How did you get into the meetings industry?
Living and working in Brussels for five years, within the EU missions and activities, I had the opportunity to participate and organize various events and interact with people from various nationalities and sectors. Moving back to Athens, I had the opportunity to work at the Botsis Greek Foundation of advancement of Journalism as a communications and media manager, which also entailed interacting with people, organizing events and traveling abroad. When I heard about the opening at the Athens Convention Bureau, I was thrilled with the idea of helping my hometown grow further as an ideal meetings and events destination.
How has business developed for you over the last few years?
We have had two very hard years in Athens due to the economic crisis and the distorting images broadcasted by the news about the situation in the city, which resulted in cancelations of many events. However, we would like to thank all organizers who didn’t lose faith in our city’s potential to successfully organize events. We remain very optimistic as the interest in Athens is once again growing strong. We have developed strong partnerships with Key stakeholders in the local and international meetings industry and with the personal support and encouragement of the Mayor of Athens Mr. Kaminis, we have successfully implemented marketing and B2B activities for the promotion of the destination.
What is the USP of the destination for event organisers?
Athens is a city with rich history and culture, state of the art conference venues, luxury and mid-scale hotels, exceptional gastronomy and exciting social activities possibilities. If I have to choose only one of the city’s USPs, that would be that when in Athens you are bound to leave wiser, as you are given the opportunity to host an event or a social function in some of humanity’s most important sites and feel embraced by the city’s 2500 years of history. Organizing an event in Athens offers the unique opportunity to combine business, cultural enlightenment and pleasure at the same time. Furthermore, Athens is the only European Capital surrounded by an amazing Riviera and nearby islands ideal for pre and post event activities. Being a cosmopolitan European Metropolis and a hub of cultures at the same time, every delegate will feel like home.
What is the most positive thing about the events industry?
The meeting industry has an overall positive effect!. I believe that it is really exciting bringing people of different cultures and nationalities together to share their knowledge on their field of expertise, exchange best practices and to continuously seek to making our world a better place. It is also really important that the events industry generates considerable cash flows in the city, thus contributing to the development of the city and the creation of employment.
What frustrates you about the industry?
I often get frustrated with the growing needs and demands of event organizers in regards to the subventions offered by the cities in order to host an event. The subventions issue along with the fact that the events’ duration, which is getting shorter by the year, results in minimizing the profitability of the local tourism industry. Nevertheless, we put all our efforts along with the members of the Athens Convention Bureau and have succeeded in providing the most competitive prices in terms of event organizing and accommodation in the whole region. That said, we invite organizers to consider Athens for their events.
Do you use social media at work and how do you use it?
The most efficient social media tool for the promotion of the destination and the services for the City of Athens and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, has proven to be Linked In. We have an Athens Convention Bureau group on Linked In which we regularly update with news and information about Athens. As of May 2013, every week we will be presenting a Member of the ACB so as to provider organizers with an overview of the Athenian Business Tourism Product.
Who are your strongest competitors and how do you set your destination apart?
Our strongest competitors are the rest of the southeaster European Capitals that have been investing in the development of the MICE industry over the last couple of years. Nevertheless, Athens is the birthplace of Western Civilization and Plato’s Symposium! The first ever fora were organized in Athens thousands of years ago. Also, it is at the crossroads of three continents, offering easy access from all over the world and quite a unique cultural identity.
What changes in conferencing do you expect to see over the next few years?
We expect to see more hybrid events in the years to come. The cost-effectiveness of virtual events, is not to be neglected and hybrid events have become a popular way of increasing participation in traditional events at a relatively low cost, whilst insuring the participation of delegates who wouldn’t otherwise participate. I personally hope that events in the next few years will go greener, reducing the carbon footprint of the event without necessarily reducing the number of delegates physically present. Let’s not forget that participating in events is also about sharing common experiences.
Largest event the city has held and can you describe what happened at it?
Indisputably, I would have to say that the largest event ever held in Athens was the 2004 Olympic Games. It was the milestone that we had to cross in order to prove that Athens is a destination with great potential and expertise to the organization of major international events. Hosting the Olympic Games in the city of Athens, was a great opportunity to showcase Athens to the whole world, to acknowledge the city’s potential in becoming a leading MICE destination and to understand that cooperation and coordination is the key to the success of every event. Last, but not least, it was an urge to exploit the legacy that the Olympic Games left for Athens and develop a solid and sustainable business tourism product.
What is your most embarrassing professional moment?
As I recall, my most embarrassing professional moment was two weeks after I took over the Marketing and Sales Director position at the Athens Convention Bureau and had to do a presentation in front of all the agency’s executives. I was so stressed, I froze and practically mumbled for the whole presentation. Definitely not a good first presentation skills impression.
Most successful personal achievement?
When I moved back to Athens and as I was still trying to decide as to whether I should pursue and career in a law firm or continue working in the communication and event management sector, I have decided to enroll to the Greek law School and obtain a law degree from Athens. Obtaining a law degree in only one year was definitely a great personal success.
Greatest idea you have ever had?
Looking back, I would have to say that the greatest idea I have ever had was to actually change career path and work for the meetings industry.
Prediction for the future?
Athens is changing for the better. The city of Athens has succeeded in being the first local government to receive direct allocation from the EU’s Structural Funds for the development and embellishment of the city center and surrounding areas. New development projects, such as the new Opera House and the Fix Museum and events’ venue are underway to ensure that organizers have an even greater option to organise their events in the city. With these thoughts in mind, I believe that Athens will once again become one of the top destinations of choice for event organisers.
Any comments? Email sarah@mashmedia.net
