Background: Global Event Managers Inc. $($GEM$),$ an experienced MEEC company, was tasked with planning an international trade exhibition in Dubai, UAE, which would host participants from Europe, Asia, and North America. To ensure a seamless event, GEM needed to address various international considerations including infrastructure, logistics$,$ customs, and intercultural communication. Part $1$: Key International MEEC Considerations Infrastructure and Logistics: Public Transportation and Access: Dubai$$s world$-$class infrastructure, including its efficient metro system and international airport, facilitated easy travel for attendees. However, GEM needed to coordinate shuttles to connect participants staying in nearby hotels with the venue. Specialized Exhibition Departments: The event center had specialized departments that streamlined exhibition logistics$,$ such as shipping, storage, and setting up booths. GEM leveraged these resources to simplify the logistics and ensure exhibitors from different continents could easily transport and display their products. Simplified Shipping Protocols: Dubai$$s customs policies were reviewed, ensuring that GEM complied with import regulations to prevent delays. This included adhering to procedures for temporary imports and special permits. Cultural and Social Norms: Verbal and Physical Greetings: GEM provided cultural training for all staff to ensure appropriate greetings. In the UAE, verbal greetings were formal, and physical contact such as handshakes depended on the gender and cultural background of the participants. Use of Names and Titles: Participants were instructed to use formal titles and last names unless invited to use first names, respecting the hierarchical structure prevalent in Middle Eastern business culture. Hospitality Customs: Food and beverage services were curated to be inclusive, ensuring non$-$alcoholic options and Halal$-$certified meals were available to respect local and international customs. Gift Giving: GEM informed attendees of the cultural importance of gift$-$giving in the UAE, explaining that gifts should be simple, respectful, and accepted with the right hand. Support from Organizations and Government Agencies: Government and Trade Organizations: GEM partnered with Dubai$$s trade promotion agencies and local chambers of commerce to facilitate international partnerships and provide additional support for international exhibitors. Methods of Exhibiting: Some smaller companies chose to exhibit under the auspices of larger multinational partners, while others joined government$-$sponsored pavilions that helped them reach a broader audience. Part $2$: Lessons and Challenges Coordination and Adaptability: GEM learned that international MEEC success required meticulous planning and the flexibility to adapt to diverse expectations. Ensuring clear communication with specialized departments, understanding the intricacies of customs and hospitality, and collaborating with support organizations were pivotal in managing a global audience. Outcome: The event concluded with positive feedback from attendees who praised the seamless logistics and culturally sensitive organization. GEM$$s proactive measures in coordinating transportation, accommodating customs, and respecting cultural practices made the event a benchmark for international MEEC excellence. Key Takeaways: Cultural Understanding: MEEC professionals must be aware of and sensitive to cultural norms, including greetings, gift etiquette, and hospitality customs. Infrastructure and Logistics: Leveraging local infrastructure and specialized departments can simplify event logistics and improve participant experiences. Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partnering with local government agencies and trade organizations can enhance the event$$s effectiveness and provide additional support for international exhibitors.

What strategies can event managers use to navigate and respect different cultural practices and business protocols when planning international MEEC events?