On this occasion, I have the pleasure of writing on a subject of which I am very sure that we are all participants; especially when it comes to public events. In such a way that I have titled this article: Diplomacy and Networking 501 – 1 The Correct Use of Flags in Public Events; because, indirectly, every time we attend an event we must behave diplomatically. Now, one – as a spectator – admires when that event is adorned, or dressed with flags of countries, states, counties, cities, companies. In this sense, we love to see how an event with flags looks and displays a great aura.

Being a spectator, surely – unless they have taken my protocol and business diploma course or some course on Business Ethics and Diplomacy – they will not see if those beautiful flags that make the event more attractive – and especially the room – are correctly placed. Well, the truth is, that happened to me several times before I actually took the course on Diplomacy and Professional Ethics mentioned above.

The same happens to the organizer of the event: if you are not aware of how to place the flags, the main thing is to seek positive and professional help; however, not everyone asks for help. I am sure that, after reading this article, in every event you attend, you will see the flag placement from now on!

Well then! Let’s start with the training, and learn the correct way to place the flags. In any event, be it diplomatic, degree ceremony, business, professional, corporate, recreational, or of any kind, sometimes flags must or are placed. But how do we place them? … Here is the correct guide on how to do it.

Diplomatic rules for the correct use of flags:

  • The flag of the host country to the right, but the right of the master of ceremonies, watching the public or assembly. Behind the lecturer, speaker, moderator, key-note speaker or master of ceremonies, having his face; facing the public, will always have on his right the flag of the country where he is touching land. Example, if we are in the USA giving a speech, the flag of the United States of North America must be on the right side of the exhibitor.
  • One country, one vote, now we find ourselves in a situation in which the event involves various nationalities. What do we do with those flags that we have? So the rule «One country, one vote.» Leaving a space like half a foot, between flag and flag, we begin by placing the flags of the different nationalities that we have. However, be very careful with this: they must be placed in alphabetical order, either in English or Spanish.

For example, we are having an event in the United States of North America; we know from the previous rule, that the US goes to the exhibitor’s right, and suppose we have these following flags; Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua, Spain, Costa Rica, Brazil, Bolivia … what is the order?

Leaving a prudential gap of 4 to 6 feet after the US flag; and at least half a foot between the other nationalities, we will do the following, and it must be taken into account that this event is for a public in English, so we proceed to place the flags in this way.

  1. USA [—- 6 ft. —–] Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Spain, Venezuela (you must leave half a foot, or a few centimeters of space between all these flags.

3) Host on the right, one country one vote, state, county, city, company, with the rules 1 and 2 previously described, the hall is almost always covered and elegantly and diplomatically decorated. But, what if we have flags of cities, companies, counties and / or states?

  1. Well, these guidelines are followed, always continuing after the countries and leaving a prudential space for the flags to shine. If we find the previous scenario we should only follow this order that I list below:
  1. State Flag.
  2. County Flag.

iii. City Flag.

  1. Company Flag.
  1. A word to the wise for the aforementioned, the rule of alphabetical order is directly tied to the language in which they have agreed to carry out the event, and this must be respected.
  1. For example: we have an event in the Port of Miami, where the President of the Republic of Honduras will be recognized and received by the Port of Miami Director. The Port of Miami is part of Miami-Dade County and is located in the State of Florida. We have the following flags:
  1. Countries: United States, Honduras
  2. County: Miami-Dade
  3. State: Florida
  4. Company: Port of Miami
  5. Language: English; however, this time, as there are no more countries, the alphabetical rule regarding multiple countries does not apply.
  1. Correct flag placement to use in this event:
    1. USA Flag [—- 6ft —-] Honduran Flag [-] State of Florida Flag [-] Miami-Dade County Flag [-] Port of Miami Flag

Following these guidelines will diplomatically enrich and enlighten your events. As expressed at the beginning of this article, it is very rare that we pay attention to these details, unless we have this internal knowledge; which I am sure that, now that you have read this article, you will be noticing the flag placement during the various events you may attend. Well, I hope you liked this educational topic that I am sure will provide assistance in the future. For any questions, I am at your service. You can reach me at: aee.miami@gmail.com. May God bless you, and until next time.