So who is Consul Andrew G. Szabo?

Andrew Szabo in coastal Mauritania

Andrew G. Szabo left his native Hungary in 1987 at the age of 18 to attend college in America. While in college he launched a phone matchmaking service. In 1996 he spent the most amount ever on a single domain name by purchasing Date.com for $50,000. A few years later Date.com was the third largest dating site on the internet. He launched and sold several online marketing and entertainment companies and junior mining companies. His mining ventures took him to West Africa where he was touched by the beauty and kindness of the African continent. He decided to enter the trans-Sahara Dakar Rally, but realized that the strict racing requirements and the high-speed dash through Africa took away the magic of adventure and discovery.

 Not finding a decent alternative to the Dakar, in 2005 he created a gentler, kinder and more humanitarian car race to explore Africa. In 2005 the Budapest To Bamako Rally was born. For his work to promote travel, tourism and commerce to West Africa the Republic Of Mali appointed Mr. Szabo to be their Honorary Consul to Hungary. The 2005 run of the Budapest-Bamako had 100 participants. Four years later, the race hosting 600 participants from five continents became the largest amateur rally in the world and the most influential charity rally in Africa. In 2010 the Budapest-Bamako had more cars than Dakar.

Participants deliver 600,000 to 1 million dollars  worth of aid to West Africa each year. Mr. Szabo currently spends his time in Los Angeles, Budapest and Bissau with his wife and three daughters. He’s actively organizing next year’s rally to Bamako and working on his next internet venture. For his work in Guinea-Bissau, this small West African nation has recently bestowed the prestigious traveling ambassador to North America title to him. Mr. Szabo is also a founder of the Budapest Holocaust Museum and plays badminton for Guinea-Bissau’s Macabbi Badminton Team.

Consul Szabo will give a brief talk followed by a 90-minute Travel Channel documentary of the Budapest to Bamako Rally.  The audience will then adjourn to a nearby restaurant for a private dinner with the speaker.  See www.dinewithdignitaries.com for details.

Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas, co-Founder of the Consular Chamber of Commerce and North American Director of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), was among twelve consuls invited to the Vatican on May 11, 2011.  Consul Biggs Sparkuhl was accompanied by Consular Chamber co-Founder Jonathan Warren, Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Las Vegas.

Pope Benedict XVI is awarded the FICAC Gold Star. His Holiness is pictured with FICAC President Hon. Arnold Foote, Jr. and FICAC Secretary Hon. Aykut Eken

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received the FICAC Gold Star, which has been awarded by FICAC only to distinguished world leaders.  The framed presentation will hang in the Vatican Museum, which FICAC President Hon. Arnold Foote, Jr. said “will always serve as a reminder of the highest recognition ever received by the World Federation of Consuls.”

Other invited consul members of the FICAC Board of Directors flew to the event their homes in Thailand, Cyprus, Turkey, Jamaica, Monaco, Greece, Philippines, India and Brazil.

FICAC is a global federation of consular organizations.  A United Nations-recognized NGO, the group has served to preserve and maintain the honorary consul as the oldest form of bilateral diplomacy, and promotes adherence to the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations.

 Second FICAC event under High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II in Monaco.

The tenth World Congress of Consuls, a triennial event of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), will be held in the Principality of Monaco in 2012.  The 2009 Congress was held in Izmir, Turkey. 

A federation of consular corps organizations from around the world, FICAC is a United Nations-recognized NGO which has furthered the ancient practice of bilateral diplomacy through honorary consulates since 1982.

The Principality of Monaco beat out the Consular Corps of Nevada in the final round decision in favor of the Consular Corps of Monaco.  FICAC’s North American Director is Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas, a founder of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.

Secretary of State Clinton sends best wishes to FICAC

At FICAC 2009 Monte Carlo Conference: Paulina Biggs Spakuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile

“I am disappointed that Las Vegas will miss out on such a large and distinguished group of visitors, but I am excited to return to Monaco,” said Consul Biggs Sparkuhl, “The Honorary Consular Corps of Monaco is large, cosmoplitan and welcoming.  I congratulate our Monaco colleagues, and look forward to the event.”

