Ports & Rail Forum 2023

"Greece’s role as an international gate for business"

The Ports & Rail Forum 2023 aims to highlight the role of ports and railways as drivers of growth of the Greek economy.The program features talks and discussions between political and business actors from Greece and abroad. Extensive publicity will be provided both before the forum takes place and after its results are made public.

The #porf23 will be held on 5 July 2023 will be held physical at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel and digital through LiveOn, the integrated platform for Digital Communication and Events, and its innovative 3D exposition and conference center LiveOn Expo Complex

The forum is being organized by ethosEVENTS iin collaboration with the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, the financial and business portal banks.com.gr and the financial and investment magazine HRIMA.

The Program Manager is Mr. Giannis Lazarou, Journalist.

Overview

The Forum included interactive individual talks, fireside chats and panels covering the following key topics:

TRACK 1: Combined transport, infrastructure & cruises
- “The ports are discussing …”
  In a rapidly changing transport environment, there is much to say about Greek ports both in terms of passenger transport (cruise liners – coastal shipping) and commercial transport; particular emphasis, of course, needs to be put on ensuring problem-free supplies to the islands all year round under all weather conditions. At the same time, discussion is also needed about how the ports will participate in international shipping, what form that participation may take and possible synergies that may develop.
- “Greece’s transformation into an international transport hub and the role of combined transport – Infrastructure challenges at ports – railways”
  Privatization and the granting of concessions put the Piraeus and Thessaloniki Port Authorities back on the global map of the port industry, with Piraeus being among the contenders for first place in both Mediterranean and EU port rankings. The Volos, Alexandroupoli and Igoumenitsa Port Authorities are the final pieces in the puzzle of the port map that depicts the ports of mainland Greece which already play an important role in the European (and wider) combined transport system. Thanks to its ports, Greece is already playing a leading role in reshaping freight flows from Asia to Europe and vice versa, with Alexandroupoli being at the center of international interest both in energy and in geopolitical terms. The critical questions relate to “where do we go from here” and the strategy to be followed in the near future to maximize the role of ports and the benefits they can bring for the national economy.

TRACK 2: Development, Investments & Financing
- “You need money … Financing and the role of the Recovery Fund”
  Misguided political choices, ideological obsessions and bureaucracy have until now served to inhibit the modernization of the Greek port industry utilizing EU financing programs which sought to divert cargoes from road to rail networks. Funds not absorbed by Greece have been channeled to competing ports, thereby widening the gap in terms of equipment and infrastructure. Today that Greece’s key ports are on the path to privatization, the major challenge is how quickly can funds from existing programs be accessed; the answer to that depends on the maturity of the ideas set out in the master plans. Here too the critical question relates to the master plans.

TRACK 3: ESG Sustainable Development – Green Ports
- “Green” combined transport – Environmental challenges”
  The idea of reducing the environmental footprint of combined transport has created a new trend and a new culture. Commercial chains ‘prefer’ shipping companies whose ships use ‘green’ fuels to carry their merchandise as well as shipping companies which also use trains to deliver and disseminate merchandise on land. There is, though, another aspect to these options. Anyone who opts for green transport enjoys cost savings which also serve as an incentive.At the same time, the issue of supporting research and business activities in the field of new marine fuels is terra incognita for Greek ports, and all the more so for issues of producing hydrogen via ammonia electrolysis, utilizing RES to produce and trade clean energy, and reducing the environmental footprint of the ports, all at a time when cosmogonic changes are taking place at the ports of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. As far as onshore power is concerned, the issue remains problematic since the high voltage urban electricity network cannot handle the loads which Piraeus and Thessaloniki will need in the future. Of course, onshore power is not just a problem for Greek ports but also for European ports too, some of which have RES programs. But what about us?

