Intro
Attending a business event in Brazil as an international company marks a significant milestone in your global expansion journey.
Brazil is unique, and mastering the art of doing business in this market will help you unlock even greater opportunities and experiences
For Brazilians, in-person meetings hold great value. They are a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment and genuine interest in establishing a long-term, successful partnership
Here are some tips to help you navigate the logistics, culture, and business environment in Brazil to ensure your event has even more success
Understand Local Culture and Business Etiquette
Warm and Friendly Atmosphere: Brazilians are known for being friendly, warm, and sociable. Events often have a relaxed and personal touch; locals will be very positive to learn more about you
Language: Portuguese is the official language in Brazil. A small percentage of Brazilians speak English, even in Global Corporations
*Tips: Although Spanish also comes from Latin, English is spoken by more people in Brazil than Spanish. English tends to be more common in business, tourism, and education sectors, especially in larger cities and among younger professionals
Punctuality: Brazilian business culture can be more relaxed with time. While punctuality is valued, events and meetings may start slightly later than advertised. However, you should still try to be on time to set a good reference
Building Connections: Business in Brazil is often driven by personal relationships. It takes time to build trust with local businesses, industry leaders, and potential customers before and during the event, so take your time
Events as Socializing: Even if it’s a business event, invest time for socializing. Brazilian business events often feature informal networking moments, coffee breaks, or evening cocktails
Follow-up: After meeting an interesting person, follow up with a WhatsApp message, offer gratitude and further connection. Building long-term relationships is crucial in Brazilian business culture. Tips: WhatsApp is a powerful app in Brazil, try to maximize your communication through it
Event planning
City Selection: Major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are popular choices for international events. São Paulo is the hub for any business. Rio is a niched state, specializing in Oils & Gas, Mining, and Innovation.
Customs and Importation: If you're bringing event materials (e.g., product samples or equipment), research the customs regulations in Brazil and ensure you comply to avoid delays or fines at customs
Tax Considerations: Be aware of Brazil’s complex tax system. If you bring physical products for the event, you might need to work with local accountants to ensure tax compliance
Transportation from Hotel to Event venue: Consider commuting planning for international attendees. Ensure the venue is easy to reach and has good transportation options, selecting the right location may save you up to 3 hours of commuting in a day
Safety: Brazil has certain areas with higher crime rates, so take precautions and plan your free time accordingly. If you do not have a local to guide you, prioritize staying, eating, and visiting locations with higher-income neighborhoods
Opportunities to maximize your value
Engage with Brazilian companies before arriving: Schedule a few calls with your ideal partner or client profile before visiting Brazil. From the calls you will be able to learn how to engage more effectively with locals and test your product value proposition and differentiation
Study your competitors: Research your competitors ‘s operations, finance, pricing, strategy, positioning, sales channels, etc.
Hire sales or translation services: Hire a Brazilian consultant to review your product value proposition, translate event materials, and facilitate Video conferences or in-presence meetings
Conclusion
By understanding Brazil’s unique culture and how to position your value proposition, you will maximize the opportunities in Brazil
Build a meaningful first impression with your strategic partners and clients.
References
A Practical Guide by E. G. Lee and The Brazilian Business Environment by David N. Feitosa
https://www.william-russell.com/blog/moving-to-brazil-as-an-expat/
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil
https://www.worldbusinessculture.com/country-profiles/brazil/