In global business environments, important relationships are often built outside formal meetings — over meals, during hosted events, or in informal professional settings. These moments are rarely taught, yet they play a significant role in how trust is built and decisions progress.

For many professionals, the rules governing these settings are unclear. What feels warm or respectful in one culture may feel overly personal or unfamiliar in another. Expectations around personal space, conversation topics, hosting etiquette, grooming, and the pace at which business is discussed are often unspoken — and learned only through experience.

Corporate Entertaining for Global Business helps participants understand these unspoken norms so they can engage comfortably, professionally, and with confidence — without awkwardness or uncertainty.

What participants gain

Through this module, participants develop clarity on:

• How professional boundaries and personal space are typically observed in global business settings

• How to connect and build rapport without becoming overly personal

• How to show interest through thoughtful conversation rather than self-promotion

• How grooming, appearance, and power dressing influence perception in informal settings

• How to navigate business meals with confidence — from arrival to closing

What the work focuses on

This module offers practical guidance across the full arc of a business meal or hosted interaction, including:

• Understanding personal space, conversational boundaries, and cultural comfort zones

• Choosing appropriate conversation topics (business, interests, sport, travel) and avoiding sensitive areas

• Demonstrating interest in others through listening and curiosity

• Basics of ordering food and wine in professional settings

• Understanding hosting norms, including who orders, who pays, and why

• Knowing when to begin drinking, how tasting works, and how to follow the host’s lead

• Grooming, appearance, and dressing for authority in informal professional environments

• Timing business conversations appropriately during meals

• Closing a business dinner gracefully and setting clear next steps

Wine is used as a contextual tool, not as a focal point — to build comfort and confidence in globally common professional situations.

How the work is delivered

The work is delivered through guided discussions, real-world scenarios, and practical examples rather than demonstrations or role-play-heavy training. Sessions are interactive and reflective, allowing participants to:

• ask specific questions

• explore situations they are likely to encounter

• understand the “why” behind norms, not just the behaviour

The emphasis is on judgement and adaptability rather than rigid etiquette.

Engagement format and duration

Engagements are designed to be focused and practical. Common formats include:

• Small-group sessions delivered over 3–5 weeks

• Executive workshops (half-day or full-day)

• One-on-one engagements for senior leaders preparing for high-stakes interactions

The format and duration are agreed based on audience, seniority, and purpose.

Who this is most useful for

This module is particularly valuable for:

• Leaders and professionals engaging with international clients or partners

• Sales, business development, and client-facing roles

• Executives representing organisations in global settings

• Institutions preparing talent for international exposure

How to begin

The first step is a conversation to understand the audience, the situations they are navigating, and the level of preparation required. From there, an engagement can be designed that fits the context and purpose.

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