Lining up at the Consulate

I am trying to get a visa to attend a meeting in Europe for the past several days. Out of respect for the country and culture, I will withold the exact location of the embassy. It has been a learning experience for those in the office. First of all, they are stunned that I need something beyond a passport to go to a foreign country (yup, I need a visa to cross the street - green card, schmreen card.) Then, they are confused as to why I cannot just show a letter from the company to the "guy at the border." Well, the embassy is not making things easier either. I need to sign up to get an appointment to apply for the visa in person. No appointments available until several weeks after my meeting. So, I will sit back in the office, as a global-minded individual, working for a global firm, unable to compete or participate at a global level. Shame on whomever!