TRACK 4: Railways
- “The geostrategic role of port infrastructure – Greece’s position in rail freight transport”
  Chinese officials have dubbed Piraeus the ‘dragon’s head’ since Piraeus is the end point on the maritime ‘Silk Road’ along whose entire length China is investing billions of dollars. The role of the Silk Road for international trade is clear, as is the role Piraeus is called upon to play… Thessaloniki was and will be the soft underbelly of the Balkans, with Alexandroupoli now being recognized as having an important role to play too. In effect, thanks to those ports, a sui generis form of diplomacy has developed and although it remains in the background, it is exceptionally valuable for Greece.
  Alexandroupoli and Igoumenitsa -in other words two ports located on the Egnatia Road- reveal their geostrategic role for international freight flows, with Alexandroupoli acquiring a special role in NATO’s defense doctrine and in dealing with the Turkish ‘monopoly’ of the Bosporus Straits for international shipping. The combination of a train-ship connecting Alexandroupoli to the railway system in Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary (the Sea2Sea project) is adding a new aspect to the idea of combined transport, while also opening horizons for the development of business and operational activities with high added value for the Greek regional and central economy.
  As far as railway coverage is concerned, it took 25 years of discussions and paper exercises to get to where we are today with a railway connection between the commercial port of Piraeus and the national railway network and the Thriasio railway hub which is currently being developed. A similar amount of time was wasted in Thessaloniki with the port still waiting for the improvement route to be completed to connect it to the national railway network. This delay has deprived both ports of the ability to develop over that time their transit container activities with the result that competition in Italy and France reaped benefits and clearly put those ports in a better position than Greece within the territory of Europe when it comes to combined transport. What steps do we need to take now or what leaps do we need to make?

Who Attended

Business executives (shipping, rail, transport & logistics)
Bankers
Insurance and brokerage company executives
Business Consultants
Investors
Government officials
Representatives of local authorities

Agenda

July 5

09:30-10:00
Registration – Start Time
10:00-10:05
Welcome Address – Introduction to the theme of the forum
Speakers:
- John Lazarou
  Journalist
10:10-10:25
Welcome Address
Speakers:
- Dimitris Iatrides
  Executive Director of Hellenic Ports Association
10:25-10:35
Welcome Address
Speakers:
- George Xiradakis
  President of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, Founder - Managing Director, XRTC BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
10:35-10:45
Greeting
Speakers:

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
10:45-10:55
Greeting
Speakers:
- Mr. Xiao Junzheng
  Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Hellenic Republic
10:55-11:05
Greeting
Speakers:
- Ioannis Xifaras
  Secretary General of Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
11:05-11:15
Speech
Speakers:
- Isabelle Ryckbost
  Secretary General, ESPO - European Sea Ports Organisation
11:15-11:25
Speech
Speakers:

Ms. Marie-Caroline Laurent, General Director of CLIA Europe - Cruise Line International Association
11:25-11:35
Greeting
Speakers:
- Athanasios Liagkos
  Chairman of ELIME and Executive Chairman of the BoD & Managing Director of ThPA S.A.
11:45-12:35
Panel Ι: “Combined transport, infrastructure & cruises: The ports are discussing …”
Moderator: John Lazarou, Journalist
Speakers:
12:35-13:00
NETWORKING BREAK – COFFEE BREAK
13:00-13:10
Introductory Speech
Speakers:
- George Maronidis
  Board Member, Hellenic Logistics Association, Founder & Managing Partner "Maronidis & Associates Law Firm"
13:10-14:00
Panel ΙΙ: “Greece’s transformation into an international transport hub and the role of combined transport – Infrastructure challenges at ports – railways”
Moderator: Dimitris Iatrides, Executive Director of Hellenic Ports Association
Speakers:
14:00-14:45
NETWORKING BREAK – LUNCH BREAK
14:45-14:55
Introductory Speech
Speakers:
- Dr.  Sotirios Theofanis
  Professor of Practice, CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, Thessaloniki Greece, Executive Director, MARLOGMIND PC
14:55-15:05
Speech
Speakers:
- George Sp. Alexandratos
  Vice President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping
15:05-15:55
Panel ΙII: “ESG Sustainable Development – Green Ports & Financing”
Moderator: Helena Athoussaki, Chief Sustainability Officer, Motor Oil Group – Principal organizer of the ESG Shipping Awards
Speakers:
15:55
Conclusions – End of the Forum – Thank you!

Bronze Sponsors

Corporate Participations

Under the Auspices of

Communication Sponsors

Sponsorship Program

GOLD SPONSOR (€12,000 + VAT)

