Seating of special guests

Special guests include national and regional officers, officers from other bailliages, invited food and wine experts, and those on the management team of the host establishment. It is customary to seat special guests, especially high ranking national and regional officers, with the Bailli.

In some cases, however, particularly when the guests are particularly well known to the Bailli, the Bailli may prefer to seat such guests with other bailliage members. However, care should be taken so that neither the special guests nor the membership think there is an intentional slight. In these cases, it is politic to consult the special guests ahead of time as well as make appropriate remarks at the time they are introduced about where they are seated and why.

If at all possible, try to seat people together who share a passionate interest.

Seating of bailliage officers

By the nature of their offices, Bailliage officers should consider themselves as hosts at each chapter function. As such, officers should be spread out around a room rather than being seated together. They are then in a position to be attuned to the dynamism of the evening, from various vantage points, and can serve as catalysts for stimulating conversation at each of their tables.

Seating of new members

Particular care should be taken to be sure new members feel comfortable and meet a variety of members with similar interests. The experiences they have the first few events they attend will determine their future participation. You may wish to seat them with their sponsors at first, but after that encourage them to make new friends by varying the make-up of their tables.

Seating of prospective members

It is very important to make prospective members feel welcome at events, and, at the same time, it is important for a bailliage to get to know prospective members. Encourage those bringing guests to introduce them, and encourage your officers to look for and introduce themselves to prospective members. If your bailliage has an active membership committee, members of this committee should assume the responsibility of acting as special hosts for prospective members.

To stimulate introductions, try to identity guests in some way, perhaps with a special ribbon or flower or by a special name tag.