Planning events abroad offers unique opportunities to engage attendees, build client relationships, strengthen employee bonds, and support business goals.
While exciting, managing complex details in unfamiliar environments with distinct cultures, customs, and business practices can be challenging. However, with informed research and preparation, planners can create events that resonate with attendees and honor the host country.
Official websites and travel partners are valuable sources of cultural information. These examples serve as starting points:
Hospitality partners can advise on local customs and connect business clients with expert guides to create custom itineraries showcasing the area's heritage.
For example, cultural connectors at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts help guests explore cities with personalized experiences. Their new Concierge Galleries—reimagined lobbies with interactive displays—deliver unique insights into local culture. Kimpton also specializes in events that reflect local cuisine, sights, and sounds, while each Hotel Indigo immerses guests in its neighborhood’s history and culture.
Enlist help from your HelmsBriscoe Associate. With a network spanning the globe, we have Associates familiar with a variety of countries who can offer an inside view of local customs and considerations, helping to make your planning more efficient.
Etiquette varies between countries and can impact business and meeting relationships. Here are tips to consider:
Dining, transportation, and scheduling can differ significantly by country. Consider the following when planning:
Thoughtful preparation and cultural awareness are the keys to hosting successful events in unfamiliar destinations. By embracing the nuances of local customs and traditions, meeting planners can create experiences that honor the host culture, leave a positive impression on attendees, and achieve business goals. Let your HelmsBriscoe Associate assist you in planning your next event anywhere in the world!