Heads of States. How scary does that sound, the thought that you have been assigned the duty to handle and plan meeting with the participation of heads of state, will send chills down the spine of many, but my friend are a professional, you need to calm down and prep yourself for the task ahead.

Every event planner gets to plan an event that is nothing like what they have done before, indeed no two events are quite the same but there those that take you to the next level, puts you in a different league, and hopefully, a higher tax bracket .

For times like these, your A game is required, and being the nice people we are, we have the following tips to help you along.

#1. Security Personnel

It goes without saying exclusive events like these need security to be on standby at all times, apart from your hired security service, you will also be working alongside top security workers such as the National Security Agency, Secret Service, personal Head of States guard and other dignified security groups. In most cases, a private security companies or security services will also be hired on behalf of the event organizers to complement the security detail of visiting heads of state. Arrange a meeting with them before the day of the event, as to get to know those you will be working with and be able to identify and recognize them facially, if any plan or schedule is drawn out to inform those who will be on site and on the day itself, update yourself with this information to work hand in hand with them effectively. If decisions are about changes to the décor or layout, inform the security people in case they need to do any changes as well.

#2. Formal Etiquette

Living in the 21st century, we might not be totally accustomed to being formal and addressing our fellow companion with proper terms, nonetheless, you will need to apply such terms in these types of events. Properly address all protocols that apply to hosting a head of state, refer to them as; ‘’Your Excellency’’, ‘’Her Majesty’’, etc. Inform your event staff on the manner which they should address the visiting dignitaries, let them know who is who as to be able to know how they should talk to the guest, proper protocol training is a must.

#3. Venue

The reason why we put a lot of emphasis on location is because, the venue chosen to host an event will determine the turnout and success of the event. From the many other numerous factors that maybe beyond your control, the location of your event cannot go wrong. Go in for a location that has hosted events similar to this, one that is experienced and able to deal with pressure, work alongside the hotel staff to enable you to get all the resources you need.

#4. Don’t Forget The Little Things

I can understand you can get tired from the workload and pressure you are being faced with, but guess that’s the price you have to pay, nothing comes by easily. Despite the need to give in, and the desperate need for a back massage, all will pay off well in due time. With all the planning arrangements set in place, do not forget the little things that will help the event to be extra phenomenal at the end of the day, this is customer service at its peak. Make sure your subordinates understand this and act accordingly.

#5. Elegance

Planning a Head of State meetings will need you to be classy with every detail and add a dash of elegance to help every aspect stand out, clad the hall with quality furniture that can be rented for a reasonable price, invest in the right things to limit yourself from wasting time on other details.

Here you go, and you thought you couldn’t handle it, trust us, you’ve got this covered, once you cross this bridge, no type of event will be impossible for you to plan or manage.