AGORA INSIGHTS

Agora Insights brings together experts from tourism, creative industries and advocacy to discuss the forces shaping Athens and the deeply human experiences at its core.

These panel sessions will dive into topics like the infrastructure and partnerships needed to host mega-events, how local creators share the city's authentic pulse, the current challenges facing the Meetings Industry and the inspiring power of inclusion and teamwork. Join us for conversations with industry leaders, policymakers and creatives as we explore Athens’ collaborative spirit, its vibrant community and the personal stories behind its success. It’s a chance to share ideas, learn and connect.

DATE

April 20, 2026

TIME

09:30 - 10:15

Contributors

Ioanna Papadopoulou

Director of Communications & Marketing of Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"

Evgenios Vassilikos

President of Athens–Attica & Argosaronic Hoteliers’ Association (AHA)

Vangelis Marinakis

President of Develop Athens S.A.

Sotiris Varelas

Associate Professor at Tourism Studies Department, University of Piraeus

Marianna Petraki

Anchor at ERT, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation - MODERATOR

Behind every successful destination are the people and the organizations that make it run smoothly.

This panel focuses on the infrastructure and partnerships that allow Athens to host international visitors and events with confidence, from transport and venues to urban regeneration and collaboration across the tourism sector. It’s a discussion about what it really takes to welcome the world, and how local and global partners work together to keep improving the experience.

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DATE

April 20, 2026

TIME

12:40 - 13:25

Contributors

Haris Doukas

Mayor of Athens

Maria Korinthiou

Actress, Ambassador of Cultural Diplomacy of Greece, Owner of Aikor Productions

Zoe Pre

Digital Creator, Radio Producer

Georgianna Hiliadaki

Chef, Cofounder of Iodio Restaurant

Marianna Petraki

Anchor at ERT, Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation - MODERATOR

What does Athens look like through the eyes of the people who live it and share it with the world?

In this conversation, creators and storytellers talk about the city as they actually experience it, the rooftops they return to, the neighbourhood spots they recommend to friends, the creative communities shaping its energy today. we explore how everyday moments become stories that travel far beyond the city itself.

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DATE

April 21, 2026

TIME

11:05 - 11:55

Contributors

Georgios Mavrikis

Lawyer, Executive Director of the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Euroleague Final Four Athens

Elissaios Sarmas

CEO of Develop Athens S.A.

Marios Papadopoulos

Head of Planning & Fundraising of Athens Pride

Spiro N. Taraviras

Director, Producer, Screenwriter

Eftychis Gryfakis

Journalist

When Athens hosts major events, the city itself becomes part of the experience.

From international sporting events to large-scale cultural gatherings, these moments bring together residents and visitors in shared spaces across the city. This panel looks at how Athens prepares for and supports large events — and how these occasions leave a lasting impact on the city and the people who take part in them.

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DATE

April 21, 2026

TIME

12:00 - 12:30

Contributors

Vasiliki Dalla

Head of Business Development & Membership Manager

Sissi Lignou

IAPCO President & President & CEO of AFEA Congress

This session examines how collaboration among destinations, represented by the ACVB, professional congress organizers (PCOs), and associations helps attract prestigious international events. By exploring the PCO’s role as a “trusted advisor,” the CVB’s strategic local support and the content leadership of associations, the panel identifies best practices for building long-term legacy and navigating current industry challenges to create a lasting local footprint.

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DATE

April 21, 2026

TIME

12:35 - 13:00

Contributors

Dimitris Papanikolaou

Former Professional Basketball Player, Motivational Speaker, Founder of "Together for Autism" & "UniquAll"

Aria Papanikolaou

Autism Awareness Motivator, Ambassador of Ekkomed, Writer, Actress, Voice actress

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