Business and hospitality leaders set to discuss economic trends, market dynamics and commercial strategies for success at the inaugural forum.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the Greek hospitality sector, HSMAI Europe, a global organisation committed to support the growth of the hospitality sector, is set to host its first Commercial Strategy Forum in Athens on April 23, 2025.
The full-day event, which will take place at the Electra Metropolis Hotel, is designed for leaders, commercial leaders and their teams, providing valuable insights into economic trends, market dynamics, and strategic growth opportunities.
A must-attend gathering for hospitality professionals looking to stay ahead, the forum is ideal for those responsible for revenue management, sales, and distribution strategy, as well as general managers.
The event will open with a keynote by Thanos Papasavvas, Founder & CIO of ABP Invest, on The European Outlook: Economic and Geopolitical Risks and Opportunities Ahead. A panel discussion will follow, offering a focused analysis of the Greek market.
Featured speakers will include:
– Mr. Dimitris Manikis, President & CEO at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, and a Member of HSMAI Europe Board of Directors
– Ms. Agapi Sbokou, CEO at PHAEA
– Mr. Yiannis Retsos, CEO & Co-Owner at Electra Hotels & Resorts
– Panagiotis Almyrantis, Chief Growth & Commercial Officer Ella Resorts
– Natalia Strafti, CEO Grivalia Hospitality
This initiative reinforces HSMAI Europe’s role as a leading resource for professional development, commercial strategy, and sustainability in hospitality. The association continues to strengthen its presence in Greece, building on its landmark partnership with the Swiss Alpine Centre in May 2024 and its strategic collaboration with the Xenia 2024 exhibition in Athens.
Additionally, HSMAI Europe has appointed Nikos Giokas, Business Development Manager EMEA at Plusgrade, as Chair of the HSMAI Europe Advisory Board Greece. Based in Athens, Nikos brings extensive expertise in the Greek hospitality market and will play a key role in leading the board’s efforts to develop industry aligned initiatives, curate strategies, and oversee activities that support the commercial community.
As part of this effort, HSMAI Europe is expanding its advisory board in Greece and is actively seeking hotel industry professionals to join. The advisory board is responsible for shaping impactful strategies, driving collaboration, increasing membership, securing sponsorships, and attracting expert speakers to HSMAI Europe’s annual conference and other activities in Greec. Members help bridge industry needs with actionable solutions, strengthening the organization’s presence and influence in the region.
HSMAI Europe President and CEO Ingunn Hofseth. Photo source: HSMAI
The Greek advisory board will be officially introduced during the Commercial Strategy Forum in Athens, highlighting its members’ contributions and vision for the industry’s future.
“We are delighted to bring the HSMAI Europe Commercial Strategy Forum to Athens, a destination where hospitality comes naturally and is deeply embedded in the culture. Greece has always welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to engaging with the incredible talent and expertise within its hospitality sector,” said Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO, HSMAI Europe.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, sharing knowledge and best practices has never been more important. By fostering collaboration and preparing industry leaders with the right strategies, we aim to empower them to drive sustainable, long-term growth despite ongoing challenges. The appointment of Nikos Giokas as Chair of our Advisory Board Greece reinforces this commitment; his deep understanding of the Greek market will be invaluable in building an advisory board that represents and serves the needs of the industry. We invite hospitality professionals to join this initiative as we work together to strengthen Greece’s commercial landscape.”
The HSMAI Europe Commercial Strategy Forums were inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: to bring the insights, energy, and expertise of the HSMAI Europe Commercial Strategy Conference to local markets across Europe.
The first HSMAI Europe Commercial Strategy Forum of 2025 kicks off in Lisbon on April 10, with the Athens Forum to follow.
For more information on the Commercial Strategy Forum in Athens and to register, visit here.
HSMAI – Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – is a global organization founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organization, aiming to be a key influencer, pioneer, and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies, and sustainability in the hospitality industry.
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