Celebrating 10 Years of Inspiration at the Hosts Global Forum in Athens
This February, the Hosts Global Forum marked its 10th anniversary in the legendary city of Athens, Greece. Nearly 200 event professionals from across the globe converged at the five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, for four days of immersive cultural experiences, dynamic education sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. From ancient ruins to modern innovations, Athens proved the perfect stage for a celebration of how far we’ve come—and where the meetings and events industry is headed next.
A Warm Welcome to Athens
Upon arrival, guests were treated to a luxury gifting experience from one of our valued Strategic Partners, setting a celebratory tone from the start. Our trusted Hosts Global Member in Greece, Conceptours, went above and beyond to bring Athens to life. Renowned for its long-standing expertise and passion for authentic Greek hospitality, Conceptours curated a remarkable program of immersive activities and experiences that showcased the city’s vibrant history, culture, and spirit of innovation. From navigating ancient streets to indulging in modern culinary delights, the Conceptours team ensured attendees experienced Athens from every captivating angle.
Greek Dancers and Global Perspectives
The official kick-off began with an exhilarating performance by Greek dancers, instantly transporting attendees into the local culture. Hosts Global CEO, Kurt Paben, then took the stage to welcome everyone to Athens, reflected on ten years of Hosts Global Forum, and set the stage for the compelling content to come.
The opening session spotlighted emerging industry trends with Pádraic Gilligan and fresh approaches to creative, experiential event design with Lizzy Styles, Senior Director of Creative Strategy & Event Design. Lizzy led a panel featuring experts from across the globe, delivering insights on everything from immersive décor to the power of personalization. Attendees left feeling inspired to elevate the attendee journey and craft truly memorable brand experiences.
Exploring the Future and Driving Sustainability
Hosts Global activated strategic partner, G7 Entertainment Marketing to bring Henry Coutinho-Mason —a leading author, strategist, and “reluctant futurist turned now-ist”—shared a fascinating glimpse into how we will live, work, and thrive in the next decade. With over 15 years dedicated to analyzing consumer behavior and innovation, Henrys thought leadership underscored the importance of adaptability, empathy, and responsible technology in shaping the future of events.
Before the Forum even began, Hosts Global partnered with Zeero Events—a Hosts Global Strategic Partner—to plant 3,633 trees globally, contributing to 596,175 kg in Certified Environmental Credit. By the time the Forum wrapped, another 2,035 trees had been planted, along with 303,000 kg in additional Certified Environmental Credit, all thanks to the collective efforts of attendees and Zeero Events’ generous sponsorship.
This impressive dedication to sustainability was further highlighted in a panel led by Hosts CEO, Kurt Paben, featuring industry experts committed to eco-friendly sourcing, responsible waste management, and the importance of partnering with suppliers who actively champion environmental stewardship. Collectively, they underscored how even small, intentional changes—like planting trees or incorporating thoughtful vendor selection—can create a meaningful impact on communities, destinations, and the planet we all share.
A Surprise Speaker and a Morning Wellness Run
Just when attendees thought they’d experienced it all, a surprise inspirational speaker—a renowned ultra-marathon champion—took the stage to share stories of stamina, resilience, and finding joy in the journey. True to form, Dean Karnazes invited everyone to join in a morning wellness run through the National Gardens. It was a refreshing way to balance mind, body, and spirit in the midst of a busy forum schedule.
Island Dreams and Afternoon Adventures
Lunch featured a panel conversation with Hosts SVP of Global Sales & Marketing, Tina Gaccetta, Conceptours Managing Director, Michael Argiri, and the Myconian Collection, to to talk about Greece’s breathtaking islands and how they can serve as show-stopping destinations for meetings and incentives. From world-class hospitality to pristine beaches, the discussion shined a spotlight on why the Greek Islands continue to captivate global travelers and event planners alike.
Later in the day, guests stepped beyond the lavish marble of the Hotel Grande Bretagne to experience Athens on a deeper level. Some wandered through the city’s heart on the Athens 5 Senses adventure, sipping ouzo and munching on traditional meze while soaking in the lively hum of Plaka and Monastiraki’s colorful flea market. Others saddled up for an Athens E-Bike Tour, gliding past the Acropolis with the breeze in their hair, discovering firsthand why this ancient city is hailed as the cradle of Western civilization.
