International Protocol
Four Paths to the World’s Most Distinguished StagesUpon the World’s Stage
— Four Singular Paths
International protocol is the universal system of dignified conduct. Refined over the centuries — from the court culture of Europe to international diplomacy and global business — it distils the finest wisdom of human bearing.
At ICPA, international protocol is organised into four courses, each with its own distinct world, answering to four domains: society, business, diplomacy, and gentlemanship. You may choose the path most fitting to your standing and aspiration.
Each course carries a name that embodies it — The Social Elegance, The Global Authority, The Diplomatic Excellence, and The Gentleman’s Mastery — a singular system for becoming an unshakeable presence upon the world’s most refined stages.
International Social Protocol
International banquets, embassy receptions, dining with distinguished figures from abroad, the gatherings of global society — so that those active on the international stage may carry themselves with assured distinction. The principal course in the essence of international society.
Not surface manners, but a poise underwritten by genuine knowledge. From the foundations of social life to conduct at banquets and receptions, and the bearing that international society requires, you will acquire the essentials from first principles. Here you may take a sure first step into international society.
The conduct of banquets and receptions, table manners and salon conversation, the cultivation of attire and dress codes, the appreciation of wine and refined taste, and the shaping of distinction itself — the conduct international society requires, conveyed to world standard through our partnership with the distinguished British institution The English Manner.
True elegance is bearing
underwritten by distinction
Business leaders and professionals active internationally; couples who attend receptions and banquets abroad; those about to step into international society; and those who, in time, aspire to the highest circles — beginning with The Royal Elegance — and wish to build a sure foundation for them.
International Executive Protocol
The boardrooms of global enterprise, the front line of international negotiation, the podium of the international forum, the arena of business diplomacy — for executives, directors, and leaders across every field who embody the standing of their organisation.
In international business, what is finally in question is neither product nor strategy, but the authority and trust that you, as a person, command. Beyond ordinary international business etiquette, this is the summit of executive cultivation — building world-class executive presence and strategic bearing from first principles.
The unspoken codes of international negotiation, conduct in the boardroom, the manners of the business table, executive presentation, cross-cultural management, the executive’s habits of thought, and the register of correspondence — extending beyond protocol to thinking, meetings, negotiation, and presentation, we systematise every dimension of cultivation an executive requires.
What is finally in question
is you, the person
Business owners and directors, the CEOs and CFOs of global enterprises, leaders in international finance, investment and banking, management consultants and business advisers, founders and entrepreneurs pursuing international expansion, those responsible for international operations, M&A and overseas business, and executives who speak, present, and appear in the media.
International Diplomatic Protocol & Ceremony
State banquets, the presentation of credentials, the chair of the international conference, ceremonies between royal houses, national ceremonial, addresses at international organisations — the course that conveys the highest system of diplomatic ceremony required upon the international stage.
In recent years, this course has been chosen not only by those engaged in diplomacy but, as the supreme liberal art of cultivation, by business owners and executives across every field. Meetings with distinguished figures from abroad, invitations to state banquets, occasions surrounding royal and imperial houses — as advanced cultivation for the first-rate executive who would meet such moments with unshaken distinction.
The historical background of diplomatic ceremony, the international usage of precedence under the Vienna Convention, imperial and royal protocol, the reception of state guests and ambassadorial receptions, diplomatic correspondence and credentials, ceremonial dress and decorations — we provide the most exacting and most beautiful system of protocol and ceremony, unshaken upon the international stage. We have welcomed many from embassies, government, international organisations, and the private sector.
Diplomatic ceremony
is distinction itself
Diplomats, ambassadors, consuls, senior government officials, the leaders of ministries, members of parliament and politicians, those serving in international organisations, those engaged in matters surrounding the imperial house and the reception of state guests, and first-rate executives who seek diplomatic protocol and ceremony as the supreme liberal art of cultivation. Instruction for organisations — embassies, government bodies, parliamentary training and the like — is also available.
International Gentlemanship
The finest clubs, the society of gentlemen, the bearing of the heir, deportment within upper society — so that the gentleman of the modern age may acquire sure cultivation and distinction. It is the programme most chosen by the gentlemen who study with ICPA.
A true gentleman is defined not by birth or title, but by the distinction that resides in his conduct and spirit. The spirit of chivalry, the traditions of the English gentleman, the unwritten codes of upper society — beyond outward dress, you will build from first principles the gentlemanly bearing that emanates from within.
The cultivation of English dress and tailoring, the gentleman’s grooming, the appreciation of wine, whisky and cigars, the pursuits of club, shooting and polo, the escort of a lady and its courtesies, and the arts of conversation and learning — we convey the distinction of a gentleman recognised the world over to young doctors, lawyers and executives, and to the heirs who will carry the next generation.
A gentleman
is a way of life
Young doctors, lawyers and executives; the heirs of distinguished families and enterprises; gentlemen of whom distinction in upper society is expected; and those who would raise their sons as true gentlemen. A course for the man who would acquire, from first principles, the cultivation and bearing of a gentleman recognised the world over.
Your Path into
International Protocol
Choose your singular path
The Social Elegance · The Global Authority · The Diplomatic Excellence · The Gentleman’s Mastery
From four courses, choose the path that befits your standing and aspiration
Available for the individual and for the organisation alike
Begin with an online briefing, or by requesting the prospectus