As academic event planners or administrative professionals, our roles often include tasks that invite guests to have a closer and personalized view of our institution. While you may not recognize protocol as a portion of your job, essentially, we all practice it when we plan an event, invite guests to campus, or assist those representing Georgia Tech externally. Protocol is simply creating an environment where diplomacy and inclusion can occur. Recently, a few ECN members attended a protocol workshop with PDI-POA at the Coca-Cola headquarters. Some practical protocol pointers we learned from the day include:
- As a general rule, anyone elected into a public office within a general election is entitled to the title "The Honorable." Some appointed officials are also able to use the title. Additionally, the title of "Congressman" or, "Congresswoman," does not exist.
- Try not to use flags at events; however, when displayed at an event, the United States flag should be placed in a position of honor and should be placed at the speaker's right as they face the audience.
- Prior to purchasing a gift for a guest, you should research if your guest can even receive a gift, their preferences and dislikes. Try using local resources and attempt to give a meaningful gift. Everything we do sends a clear message to our Institute guests.
- When sending out information to your guest or event attendees, do not be afraid to set clear expectations of what is appropriate. For example, sending actual photos of event attire instead of "business casual."
- Did you know Georgia Tech has a formal order of precedence? If you're planning an event and you do not know how to organize your stage party or seating arrangements, reach out to the Office of Special Events & Protocol for our order of precedence.
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