Protocol Services

Houston International Protocol Alliance advises the corporate community and the general public on matters of protocol, cross-cultural relations, international affairs, etiquette and event planning.

Please Contact Our Office If:

You need information on a consulate;
You are planning the visit of an international government dignitary;
You have questions regarding international protocol, customs or cross-cultural communication;
You would like information on Houston's sister cities or sister city activities;
You need a speaker on consular or international relations, protocol, cross-cultural training, or sister cities;
You would like to rent international flags or have questions on how to appropriately display flags;
You need assistance in planning or coordinating an international event;
You would like more information about the Suitcase Project;
You would like more information on the internship program

Dignitary Relations

The Protocol Alliance provides an official welcome to international government dignitaries, extending courtesies on behalf of the city. With more than 200 such visits to Houston annually, we strive to ensure that every detail of these visits is carefully arranged to provide an atmosphere conducive to the business of these important guests.

Though our role varies from visit to visit, we generally make itinerary recommendations, schedule meetings and tours, organize arrival courtesies, special events, and brief the participants at each site on protocol issues as appropriate. We coordinate security and transportation as needed with the Houston Police Department, the Secret Service, and the State Department. We provide an effective planning service that produces efficient itineraries and encourages international government dignitaries to visit Houston.

The Protocol Alliance has also assisted with major international events that bring dignitaries to Houston, including the Corporate Council on Africa Attracting Capital to Africa Summit in 1999, the Seventeenth Congress of the World Energy Council in 1998, the Fourth National Conference on Consular Relations and Protocol in 1995, the Sister Cities International Conference in 1993 and the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations in 1990.

Official Courtesies:

Personal greeting and special assistance at the airport
Welcome amenities
Informational welcome packet
Welcome letter from the Mayor
Special tours of area attractions
Speaking venues and business meetings
Complimentary ground transportation (based on availability and rank)
Security (based on threat assessment)