How to be an usher?

Last week we trained a group of employees in preparation for their role at the yearly conference of their employer. The employees will be responsible for welcoming and seating the guests and Vips, but they will also be working behind the registration desk. Also, the employees play an important role in maintaining the time schedule.
Most of the employees have never done this kind of work before, so the Protocolbureau was asked to develop a tailor made training programme: 'How to be an usher?'.

The day started with a lecture by Gilbert Monod de Froideville, former Master of Ceremonies of H.M. the Queen. He talked about protocol and cultural differences.
The second part of the training was given by Jean Paul Wyers (director of the Protocolbureau) and stage manager Rebecca van Leeuwen. Jean Paul talked about the role of the employees during the conference and explained how seatings, welcoming procedures and other matters could best be organised. Rebecca translated the theory into practice: how to announce? How to address someone? How to escort a dignitary? Rebecca also trained the employees in how to breath, how to stand and what is the right posture?
The day was concluded by Jan Jaap van Weering, etiquette expert. He talked about dress codes and table manners.