5th Annual World Protocol Matters Conference 2026

The core team of the Annual World Protocol Matters Conferences represented by

• The Director of International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy – ICPD London, Founding President of the Association of Certified Protocol Professionals in Nigeria, Patricia Kenneth-Divine
• The founder of World Protocol Matters Conferences Inc., World Protocol School Ltd., World Protocol Magazine Inc. and President of the Association of International Protocol Professionals (OIPP), Nikoletta Hossó Ph.D.
• The Vice President for Continuing Education at Protocol & Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association / PDI-POA, USA, former Protocol Director of U.S. Space Force / U.S. Department of Defence and also Founding CEO of Myers & Associates, LLC, LaDonna L. Myers together with
• E. Saroja Sirisena, Fmr. Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Austria, Fmr. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom, Director Quest Consulting Strategic Advisory for Business and International Relations

Are delighted to announce the official venue of WPM2026: NGM DÜRER in Budapest, Ajtósi Dürer sor 21. (NGM is the abbreviation for Ministry for National Economy, the event will take place in a government building).

A Strategic Destination & Professional Partnership

Often referred to as the „Pearl of the Danube„, Budapest has unique blend of majestic elegance and forward-thinking innovation that provides an unparalleled backdrop for our theme: „The Future of Protocol and Diplomacy”.

The head organisers are honoured to announce that the Organisation of International Protocol Professionals (OIPP), as closest WPM partner in the joint UN mission, has joined to co-organise this event to ensure this unprecedented international protocol gathering ever hosted in the region, featuring high-ranking personalities and dignitaries will be a professional milestone in our field.

Enhanced Value and a Special Treat

While WPM together with OIPP continue to operate as nonprofit entities—meaning travel and accommodation remain self-funded for all—the selected venue offers distinct advantages. Budapest provides a highly sophisticated environment at a more accessible cost than other capitals in Europe. This is particularly beneficial for those traveling from great distances or staying for the intensive 2-day professional training following the conference.

Furthermore, as a token of appreciation, OIPP is preparing a special cultural treat exclusive to our international speakers and partners, designed to showcase the unique heritage and hospitality of Hungary in a memorable way.

Conference Target Audience:

• Educators, scholars, and researchers in international relations
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Budapest
• Business leaders and executives leveraging soft power
• Newcomers to the field, including students and early-career professionals
• State and government representatives, protocol professionals, and NGO leaders
• Advocates and supporters of 11 May as World Protocol Day

Conference Theme @ Content

As military and economic tensions continue to challenge the established international order, soft power has become an increasingly essential instrument for fostering trust and long-term influence. As we highlighted at WPM 2025 Conference opened by Former President of the Republic of Austria, Co-Chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer, protocol itself is a fundamental expression of soft power, a tool that supports UN Sustainability Goals. This year, we will broaden our focus to include the role of diplomacy & bilateral negotiations, and the relevance of multilateral co-operations and organisations, further enriching the scope of the conference.

Our speakers shall examine how a comprehensive institutional brand strategy—spanning business, culture, sustainability, innovation, communication, and even sports—can support international actors in navigating an ever more complex and volatile global landscape. In an era of rapid globalization and technological disruption, protocol remains the invisible architecture of international engagement. This new theme encapsulates how traditional diplomatic etiquette is evolving to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring seamless interactions amid geopolitical shifts, digital transformations, and cultural convergences.

Conference Participation & Format

• Due to security reasons, all guests, participants, and speakers entering the facility are required to complete an official registration process, which includes providing details of a valid government-issued photo ID. This mandatory procedure ensures that a log of all individuals on-site is maintained for safety and compliance purposes.
• The participation is free of charge and by invitation of the following entities: WPM head-organisers, OIPP, ICPD, Myers & Associates.
• On-site Identification: all entrants must provide photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license upon arrival.
• Access Control: the process is designed to ensure that only authorized personnel and registered participants gain entry, enhancing the security of the building. The local organising committee reserves the right to approve participation based on the capacity of the event hall.
• Conference theme, location and all confirmed speakers will be announced via online platforms
• WPM Conference Programme will be indicated in local time
• High ranking officials are invited to deliver the Opening Addresses on 12^th May
• Morning and afternoon sessions on the 12^th and 13^th, between 9.00–12.00 and 13.00–16.30 local time
• Between sessions, coffee breaks and networking sandwich lunches will be offered on both days
• Depending on the final number of speakers, we offer 15–20-minute-speaking time each, and round-table discussions are also on the agenda
• All speakers will be announced and introduced by the MC

WPM 2026 – PARTICIPANTS LOGISTICS GUIDE

11–13 May 2026 • Budapest, Hungary

NGM Dürer – Conference Venue

Address: 1146 Budapest, Ajtósi Dürer sor 21.
Located in the City Park (Városliget) district, near Heroes’ Square, House of Music and the Museum Quarter.

Access

• Trolleybus 75 / 79 – stops in front of the confence building’s main entrance
• Metro M1 (Yellow Line) – Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) station (10–12 min walk)
• Taxi/Bolt – direct drop‑off at the entrance

Arrival in Budapest

Airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) Distance to city center: 25–35 minutes by taxi.

