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THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR

A Hosting & Protocol Guide

Every year, present and past officers and international directors travel to districts and multiple districts
around the world to deliver informational and motivational speeches, discuss matters of interest with local
leaders, and meet as many Lions as possible. This guide was developed to assist you in making their visit to
your area as pleasant and worry-free as possible. It contains hosting tips as well as the association’s
Official Protocol.
A Word About Protocol
The association’s Official Protocol is designed to eliminate confusion regarding the proper recognition of
Lion dignitaries. Whether for purposes of introduction or head table seating, it provides a simple and
definitive answer to the question: “Who comes first?” You should not stray from it without good reason.
One of those “reasons” might be a deepseated cultural tradition in your country that would, for example,
find it unacceptable to give precedence to the most recent past holder of an office, rather than to the one
with the most seniority. One needs to be flexible in such situations, but where they do not exist, it is much
easier to simply follow the Official Protocol.
While there is no hard and fast rule, introductions usually commence with those lowest on the Order of
Precedence and end with the highest-ranking Lion present. When non-Lion dignitaries are present, a
combination of local custom and common sense should be used in deciding at what point they should be
introduced. If the event is a multi-day convention or conference, try to avoid introducing all the dignitaries
at every event. Once at a general session and once at a banquet is sufficient. Nor is it necessary to give a
full introduction to your principal guest more than once; indeed, this can be both embarrassing to your
guest and boring to your attendees.
Clubs, districts and multiple districts are required to extend the same rights and privileges as required
under official protocol to resident officers as they would extend to officers visiting from other districts,
multiple districts or constitutional areas, irrespective of local custom.
Flags, Anthems and Toasts
If your guest is from a country other than your own and flags are going to be displayed, the guest’s should
also be displayed in accordance with the flag protocol in your country. The Speakers kit sent when the
PROTOCOL
speaking engagement is officially confirmed includes a small table flag and stand. It also includes a
recording of the speaker’s national anthem in the event anthems will be played.
At some events, toasts will be proposed. For example, in countries that are members of the British
Commonwealth of Nations, it is customary to toast the Queen. To toast the association, it would be
appropriate to use the following: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me as I toast our beloved association.
I give you The International Association of Lions Clubs.”

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