11 icca rsmp 2012 - culture's critical role in meetings

International Congress and Convention Association.

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Culture’s critical role in meetings

ICCA Research, Sales & Marketing Programme

| #irsmp12



Every market has its cultural rules and trying to enter a different market without knowing those rules is the same as deciding to sit down at a bridge game thinking “it can’t be that different from playing whist”. The difference is abysmal. Ignoring the differences can lead to humiliation, misunderstandings and serious defeats.



“The Successful Professional of the 21st Century is multinational, multilingual and multicultural, focuses on fostering communication and understanding and wisely creates a level field for talents… and she will probably be a woman!”



Work behaviour is NOT

universal



Manager’s home culture significantly influences his international marketing decisions



Future-oriented cultures (USA)vs

Past-oriented cultures (Europe)



Particularists (USA – truth)

Vs.

Universalists (Brazilian – truth)



Cultural differences impact on organsiations

& in turn impact on meetings



The impact of culture on:

- management styles - communication styles - gender attitudes - F2F meetings - speaker styles



Culture Impacts on:• Colour attitudes• Traditions• Foods• Time• Contracts• Space• Public vs private



Associations



The DARWIN effect….adapt or die!

Our role:

- The changing face of Associations- Ever more international meetings- The language catalyst- Focus on uniqueness and not assimilation- The client is the driver…- Technology as the unifier...



• What do your colleagues think about your culture?

• What do your colleagues think are your cultural strengths?

• What do your colleagues think are your cultural weaknesses?

• What annoys you about their culture?• What do you admire about their culture?



TRUST



Thank you!

ICCA Research, Sales & Marketing Programme

| #irsmp12

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11 icca rsmp 2012 - culture's critical role in meetings

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