Transport Options

• Official Airport Taxi: Főtaxi
  • Cost: approx. 9,000–12,000 HUF
• Bolt app – widely used and reliable
• Bus 100E to city centre (ticket needs to be pre-purchased to board the bus)

Essential Information for First‑Time Visitors

Language: Hungarian is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and central districts.

Local Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF) Cards are widely accepted; small cash is useful for taxis, markets, and kiosks.

Time Zone: CEST (UTC+2) in May.

Electricity: 230V, plugs Type C & F (European standard).

Tipping: 10% is customary unless service charge is included.

Safety: Budapest is considered safe; normal urban precautions apply.

Weather in May: Mild and pleasant: 18–24°C Light jacket recommended for evenings.

Accommodation Recommendations

All hotels listed are 3–4 star, suitable for international guests, and selected for proximity and convenience. Apart from these, there are many appartments, boutique hotels you my choose from via Booking.com.

1. Hotels Within Walking Distance (5–15 minutes)

• Mirage Medic Hotel (4★) — Boutique, elegant, near Heroes’ Square
• Mamaison Hotel Andrássy (4★) — Classic, upscale, quiet avenue
• Ibis Budapest Heroes Square (3★) — Modern, reliable, excellent value

2. Hotels Within 10 Minutes by Taxi or Public Transport

• Danubius Hotel Helia (4★) — Riverside wellness hotel with spa; 8–10 minutes by taxi to the venue.
• Four Points by Sheraton Budapest (4★) — Modern, international-standard business hotel; approx. 10 minutes by taxi.
• The Three Corners Avenue Hotel (4★) — Stylish, contemporary, approx. 1.5 km from the venue; 6–8 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by public transport.
• City Hotel Ring (3★) — Comfortable, budget-friendly, approx. 2 km from the venue; 8–10 minutes by taxi.
• Terrace Apartments at City Park (4★) — Spacious, modern serviced apartments ideal for longer stays; located close to City Park with fast access to the venue.
• Hotel Hungaria City Center (4★) — Large, traditional, near Keleti Station

 Nearby Cultural & Historical Sites (15–20 minutes on foot)

The conference venue is located in Budapest’s City Park (Városliget), one of Central Europe’s richest cultural districts. Within a short walk, participants can explore:

• Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) — UNESCO‑listed landmark with the Millennium Monument.
• Museum of Fine Arts — European masterpieces from antiquity to the 18th century.
• Műcsarnok / Kunsthalle — Contemporary art exhibitions in a grand neoclassical hall.
• City Park (Városliget) — Lakes, promenades, cafés, and green spaces.
• Vajdahunyad Castle — Romantic, multi‑style castle built for the 1896 Millennium Exhibition.
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath — One of Europe’s largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes.
• House of Music Hungary — Award‑winning contemporary building with interactive exhibitions.
• Museum of Ethnography — Newly built, rooftop park, global and Hungarian cultural heritage.
• City Park Lake — Boating in spring/summer; scenic views behind the castle.

• Andrássy Avenue — UNESCO World Heritage boulevard lined with embassies and cafés.
• Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden — One of the world’s oldest zoos with Art Nouveau architecture.

Getting Around Budapest

Public Transport: Efficient network of metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

• BudapestGO app for tickets and route planning
• 24‑hour and 72‑hour passes available

Taxis

• Bolt (most popular)
• Főtaxi (regulated, reliable)
  Avoid unmarked taxis.

Dining & Practical Tips

Food: Hungarian cuisine is hearty; vegetarian and international options widely available.
Tap water is safe to drink.

Shops & Services

• Grocery stores: Spar, Tesco Express, Lidl
• Pharmacies: look for “Gyógyszertár”
• Most shops open 08:00–20:00

Cultural Notes for Visitors

• Hungary has a rich cultural heritage—classical music, thermal baths, cafés, and architecture.
• Locals appreciate polite greetings and punctuality.
• Public transport etiquette is observed (priority seats, quiet environment).

Final Preparations

To ensure smooth participation:

• Check passport validity and visa requirements (if applicable).
• Bring a universal adapter if needed.
• Keep digital and printed copies of your travel and accommodation details.

Conference Venue

Here is an informal photos of the networking area / sandwich lunch just next to the conference hall (main entrance from Ajtósi Dürer street is to the left)

The Sanctuary of Protocol

This year’s edition under the title „The Future of Protocol and Diplomacy” will be held in a unique and inspiring venue: a former sacred site, a beautifully restored chapel that now functions as a high-end conference hall.

Its architectural grace and historical resonance provide a symbolic backdrop for a gathering dedicated to tradition, innovation, and the evolving role of protocol in a rapidly changing world.

POST WPM CONFERENCE EVENT:
ADVANCED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ON PROTOCOL LEADERSHIP AND DIPLOMACY (GLOBAL EDITION)
14-15 MAY, BUDAPEST

ICPD London in partnership with Organization of international Protocol Professionals , will host a two‑day intensive international training programme for an African delegation of more than 30 participants, immediately following the conference. The first day will feature a full‑day workshop held at the conference venue, while the second day will include a Study Tour to Vienna, with the purpose of visiting the United Nations offices. The delegation is composed of senior government and state officials, representatives of municipal and city administrations, as well as protocol experts.