and every year . This brings me to a favorite topic : The Houston Consular Ball has been going for six decades and is put on by this city team that takes place in the fall . Houston Consular Ball has stood as the city ’ s premier white tie event , recognizing members of the nation ’ s third-largest consular corps and celebrating the rich diversity that makes Houston such a unique and powerful player on the global stage . You may find them picking up dignitaries — with the rank of ambassador , cabinet member , or higher — by the Houston Airport System ’ s Special Service Representatives ( SSR ) from the hours of 6:30 a . m . until 8:30 p . m . A minimum of two business days ’ notice is required for these services . Yet for larger requests in the service of small touches from the city like a welcome letter , airport expedition including someone to stay with your distinguished guest fully throughout customs , TSA , HPD security transportation thru town for VIP levels and even appointing someone from the office throughout the whole trip to escort your high level guest into our city as smoothly as possible , much more notice will be required for such lengthy affairs . Yet they would be delighted to be contacted to help you with your business arrangements as welcome packages are commonly given by this office that include gifts and a card on all they may need to know during their stay in this grand city . Rest assured that the red carpet is rolled out when appropriate ! There is a limit however if there should be a request for a party or reception they could not provide out of budget for yet will help as much as possible to help you host with sponsors , itinerary , sending requests on your behalf , recommendations of where to go . They will find a way for the cultural guest coming by working between your office and theirs to make it as pleasant a visit as possible via scheduling . He reiterates over and over how they frequently reach out to ask , “ What do you need from us ?”
The office provides those to be present at functions on behalf of the mayor . The city council members or city controller are typically the suitable candidates although federal or Harris County representatives can be suitable at times as well . Among these responsibilities lies divisions on The office started as a cultural & business development office by Helen Chang ( whom the international office says set the bar high ) during Mayor Bob Lanier then cultivated under Mayor Brown as Mayor ’ s International Affairs and progressed under Mayor
White and Mayor Parker ’ s terms . Since then it has gone through some changes in unifying to become a one-stop shop for Houston ’ s growth . It is focused on seven regions including : North America , South America , Europe , Asia , Australia , Middle East / North Africa dubbed as MENA . This year , in consideration of the Final Four , Copa America Centenario the 51st Super Bowl and other major sporting events taking place in Houston , we look to the unifying power of sports as a symbol of our city ’ s dedication to cooperation and international growth . Speaking of changes , the MOTIA works closely with the mayor and enjoys his relaxed down into the trenches approach with each group he comes into contact with . Mohit speaks highly of his colleagues that he has learned from and continues to learn with as it ’ s not a surprise given all of his leadership activities learned prior to working here . His colleagues do the same for him as someone we all know well in our city ’ s cultural affairs , Mathew Shailer , told me of the city of Aberdeen , Grampian region ( itself a sister city of Houston ) basically adopting Mohit . The Lord of Provost led delegations for years here and representatives visiting Houston gifted Mohit with a coveted argyle print tie that signifies the city of Aberdeen . Mohit wears the tie when they come into the city now and it displays an offering on how important these personal ties are within the official welcome . Please reach out to him if you feel inclined to learn more or see that a business need may be suited well with your city ’ s help to prepare the right material in order to attract that clientele by starting with a simple email to him . He would be happy to help . If you schedule a personal visit , he would be thrilled to show you his alma mater flag in his office … just ask !
“ Houston boasts itself as the most diverse city in the country and it ’ s because of the countless people that have stories like mine . I ’ m a firm believer in thinking outside the box and having a diverse group of people in town definitely helps that narrative move forward ,” Mohit added .
You may contact Mohit at :
Office of Trade and International Affairs 901 Bagby , 4th Floor Houston , TX 770 PHONE : 832.393.0852 FAX : 832.393.0859 Email : motia @ houstontx . gov
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