Multinational Protocols and Routes to Procurement

Multinational Protocols

Whether in public or business settings, protocol plays a crucial role on the world stage. However, universal rules governing international protocol do not exist. The ability to adapt to cultural differences and changing circumstances is key to creating the foundations for success. Join VEDP – International Trade for this course designed specifically for companies who often find themselves dealing in the highly structured “diplomatic-speak” environment found among multinational government/military organizations. Attendees should come away with a more comprehensive understanding of International/Institutional Protocol as it applies to business development, intercultural sensitivities, and guidance in the field of international relations. You will be given the tools to excel, develop and maintain business, project a positive image with confidence and authority while building teamwork across borders, institutions, and departments. Participants will also receive a book “An Experts’ Guide to International Protocol – Best Practice in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations”, co-authored by Mark Verheul, as well as the book “Precedence with a Purpose”, co-authored by Maryse Larché Mele.

Topics Covered

• Protocol in an International Environment
• Intercultural Communication
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Co-operating with Commercial, Government, and Military Leadership
• Co-operating through Social Media
• Event Management and Strategic Networking

The protocol training will take place on Tuesday, October 24 from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Wednesday, October 25 from 8:00am to 12:30pm.

Routes to Procurement for Transnational Organizations

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about international procurement as conducted by organizations such as NATO and the United Nations. The procurement training will take place on Wednesday, October 25 from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. Topics will include:

Routes to NATO Procurement: Key Themes & Changes with Upcoming Procurement Opportunities

Presented by Kevin Mills, Head of Procurement at NATO Allied Command Transformation (NATO ACT)

Trade Compliance Considerations When Selling to NATO, the UN, and Allied Country MoDs

Presented by Chris Skinner, Attorney, Williams Mullen

• Unique contracting considerations when dealing with NATO and the UN
• Export licensing considerations and strategies to streamline compliance (TAAs, MLAs, WDAs, and ITAR authorizations for NATO)
• Licensing requirements when working with NATO or joint US-NATO operations
• Export licensing when furnishing maintenance and training services to NATO and allies
• Safeguarding export-controlled technology and technical data

Introduction to Doing Business with the United Nations

Presented by Susan Hettleman, Commercial Officer & UN Procurement Liaison; U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce

• Overview of the UN’s $30 billion procurement market
• What does the UN buy?
• Is my business a fit for UN procurement?
• Tips to get started and win UN tenders

Meetings with Procurement Contacts

Following the training, optional one-on-one meetings can be scheduled with the procurement speakers listed above. Meetings will take place on Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and on Thursday, October 26 from 8:30am to 3:00pm. After registering for the event, you will receive a link to book the one-on-one meetings.

Event Details

Cost: This in-person course is traditionally priced at $500; however, VEDP is pleased to offer this training for $75 per attendee.

Dates:

Tuesday, October 24: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 25: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Optional one-on-one meetings with the procurement speakers will take place on Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and on Thursday, October 26 from 8:30am to 3:00pm. After registering for the event, you will receive a link to book the one-on-one meetings.

Meals: A light breakfast and full lunch is included each day. A casual networking dinner will take place the evening of Wednesday, October 25th.

This course is offered by Virginia Economic Development Partnership and is open to businesses that have a presence in Virginia.

Hotel Information

This event will be held at The Westin Richmond, 6631 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230. A hotel room block is not available for this event.

For more information, please contact:

Ed Laughlin, Defense Program Manager, at 703.506.9743 or elaughlin@vedp.org

Jordan Watkins, Defense Program Manager, at 757.314.2129 or jawatkins@vedp.org