For nature lovers, the Hymettus Mountain Hiking Tour offered a botanical paradise—fragrant thyme, hidden monasteries, and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Meanwhile, retail enthusiasts delved into the Shop & Stroll Athens experience, meandering along Ermou Street’s bustling boutiques and rummaging through eclectic treasures in Monastiraki’s famed flea market.
Meeting planners with a keen eye for standout venues opted for the VIP Planner Tour, revealing Athens’ unique ability to blend timeless architectural grandeur with modern flair. From stately hotel ballrooms to unexpected rooftop spots showcasing panoramic city views, the city laid out a compelling case for why it remains an unmatched destination for show-stopping events.
That evening, everyone gathered at the Markou Wine Museum for olive oil and wine tastings, komboloi-making (a nod to Greek tradition), and plenty of lively conversation. The next morning brought a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where walking among ancient ruins proved a goosebump-worthy moment, reminding us of Athens’ timeless allure.
Reigniting Partnerships and Celebrating Excellence
Thursday afternoon’s one-on-one sessions allowed clients and Hosts Global Members to connect, strategize, and discover new programs and destinations for upcoming events. These conversations reinforced the undeniable energy and necessity of in-person gatherings—proving once again that our industry is back in full force.
As the Forum reached its crescendo, we paused to honor the extraordinary accomplishments within our Alliance—those who dared to push creative boundaries, deliver flawless execution, and make a lasting impact. The first highlight of the evening was the Ferocious Creativity award, bestowed upon Moloney & Kelly DMC, A Hosts Global Member. Their daring blend of a County Fair and an Enchanted Forest Gala showcased local authenticity, immersive design, and a touch of fearless imagination. By fusing two distinct themes into one cohesive story, they proved that creativity truly knows no limits.
The second accolade, Made Meaningful, celebrated Hosts North Central and Hosts East Regions for weaving sustainability, equity, and community impact seamlessly into their programs. Recovering over 2,300 pounds of food, embracing reforestation initiatives, and uniting five offices under shared goals was a testament to their belief that events can—and should—create positive ripple effects for people, destinations, and the planet.
Next came Operational Excellence, an award that recognized COTC Events, A Hosts Global Member for orchestrating a large-scale incentive program where complex logistics and a tighter budget didn’t stand in the way of an unforgettable experience. From negotiating innovative venue buyouts to staging a carnival-themed finale, they demonstrated that thoughtful planning and precise coordination can transform challenges into extraordinary moments.
Finally, the evening culminated in the presentation of the 2024 Hosts Global Awards. Stepping into the spotlight for U.S. DMC of the Year, Hosts New Orleans garnered accolades for consistently delivering authentic, meticulously executed programs that keep clients returning time and again. On the international stage, Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member, earned the title of DMC of the Year (International) for its unwavering dedication to exceptional service from the initial proposal to the final farewell—fostering unparalleled customer satisfaction and loyalty across borders.
From reimagining event design to embracing sustainability and driving flawless execution, each of these winners embodies the values at the core of Hosts Global: creativity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences that resonate well beyond the closing ceremony.
Giving Back to the Local Community
This year, Hosts Global chose to forgo traditional in-room gifts in favor of something far more meaningful. In partnership with the SOS Villages Foundation in Vari, Greece, Hosts Global made a monetary donation to support the foundation’s mission of providing loving homes, family support, and essential services to children in need. By investing in the local community, Hosts Global and its participants left an even more enduring legacy in Athens—one that goes beyond extraordinary events and leaves a positive footprint in the city that welcomed us so warmly.
A Grand Finale with a View
On the final evening, attendees enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Acropolis Museum, followed by a dazzling rooftop dinner overlooking the illuminated Parthenon. Against this breathtaking backdrop, Kurt Paben took the stage once more to thank participants, partners, and sponsors for making the 10th Hosts Global Forum a resounding success. He closed with an emotionally charged reveal of the 2026 Hosts Global Forum destination—a sneak peek that already has everyone buzzing with anticipation.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the experiences in Athens—from ancient wonders to forward-thinking strategies—one thing remains clear: the meetings and events industry is thriving, fueled by creativity, collaboration, and genuine human connection. Here’s to the next decade of Hosts Global Forums and the countless unforgettable experiences they will spark around the world.
We can’t wait to see you at the next adventure. Opa!
