City report set against cinematic backdrops, the opportunities for visually stunning events are many.
The‘ This is Athens Agora’ panel session in April,‘ Lights, Camera, Athens! Reframing urban identity through film’, brought together leading industry voices to examine how the creative sectors enhance destination appeal for events.
Teija Raninen, film commissioner at West Finland Film Commission, shared some perspectives on international collaboration strategies and the critical importance of robust local infrastructure in attracting not just film productions, but the broader creative economy that drives business tourism. Her experience highlighted how destinations can leverage creative industries to build year-round appeal for conferences and corporate events.
Orestis Plakias, head of the cinema department at Foss Productions, said Athens’ compelling backdrops for corporate events, offered delegates experiences that extend far beyond traditional meeting venues. And Leon Olsberg, CEO of Olsberg-SPI, noted that creative industries served as catalysts for urban regeneration and economic diversification.
Natasha Kefala, international meetings manager at the ACVB, underlined the strategic vision driving Athens’ transformation.“ Athens is not just a city with a rich history; it’ s a vibrant, innovative hub ready to welcome the world,” she said.“ Our goal is to create memorable experiences and long-term value for everyone who chooses Athens for their events.”
Megaron No discussion of Athens’ meetings infrastructure would be complete without mention of the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre( MAICC). Situated in the heart of the city, the Megaron offers 18 versatile meeting spaces, expansive exhibition halls, and a total capacity of up to 6,000 delegates. It is equipped to host
everything from major international congresses to intimate board meetings.
The centre boasts cutting-edge audiovisual technology, flexible room configurations, and direct access to the city’ s metro system. As part of the broader Megaron Concert Hall complex, it also offers delegates the chance to experience Athens’ rich cultural life, with world-class performances and landscaped gardens providing inspiring settings for networking and relaxation.
The Megaron boasts an impressive roster of past events, which includes many major medical, scientific, and corporate gatherings.
A city for all the senses No visit to Athens would be complete without sampling its vibrant gastronomy scene. The city’ s culinary landscape is a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, with everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to bustling local tavernas. The 2023 Michelin Guide features 31 Athenian restaurants, including the acclaimed Delta Restaurant at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which holds two stars and a green star for sustainability. Other notable names include Spondi, The Zillers, Soil, and Varoulko Seaside, each offering a distinctive take on Greek and international cuisine.
Yet it is perhaps in the city’ s neighbourhood eateries and lively markets that visitors get a true taste of Athens. Here, classic dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and fresh seafood are served with warmth and hospitality, reflecting the city’ s deep-rooted food culture. For business event delegates, curated dining experiences, food tours, and cooking classes offer memorable ways to connect with colleagues and immerse themselves in local life.
The Athens advantage Athens’ transformation into a leading business events destination is the result of vision, investment, much hard work and a commitment to excellence and the success of‘ This is Athens Agora’ is testament to the city’ s ability to bring together people, ideas, and experiences in ways that inspire and energise.
As the city continues to invest in more infrastructure and creative collaborations, its future as a hub for international meetings, incentives, and creative industries looks bright.
For those seeking a destination that delivers more than just a meeting – a place where business, culture, and inspiration converge – Athens stands ready to welcome the world. n
ISSUE 137 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 29