FICAC directors P. Touliatos, Honorary Consul General of Greece in Monaco and P. Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas attend Monaco National Day opera event with J. Warren, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas

“When Monaco opens her arms to the world, and the invitation extends all the way from the Palace itself, it is tough for any other location to compete,” said Jonathan Warren, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas, ”Las Vegas may have been a bit slow on the draw.  [Consul Biggs Sparkuhl's] proposal lacked support from the City or State government, and the Nevada [Consular] Corps responded by passing new membership rules excluding out-of-state consuls accredited here, after also voting not to associate with FICAC’s largest US membership organization.

“I’m sorry my hometown will miss out,” Warren continues, “but I am thrilled that the Principality has been chosen.  This will be my second World Congress [of Consuls].  I wouldn’t miss it.”

Consul General Furlong and Former Soviet Spokesman Vladimir Posner

One FICAC member, Gary Furlong, is the Honorary Consul General of Uzbekistan for the western United States, including Las Vegas.  His consulate is based in Seattle. 

“It’s too bad,”  said Furlong, “Las Vegas could have been a great venue, and it would have been such a pleasure to have so many consuls to introduce to the City, from all over the planet,” he continued, “But Monaco and it’s [Consular] Corps work hard to form inclusive relationships to attract prestigious international events.   The global focus of Monaco’s Consular Corps is well known and respected.  They follow the highest professional standards, including strict adherence to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and other globally accepted protocols and treaties.  

“The strong support of the Government for an effective, professionally run Corps makes Monaco tough competition for anyone.  It is a credit to the Las Vegas members of the Consular Chamber of Commerce that Las Vegas made the final round for such a prestigious program.”

Ed Prud’Homme Prudhomme, Gayle Anderson, Chief of Diplomatic Protocol, governor sandoval, David Henley, Lia Roberts

Please RSVP to join us for this free foreign policy event.

Ambassador Nemotov presents Consul Warren with traditional Uzbek jacket

On the Occasion of the March 11 Spring Gala of the Prevent Cancer Foundation titled “The Enchanting Principality of Monaco,” members of the Consular Chamber of Commerce and the Consular Corps of Nevada made visits to four Washington, D.C. embassies.

Lunch at the Embassy of Uzbekistan

In addition to the Gala, participants enjoyed a private dinner at the home of the Ambassador of Monaco, a private luncheon at the Metropolitan Club hosted by the Principality of Monaco, a private lunch with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan arranged by Consul General Gary Furlong at the spectacular Uzbek embassy, coffee with the Consul General of Austria at the Austrian Embassy, and meeting with the Cultural Attaché and First Secretary at the Embassy of Chile.

Among the topics of discussion were tourism, international business and expansion of the consular corps and of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC). 

Felix Danciu and Kim Schmidt with Ambassador Noghes of Monaco

Highly Trained Philanthropist Steps Up to Aid the Mission of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.

Expertise adds to long list of free services provided for consuls around the world. 

Kathleen von Schaefer with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Jonathan Warren, Consul of Monaco. Photo: Adam Silvermith

A graduate of the Protocol School of Washington® and the London Image Institute® globe-trotting philanthropist Kathleen von Schaefer, a regular at Consular Chamber events, recently offered her protocol services and expertise to the Consulate of the Principality of Monaco in Las Vegas. 

Kathleen von Schaefer receives her diploma from Protocol School of Washington

“Protocol is more than just knowing the rules, it is also understanding how to orchestrate grace and elegance in a variety of settings.  Kathleen von Schaefer’s unique skills have earned her the respect of Consuls representing nations from all around the world, including the Consul General of Uzbekistan for the western United States. The Consulate of Uzbekistan is honored to have Ms. von Schaefer as our Protocol Adviser for Nevada and California.”   -Gary Furlong, Honorary Consul General of Uzbekistan

FICAC North America Director Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl

FICAC is a global network of consular associations created to support and improve the status, legitimacy and effectiveness of all consular officers in all receiving States.  Now a  Brussels-based NGO, the organization has United Nations recognition and ECOSOC Observer Status.

