INTERNATIONAL VISITOR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

PROTOCOL ON CALL

UNDERSTANDING PITTSBURGH

Protocol on Call
One call may be all you or your business needs to successfully
host international clients or delegations.

The Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV) is proud to offer Protocol on Call to the Pittsburgh region.  Built upon the organization’s 47 years of serving international dignitaries and professionals, PCIV is now offering regional leaders from the public and private sectors the opportunity to use the same services that the organization has traditionally extended to guests of the U.S. government.

Protocol is defined as a “code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence.” Protocol describes a set of universally accepted rules or customs for interacting with people from other cultures. By demonstrating sensitivity to the customs and culture of an international client or delegation, regional leaders have a marked advantage over other communities who may also be vying for international investment or business opportunities.
PCIV’s Protocol on Call will help you to appropriately welcome your international guests and save your staff time and energy. 

PCIV offers the following protocol services:
• Airport meetings for individual guests or delegations
• Logistics coordination, including hotel accommodations, ground transportation,
and directions for a ground transportation company
• Preparation of background notes for regional companies entertaining visitors
from a particular country
• Preparation of background materials for international visitors’ regional meetings
and information regarding cultural events and resources
• Development of detailed printed itineraries of appointments and, if requested,
local hospitality by a regional host family
• Tours and cultural excursions for spouses
• Consultations regarding culturally appropriate foods or activities for
your international guests
• Arrangement of appropriate receptions for your guests
• Preparation of welcome packets for international visitors
• Translation and Interpretation arrangements and referrals

Related Services for Expatriate Employees:
• Orientations to the region, including tailored materials about such specific
issues as obtaining a Pennsylvania driver’s license, or where to enroll for English
classes, or how to arrange child care.
• Recommendations for short-term housing.
• Information about volunteer opportunities in the region.
• An International Membership Program to assist expatriates in adapting to
the region and in discovering the cultural, educational, and entertainment
resources available to them.

Background
In the final report for the Working Committee of Allegheny County’s International Transition Team presented in May 2001, it was recommended that the region Maintain close liaison with the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors in ensuring that official international visitors to the region are welcomed and hosted appropriately by government officials, corporations, universities, and other organizations in the region. Since the publication of that report, PCIV has assisted local government representatives, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and private companies in programming distinguished visitors to the region.  The organization is positioning itself to serve the region’s protocol needs to support the infrastructure vital to support global business.  

What kinds of questions may we answer for you?
Where can a Malaysian visitor purchase halal meats in Pittsburgh?
Where can you purchase Japanese language newspapers in Pittsburgh?
Where do I find housing for three months for my company’s Czech intern?
How do I find a Russian translator for a technical manual?
What should I serve at a reception for a Chinese delegation?

Our Clients have included:
Consulate General for the Federal Republic of Germany
Eisenhower Exchange
ELS Language Centers
Institute for Software Development, Carnegie Mellon University
Japan Travel Bureau International
Kansai Productivity Center
Library of Congress
Meridian International Center
Trans Pacific Travel

Costs for protocol services vary depending on the number of visitors and particular services requested. Special group discounts may apply.

For more information, contact PCIV at gshrott@pciv.org or 412-392-4513.