuttoned. The casual greeting was viewed by many in South Korea — a society that values formality and deference to authority — as insulting and culturally insensitive. Together, these examples underscore the importance of remaining vigilant to cultural differences and sensitivities — no matter what the stakes or setting. Meeting professionals hoping to grow international attendance can avoid cultural missteps and improve the overall experience for international attendees by being attuned to their cultural background and customs — no matter how sophisticated the industry or attendee base may be, said meeting organizers, protocol experts, and cross-cultural communication professionals who spoke to Convene. Here, they provide tips on how to attract and welcome

a global audience, and advice for organizing an event so international attendees become repeat attendees.

46 PCMA CONVENE SEPTEMBER 2013 PCMA.ORG GREETING ETIQUETTE

fig. 10 — Some cultures hug, but many more of them don’t. When in doubt, it’s always best to fall back on formality.