Sponsors will be prominently featured throughout the forum’s promotional material (e-newsletters, e-mail updates, landing pages, reports, etc.).
The option is provided for the publication of an interview of a high-ranking executive in HRIMA magazine, to be reposted on the banks.com.gr portal.
One sponsor executive is entitled to a ten-minute (10) speech.
Sponsors are entitled to have an executive participate in a forum panel.
Sponsors are entitled to have three (3) executives physically present and three (3) executives participate digitally at the Closed (Hybrid) Lobbying Workshop.
The sponsor’s logo (and/or a design containing it) will be prominently featured on the graphics of the forum’s main website and on the graphics of the LiveOn Expo Complex (signs on the building’s exterior, in the Lobby/Zone Α, in the VIP Lounge, in the Conference Center Lobby, and in the Conference Center (Auditorium) halls where the event will be broadcast live).
Sponsors are entitled to a Premium 3D Digital Stand at the LiveOn Expo Complex Sponsors Hall. The stand will include the following material (up to 30 MB): 1. Company Logo (area where the Sponsor’s corporate sign and brand name will be presented in a photographic composition), 2. Digital Secretariat (area where visitors will be able to leave their contact details, get information on the company profile (500 words maximum), download the company profile and request a meeting with a Sponsor’s representative), 3. Company Video (area where visitors will have access to a company presentation video – of 5′ maximum duration), 4. Product Promotion Placements (2x) (two placements of photographic material where visitors will be able to get information on the company’s products), 5. Meeting Point (where visitors will have the opportunity to meet with company’s representatives who are present at the stand (their profiles will be visible on pop-ups) and interact with them (through pop-ups) by instant chat, instant or scheduled video call, instant or scheduled B2B meeting) and 6. Product Catalogue Placements (2x).
At the Digital Stand, up to eight (8) executives of the Sponsor will be able to connect and communicate online. Visitors who request some form of communication with an executive, will automatically be notified of the latter’s contact information (e-business card).
They are entitled to space to set up a kiosk, maximum dimensions 3m x 3m, in the lobby of the hotel where the forum will be held.
They are entitled to fifty (50) invitations to attend the forum via the LiveOn electronic platform.
They are entitled to three (3) eight-person round tables (24 people) in the forum area.
Sponsors may opt to screen an advertisement spot (20” maximum duration). This ad spot may be played up to three (3) times during the forum’s advertisement slots.
Sponsors will be promoted via the organizer’s social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) with three (3) “featured” posts.
They are entitled to include up to (30 MB) of promotional material in the forum’s MyEventXPack (digital tote bag).
They shall receive an extensive report of the forum.

SILVER SPONSOR (€9,000 + VAT)

Sponsors will be prominently featured throughout the forum’s promotional material (e-newsletters, e-mail updates, landing pages, reports, etc.).
The option is provided for the publication of an interview of a high-ranking executive on the banks.com.gr portal.
One sponsor executive is entitled to a ten-minute (10) speech or to participate in a forum panel.
The sponsor’s logo (and/or a design containing it) will be prominently featured on the graphics of the forum’s main website and on the graphics of the LiveOn Expo Complex (signs on the building’s exterior, in the Lobby/Zone Α, in the VIP Lounge, in the Conference Center Lobby, and in the Conference Center (Auditorium) halls where the event will be broadcast live).
Sponsors are entitled to a Premium 3D Digital Stand at the LiveOn Expo Complex Sponsors Hall. The stand will include the following material (up to 20 MB): 1. Company Logo (area where the Sponsor’s corporate sign and brand name will be presented in a photographic composition), 2. Digital Secretariat (area where visitors will be able to leave their contact details, get information on the company profile (500 words maximum), download the company profile and request a meeting with a Sponsor’s representative), 3. Company Video (area where visitors will have access to a company presentation video – of 5′ maximum duration), 4. Product Promotion Placements (2x) (two placements of photographic material where visitors will be able to get information on the company’s products). 5. Meeting Point (where visitors will have the opportunity to meet with company’s representatives who are present at the stand (their profiles will be visible on pop-ups) and interact with them (through pop-ups) by instant chat, instant or scheduled video call, instant or scheduled B2B meeting) and 6. Product Catalogue Placements (2x).
At the Digital Stand, up to six (6) executives of the Sponsor will be able to connect and communicate online . Visitors who request some form of communication with an executive, will automatically be notified of the latter’s contact information (e-business card).
They are entitled to space to set up a kiosk, maximum dimensions 3m x 2m, in the lobby of the hotel where the forum will be held.
They are entitled to forty (40) invitations to attend the forumvia the LiveOn electronic platform.
They are entitled to two (2) eight-person round tables (16 people) in the forum area.
Sponsors may opt to screen an advertisement spot (20” maximum duration). This ad spot may be played up to two (2) times during the forum’s advertisement slots.
Sponsors will be promoted via the organizer’s social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) with two (2) “featured” posts.
They are entitled to include up to (20 MB) of promotional material in the forum’s MyEventXPack (digital tote bag).
They shall receive an extensive report of the forum.

