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Big Oil One of the largest meetings in the United States in terms of attendance, the Offshore Tech- nology Conference draws 22,000 of its 105,000 attendees from overseas — many from the Middle East.
Gift Giving Gift giving is an important — and expected — component of many international meet- ings. VIPs will expect a gift, and attendees will expect speakers to be presented with a gift. If you or your meeting’s sponsors are offering in-room amenities or giveaways, there are some things you must avoid. Even if gift giving does not enter into your meeting equation, the following list, assembled by The Protocol School of Washington (psow.edu), gives you an idea of how a seemingly innocu- ous element or color featured in your meeting could offend someone from another culture. Follow these tips to avoid gift gaffes.
Argentina — Knives symbolize the severing of friendship. Wrap gifts nicely and expect they will be opened when received.
Asia — Generally do not open wrapped gifts. Present and receive gifts with two hands.
Belgium — If you are featuring flowers in any way, avoid chrysanthemums, which are asso- ciated with funerals. Do not present 13 of any flower. Present gifts before, not after, a meal.
Bolivia — Knives, scissors, and letter openers symbolize the severing of friendship. Gifts are not opened until after the giver has departed.
Brazil— Do not give anything purple or black, since these are colors of mourning. Handker- chiefs connote grief. Knives symbolize the severing of friendship. Avoid practical gifts
like key chains, ties, etc. They are perceived as too personal.
China — Be prepared to exchange a modest gift with your business colleagues at the first meeting. White is associated with mourning, while red paper signifies good luck. Avoid the number 4 and clocks, which are associated with death.
Ecuador — Avoid lilies and marigolds; they are used at funerals.
Europe — Gift giving is a personal expression. The appropriate time to give a gift is after a relationship has developed.
France — Gifts tend to be opened when received, and the wrapping of the gift is very important.
Hong Kong — Clocks denote death; time is running out. Blue is the color of mourning; pairs of two bring good luck.
India— Avoid gifts made of leather (cowhide); the cow is a sacred animal. Avoid black and white. Wrap gifts in green, yellow, or red. Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
Indonesia — Do not give toy dogs, or gifts with pictures of dogs — dogs are considered to be unclean. Avoid gifts made of leather (cowhide). Avoid pigskin products and per- fumes containing alcohol.
Japan — Like to give gifts when they first meet and when they depart. Never give four or nine of anything, which represents death and suffering. Correct wrapping is very important. Avoid white, black, and blue.
Mexico — Knives symbolize the severing of friendship. Avoid gifts made of silver, as silver is associated with trinkets sold to tourists. Yellow flowers represent death, and red flow- ers cast spells.
Middle East — Normally, gifts are presented before a group. Avoid gifts of alcohol or gifts reflecting the human figure or dogs. Handkerchiefs are associated with tears. Gifts made with pigskin should be avoided. Do not openly admire something someone has, as they will feel obliged to offer it to you as a gift.
Russia — Knives and scissors are considered bad luck. Even numbers of flowers are given at funerals.
South America — Usually wait until business matters have concluded; present gifts in a social atmosphere. Gifts for children are appreciated.
South Korea — Knives and scissors signify severing a relationship. Gifts are presented upon arrival. Gifts in sets of four denote death.
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