Saturday, February 21, 2026
How to Do Business in Latvia during RDE26: A Guide for the "Warm & Fuzzy" Sales Rep
Executing contracts and partnerships in the Baltics requires strict adherence to local professional standards. This essential business etiquette guide prepares foreign executives for Latvian corporate culture, emphasizing the critical importance of exact punctuality, direct negotiation tactics, and formal introductory protocols.
Key Takeaways:
- Exact Punctuality: Arriving even five minutes late to a Baltic business meeting is considered highly disrespectful and unprofessional.
- The Handshake Rule: Always stand up, make direct eye contact, and deliver a firm handshake to everyone in the room when conducting introductions.
- The Odd-Number Flower Rule: If gifting flowers, always give an odd number; even numbers (2, 4, 6) are strictly reserved for Latvian funerals.
If you are coming to Radiodays Europe from the US, UK, or Southern Europe, you might find Latvian business culture... intense.
We don't do "sandwich feedback" (praise-critique-praise). We don't ask about your weekend unless we actually care. And we definitely don't hug at the first meeting.
But don't mistake our silence for rudeness. Latvians are some of the most reliable, effective, and tech-savvy partners you will ever find. We just value efficiency over "fluff."
Here is your 3-minute guide to closing deals in Riga without annoying the locals.
1. The "Small Talk" Rule: Keep It Short
In London or New York, you might spend the first 10 minutes of a meeting talking about the weather, the traffic, or the cricket score. In Riga, that is considered a "waste of time."