BRONZE SPONSOR (€6,000 + VAT)

Sponsors will be prominently featured throughout the forum’s promotional material (e-newsletters, e-mail updates, landing pages, reports, etc.).
One sponsor executive is entitled to participate in a forum  panel.
The sponsor’s logo (and/or a design containing it) will be prominently featured on the graphics of the forums main website and on the graphics of the LiveOn Expo Complex (signs in the Lobby/Zone Α, in the Conference Center Lobby — subject to availability — and in the Conference Center (Auditorium) halls where the event will be broadcast live).
Sponsors are entitled to an Advanced 3D Digital Stand at the LiveOn Expo Complex Sponsors Hall. The stand will include the following material (up to 10 MB): 1. Company Logo (area where the Sponsor’s corporate sign and brand name will be presented in a photographic composition), 2. Digital Secretariat (area where visitors will be able to leave their contact details, get information on the company profile (500 words maximum), download the company profile and request a meeting with a Sponsor’s representative), 3. Company Video (area where visitors will have access to a company presentation video – of 5′ maximum duration), 4. Product Promotion Placement (1x) (one placement of photographic material where visitors could get information on the company’s products), 5. Meeting Point (where visitors will have the opportunity to meet with company’s representatives who are present at the stand (their profiles will be visible on pop-ups) and interact with them (through pop-ups) by instant chat, instant or scheduled video call, instant or scheduled B2B meeting) and 6. Product Catalogue Placement (1x).
At the Digital Stand, up to four (4) executives of the Sponsor will be able to connect and communicate online. Visitors who request some form of communication with an executive, will automatically be notified of the latter’s contact information (e-business card).
They are entitled to space to set up a kiosk, maximum dimensions 2m x 2m, in the lobby of the hotel where the forum will be held.
They are entitled to thirty (30) invitations to attend the forum via the LiveOn electronic platform.
They are entitled to one (1) eight-person round table (8 people) in the forum area.
Sponsors may opt to screen an advertisement spot (20” maximum duration). This ad spot may be played once (1) during the forum’s advertisement slots.
Sponsors will be promoted via the organizer’s social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) with one (1) “featured” post.
They are entitled to include up to (10 MB) of promotional material in the forum’s MyEventXPack (digital tote bag).
They shall receive an extensive report of the forum.

PREMIUM CORPORATE PARTICIPATION (€3,000 + VAT)

Sponsors will be featured throughout the forum’s promotional material. (e-newsletters, e-mail updates, landing pages, reports, etc.).
The sponsor’s logo (and/or a design containing it) will be featured on the graphics of the forum’s main website and on the graphics of the LiveOn Expo Complex (signs in the Lobby/Zone B — subject to availability —, in the Conference Center lobby — subject to availability —, and in the Conference Center (Auditorium) halls where the event will be broadcast live).
Sponsors are entitled to a Standard 3D Digital Stand at the LiveOn Expo Complex Sponsors Hall. The stand will include the following material (up to 8MB): 1. Company Logo (area where the Sponsor’s corporate sign and brand name will be presented in a photographic composition), 2. Digital Secretariat (area where visitors could leave their contact details, get information on the company profile (150 words maximum), 3. Company Video (area where visitors will have access to a company presentation video – of 3′ maximum duration), 4. Product Promotion Placement (1x) (one placement of photographic material where visitors could get information on the company’s products).
They are entitled to display one (1) roll up banner, maximum dimensions 0.85m x 2.00m, in the lobby of the hotel where the forum will be held.
They are entitled to twenty (20) invitations to attend the forum via the LiveOn electronic platform.
They are entitled to invite four (4) guests to attend the forum in person.
They are entitled to include up to (8 MB) of promotional material in the forum’s MyEventXPack (digital tote bag).
They shall receive an extensive report of the forum.

CORPORATE PARTICIPATION (€1,500 + VAT)

The sponsor’s logo will be featured on the forum’s graphics. (on the forum main website, the Sponsor section landing page, and the presentation – speech pages).
They are entitled to ten (10) invitations to attend the forum via the LiveOn electronic platform.
They are entitled to invite two (2) guests to attend the forumin person.
They are entitled to include up to (5 MB) of promotional material in the forum’s MyEventXPack (digital tote bag).
They shall receive an extensive report of the forum.

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION

€290 + 24% VAT – hybrid participation (physically & digitally present via the LiveOn Expo Complex)

€90 + 24% VAT – digital participation (via the LiveOn Expo Complex)

Provisions per individual participations:

Participation in forum proceedings.
Full utilization of the advanced digital capabilities of the LiveOn Expo Complex (networking, XPack, video calls & chats).
Forum attendance certificate (to be sent by e-mail)
Online exchange of contact details and personal communication with speakers, forum participants, and participating sponsor executives through the event’s Networking Hub.
All participants will receive a detailed report of the forum(including speaker presentations, videos, and photos).

LiveOn Expo Complex Branding Spots