Flags:


  • The International Custom indicates that all national flag should be flown at the same height. One national flag should not be displayed higher than another.
  • Each flag is flown from a separate staff of the same height and all flags should be of equal size and style.
  • All flags should be in good condition with bright colors. As they are part of the natioan's identity and they should be displayed properly and to reflect the best image.
  • The host nation's flag is the first to be raised and the last to be lowered while, none of the flags are allowed to touch the ground.

Precedence:


  • Precedence is the foundation of protocol rules and is the starting point for further decision making in relation to seating, introductions, gifting, and the aspects of ceremony.
  • Pecedence should be accurately studied and planned and consistently implemented by the organizers of an event leaving no room for randomness to avoid embarrassment.
  • Some ways of determining the order of precedence include : Alphabetic order, seniority of position (determined by the date of joining a certain position or a specific organization), age, and rotation.
  • Individuals with more than one position are ranked according to the role relevant to the event invited.
  • Precedence for organizations is normally based on the date the organization was established.
  • If the spouse holds an official position. he/she is to be treated in accordance to his/her position or rank regardless of the other spouse's status.

General Guidelines on Seating:


  • The position of honor is to the right of the host.
  • The host may choose a defer this seat to his guest of honor who may be a president, prince, religious leader, or a key official.
  • In a seating plan with an interpreter, the interpreter is seated to the left of the delegate or in a chair behind the delegate. When interpretation is simultaneous, the interpreter is traditionally placed in a booth.
  • Round tables (banquet-style) are preferred to elongated rectangular tables (boardroom-style) to enhance opportunities for communication and conversation among attendees.
  • Elongated rectangular tables (boardroom-style) are best suited for negotiations and work meetings.
  • Speakers are best seated closest to the podium or stage.