In North America, the only membership organization is the Consular Chamber of Commerce.  Consuls within North America wishing to join FICAC may do so by joining the Consular Chamber of Commerce (free of charge), and asking for FICAC membership.  An annual charge of $50. will apply for the FICAC membership dues only.

The FICAC Board of Directors includes Consular Chamber co-founder Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas. 

FICAC takes an active role in pursuing adherence to the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations in all treaty jurisdictions around the world.  The Organization also promotes charitable and cultural events globally.

• FICAC News
• FICAC Events 

The FICAC South Asia Regional Conference will take place in New Delhi February 15-17, 2011.

Mexico has been chosen to host the FICAC World Congress of Consuls in 2012.

Dr. Aldo Aguirre, President of the Consular Chamber of Commerce and Honorary Vice-consul of Guatemala in Nevada, is one of two Las Vegas-area latino members named to the 29-member team.  He is also it’s only Consular officer.

“It is an honor to be in the distinguished company of those chosen by Governor-Elect Sandoval, and to assist with  transitioning the new Administration into office,”  Dr. Aguirre said.

By invitation of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Co-Founders of the Consular Chamber of Commerce Jonathan Warren (Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Las Vegas) and Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl (Honorary Consul of the Republic of Chile in Las Vegas) were whisked away on three-day so festivities in Monaco. 

The events began with a cocktail at the Palace HSH Prince Albert II, HRH The Princess of Hanover and HRH Princess Stephanie of Monaco.  The couple also had the pleasure to meet Miss Charlene Wittstock, Fiancé of the Prince.  The event included approximately 150 consuls, ambassadors and members of Monaco’s Parliament.   The following two days included a night at the Opera, the famous Mass at the Cathedral, National Day parade and plenty of nightlife.

Following the celebrations of the Monaco’s National Day, the Principality took the opportunity to intoduce its latest initiatives to the Consuar and Diplomatic Corps.

Recent events proved otherwise when she received an email notifying her that His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco had appointed a new Honorary Consul to represent his famous Principality in Las Vegas, and that the new appointee had asked that she accept the position of Personal Haberdasher to the Consul.
 
“I had no idea what would be required,” Ms. Moon says with her trademark smile, “but it sure sounded unusual, and exciting!” 
 

Mikka was not completely in the dark.  The Consul chosen by the Prince was Jonathan Warren, a life-long local to Las Vegas who first did business with Tuxedo Junction in 1980.  Mr. Warren had been back for various purchases over the years, but his new appointment would mean hosting many formal events.  This has caused something of an inventory check at Tuxedo Junction. 

“Jonathan’s events have always been good for our business.  I’m told that now there will also be special collections, out-of-state events and official dress codes involved – not to mention the larger guest lists,”  Ms. Moon explains.

Ms. Moon’s first task is outfitting Consul Warren for Monaco’s National Day ceremonies November 18th to the 20th, to which the Consul has been invited by the Prince’s Palace.  The two-day affair includes parties at the Palace in Monaco, and “more costume changes than Phantom of the Opera,” as described by the new official Haberdasher.  

Almost immediately following the National Day celebrations in Monaco, the Consulate is hosting consuls of several other countries at a private box at the Las Vegas concert of renowned violinist Andre Rieu.  Tuxedo Junction is already ordering the items of attire expected to be in demand for and after the event.
 
Mikka expects lengthy instructions to outfit Consul Warren and members of his guest list for the inauguration ceremony of the new Consulate in Las Vegas.  His Excellency Gilles Noghès, Ambassador of Monaco in Washington, DC is expected to perform the official ceremony, at an as-yet undisclosed location.
 
As for why Tuxedo Junction was chosen, Mr. Warren replies “Mikka has been my formal wear expert for thirty years.  I immediately thought of her when asked who could best outfit a few of us who enjoy the occasional white tie classic, and a touch of panache.” 
 
Asked what to expect from the one person in the world who officially represents Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, the new consul smiles, “Get dressed. We’re going out.”