FUTURE TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS: A GUIDE FOR ASPIRING MENA KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

So you want to be one of today’s best MENA keynote speakers? Or a consulting futurist looking to give live or online virtual talks in the region? It’s super important to know your audience and to be respectful of their culture and traditions. After all, like the best MENA keynote speakers know, customs and norms often vary between different cultures and countries, making it all the more imperative to make sure that you’re communicating effectively and respectfully. Before opening up shop in the area, we cannot stress enough that you should take time to get to know any given geographic hotspot in which you plan to present. Simply scroll down to parse some more expert hints, tips and advice on how to do business in the region as well.

Here are some useful tips worth keeping in mind for keynote speakers presented with opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa:

• Research cultural customs and dress expectations, as conservatism varies across countries. Most conferences expect formal attire.
• Schedule events and speeches around prayer times and religious holidays that may alter availability.
• Adapt content appropriately as certain topics like politics, religion and gender may be sensitive.
• Confirm any need for special visas, permits or government clearances needed well in advance.
• Hire local guides/translators to assist with navigating if unfamiliar with the region.
• Clarify specifics on MENA keynote speaker fees, accommodations, travel arrangements in contracts.
• Leverage local partners/fixers for logistics like equipment, poster printing, etc.
• Keep safety protocols in mind depending on current events in the country.
• Consider bringing printed handouts and slides as backup.
• Get local insight on etiquette like greetings, dining customs, gifts, and relationship building.

With preparation and cultural awareness, as MENA keynote speakers can tell you, it can be a highly fascinating and rewarding region in which to do business. But it’s important to also research each country specifically and align presentations appropriately.