Public Relations

VIP Visits and Official Ceremonies

Official ceremonies and VIP visits require precise planning, protocol and coordination with security teams. This course covers planning VIP visits, programme and timing, protocol and precedence, security coordination, ceremony design, media arrangements, hospitality and managing last-minute changes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

VIP visits are high-stakes and leave little room for error. You will learn to plan and run them with confidence.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Visit planning exercises, run-of-show development, protocol scenarios and simulations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Plan VIP visits end to end
Develop detailed programmes and timings
Apply protocol and precedence
Coordinate with security teams
Design ceremonies and media arrangements
Manage hospitality and last-minute changes

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Protocol officers
Event managers
Executive office staff
PR managers
Government relations staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Visit planning
Run-of-show
Protocol
Security coordination
Contingency management

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1VIP Visits

09:00–10:08Types of visits
10:08–11:00Stakeholders
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Stakeholders (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Programme

09:00–10:08Programme design
10:08–11:00Timings
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Timings (continued)
11:45–12:53Run-of-show
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Protocol and Security

09:00–10:08Precedence
10:08–11:00Security liaison
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Security liaison (continued)
11:45–12:53Movements
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Ceremonies and Media

09:00–10:08Ceremony design
10:08–11:00Media arrangements
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Media arrangements (continued)
11:45–12:53Speeches
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Hospitality and Changes

09:00–10:08Hospitality
10:08–11:00Gifts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Gifts (continued)
11:45–12:53Last-minute changes
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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