Doing Business

Business Etiquette

• Address business associates using their official titles and surnames. Use someone's first name only if you've been invited to do so or know him or her extremely well
• Both men and women are expected to wear professional attire at business meetings and lunches. Generally, men wear suits and ties, and women elegant and simple clothes. Remember to polish your shoes – they do get noticed!
• A firm handshake begins and ends meetings
• English is generally accepted in business, but don't assume that all companies are equipped or happy to negotiate in a foreign language. Find out in advance, and prepare proposals in English and Italian. If necessary, hire an interpreter
• Hierarchy is important in Italy. Senior executives handle decision-making, and Italians prefer to conduct business with high-ranking associates
• Trust counts as much as proposals in business. Third-party introductions and networking will help build strong relationships
• If you have a university degree title, ensure it appears on your business card
• Don't interpret loud conversation as a sign of anger. People often raise their voices simply to be heard over others

Chambers of Commerce

Bologna Chamber of Commerce

Address: Piazza Mercanzia 4, 40125 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 609 3111

Website: Bologna Chamber of Commerce

Embassies & Consulates

French Consulate

Address: Via Guerrazzi 1, 40125 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 237 575

Mexican Consulate

Address: Via Garibaldi 7, 40124 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 580 585

Netherlands Consulate General

Address: Via del Monte 10, 40126 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 234 115

Website: Netherlands Consulate General

Business Centers

Most major hotels and several independent executive centers have business facilities, including the following:

International Business Centre Bologna

Address: Via Ferrarese 3, 40128 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 419 8400

Website: International Business Centre Bologna

Conference & Exhibition Centers

Palazzo de Rossi

Address: Via d'Azeglio 31, 40123 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 22 12 82

Website: Palazzo de Rossi

Palazzo della Cultura e dei Congressi

Address: Piazza Costituzione 4, 40128 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 63 75 111

Website: Bologna Congressi

Palazzo Albergati

Address: Via Masini 46, 40069 Zola Predosa, Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 750 247

Website: Palazzo Albergati

Translation Services

International Services

Address: Via del Rondone 3, 40122 Bologna

Telephone: +39 051 555 650

Website: International Services

Courier/Messenger Services

DHL Worldwide Express

Address: Interporto di Bologna blocco 9.4, 40010 Bentivoglio, Bologna

Telephone: 199 199 345 (within Italy) or +39 02 824 70288 (from overseas)

Website: DHL Worldwide Express

FedEx

Address: Via Guido Rossa 52, 40056 Crespellano, Bologna

Telephone: 800 123 800 (within Italy) or +39 02 218 87651 (from overseas)

Website: FedEx