Athens 2004: Olympics Opportunity Forum
Athens, Greece
June 22, 1999
Mission Description:
U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) Athens, in cooperation with the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Greece Business Council, is organizing an Olympics Opportunity on June 22 in Athens, Greece. This is a unique event which will focus on business opportunities related to the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, with a special focus on four key areas: construction and engineering; security; information technologies and concessions. The Forum will also coincide with the visit to Greece of U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Ambassador David Aaron. US&FCS Athens believes that the coupling of the Olympics Opportunity Forum with Ambassador Aaron’s visit will enhance our efforts to showcase the outstanding experience and ability of U.S. firms.
The Olympics Opportunity Forum will introduce U.S. companies to the key decision makers involved with the Athens Olympics. During the forum, US&FCS Athens will also arrange one-on-one meetings to introduce participants to potential Greek partners. Partnership with a Greek company is an essential element in tapping into the lucrative opportunity presented by the Olympics. The participation fee for the event is $500.
Commercial Setting:
The Government of Greece and the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee are committed to making the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics the "best ever." Although estimates indicate that nearly 70% of the infrastructure to host the games is already in place, much of this needs upgrading. In addition, several high visibility projects will also be undertaken, including the construction of a $105 million Five-Stadium Athletic Complex, as well as the development of the Olympic Village, a project with an estimated cost of over $200 million.
Mission Goals:
The mission’s goals are 1) to ensure that U.S. companies remain visible players in the Greek Olympics market, 2) to provide in-depth briefings to U.S. firms on the current status of projects and organizational issues, and 3) to introduce U.S. firms to quality local partners.
Mission Scenario:
The event will be a one-day event with two possible optional additional events. The Commercial Service will provide an Embassy briefing for the mission members on the evening of June 21. Through this briefing, the mission members will be able to obtain the latest information on the current status of the Greek economy and political situation, as well as up-to-date information on the status of the Olympic Organizing Committee. This briefing will be followed by an ice-breaker reception.
During the actual day of the Forum, June 22, the mission members will hear briefings by various levels of all of the key organizations involved in the Olympics. These include the Ministry of Culture, the City of Athens, and the Organizing Committee Company. The mission members will also receive specific information on the projects to be undertaken in conjunction with the Olympics. Each mission member will also be given time in the plenary to introduce their company. An included luncheon will feature a keynote speaker, likely the Minister of Sports. During the afternoon session, mission members will have one-on-one appointments with potential partners. The evening will end with a reception at the Ambassador’s residence. If there is enough demand, mission members will be eligible to visit various Olympic sites on June 23.
Timetable:
June 21
Evening: U.S. Embassy Briefing followed by ice-breaker reception with local business people and officials.
June 22
Morning (early): Plenary Session – Olympics Opportunities briefings by Olympics 2004 Organizing Committee and Greek Government Officials
Morning (late): U.S. Company Introductions: Individual Presentations to Plenary by each U.S. company
Luncheon: Two Views, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Aaron; Greek Minister of Sports Fouras
Afternoon: One-on-one meetings with Greek businesses
Evening: Conference Reception at U.S. Ambassador’s Residence
June 23 (optional)
Site visits to various Olympic sites and venues
Criteria for Participation:
Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.
Event promotion will involve, but will not be limited to, the following venues: the US Department of Commerce Export Assistance Centers and their teams; Showcase Europe posts; relevant trade associations; past mission participants; various in-house and purchased industry lists. The Olympics Opportunity Forum will also be listed on ITA’s Internet home page.
Recruitment will commence immediately and will close on June 16, 1999.
Contact Information:
Washington, D.C.