CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
GREEK EXPORTS CONFERENCE 2014
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGENDA
PARALLEL SESSIONS:
1) B2B meetings with UDE ECA executives
2) B2B meetings with Bilateral Chambers executives
3) Educational seminars on exports
GREEK EXPORTS AWARDS 2014
AWARD CATEGORIES
AWARD CRITERIA & COMMITTEE
AWARD APPLICATION PROCEDURE & COST
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
THE ORGANIZERS
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS INDEX
CONTACT INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
After the successful organization of the Grek Exports Forum 2013, which were widely attended by professionals from throughout the exports sector, the Union of Diplomatic Employees of Economic & Commercial Affairs (UDE ECA) and Ethos Media S.A., under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are pleased to present to you the Greek Exports Forum 2014, which will take place on Friday November 28th , 2014, at Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Vouliagmeni (Athens)
The Greek Exports Forum 2014 comprises:
1) The plenary sessions of the Greek Exports Conference
2) Three parallel sessions:
- Educational seminars for exports companies executives
- B2B consultation meetings between Greek exporters and Economic & Commercial Affairs (UDE ECA) executives
- B2B consultation meetings between Greek exporters and Bilateral Chambers executives.
3) The Greek Exports Awards 2014 are the crowning moment of the Greek Exports Forum 2014 and will be held on the same day, at the same venue, during a gala dinner. During the ceremony, exports prizes will be awarded to 14 award categories in total: 3 special prizes and 11 exports prizes for each export activity, the most important distinction being the IASON: Premier Greek Exports Award.
The Greek Exports Forum is an event which aims to offer the Greek exports professionals the tools and means to reinforce their business activities, thus contributing to boosting the competitiveness of Greek products and businesses.
GREEK EXPORTS CONFERENCE 2014
The Greek Exports Conference 2014 welcomes you to Greece, a country with manufacturing, production and business activities in markets all over the world.
One of the basic topics of this year's conference is the role of the economic diplomacy in the promotion of exports business activities to the international market. More specifically, the search for new markets, the constant improvement of the country's bilateral commercial relations, the motivation of companies to homogenize, the certification of exported products and increase of their quantities, the creation of small and medium enterprise clusters mentored by established bigger-scale exports companies in cooperation with financial organizations, as well as the structural problems of the production network and the overall business sector, are only a few of the issues that need to be thoroughly addressed in order to strengthen the Greek exports sector and help its businesses overcome the problems and symptoms of fatigue they are currently presenting.
It is a fact that the exports sector constitutes a fundamental pillar of growth for the Greek economy. During the years 2009 to 2013, the total exports rate increased by 57,1% (oil products included).
Within this framework, the economic diplomacy can effectively contribute to our country's return to promising sustainable growth and exports expansion rates. Extrovert businesses stand out as the most healthy and dynamic part of the enterprising sector. 48% of the extrovert small and medium-sized businesses aim to grow in the next years while this rate for other types of enterprises is 34%. Furthermore, in Greece, small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 50 employees contribute 35% of the exports versus 24% of the other European SMEs.
The objective of the Greek Exports Conference 2014 is to bring together promising Greek businesses with global market prospects and representatives of the Greek diplomacy and public administration sectors.
INNOVATIVE DIGITAL SERVICES!
The conference will be broadcast live on the Internet (live streaming). This new service enables distance participantstosubmittheirquestionsinrealtime. Detailedinformationonhowtoregisterandaccesstheconferenceonthewebwillbepostedsoonontheweb page:exports.ethosevents.eu.
OVERVIEW
SESSION 1: Map of the national exports strategy
SESSION 2: Exports insurance and funding
SESSION 3: A Practical Guide for the successful exporter: learning, getting organized, exporting
SESSION 4: Successful Greek exporters: boldness, talent, art
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGENDA
According to the Greek National Reforms Program, the national strategy on exports of goods and services is based on three pillars, the first being the expansion of the exporting platform through the increase of production of internationally competitive products and services by an increasing number of Greek companies. The second pillar is related to the boosting of the promotion of Greek exports in selected markets (developed – emerging), where there is a confirmed high interest of absorption of specific products and services sectors. The third pillar is the simplification of the relevant procedures so as to enable the exporters to dispatch their products to their buyers abroad.
SESSION 1: Map of the national exports strategy
In this panel, government and various state authorities officials as well as business executives will jointly discuss their course of action concerning the promotion of the productive and exporting potential of the country. The state's goal towards this direction is threefold. On one hand, Greece's exporting platform should expand, meaning the number of companies with exporting activities and the number of products/ services that are being exported should increase. On the other, the number of transactions related to exports should also increase, and this will be achieved through the effective structuring of the international commercial and economic network; “Enterprise Greece S.A. - Invest & Trade”, the new official agency of the Greek State to promote investment in Greece and exports from Greece, will be a key ally in this effort. At the same time, the state has a duty to function as a catalyst by enabling outward-oriented commerce and realizing actions that include – among other things – the rationalization and digitization of the relevant procedures, which are currently the source of the most problems for businesses involved in exports. Within this framework, the Greek State has a significant presence in the international markets through its global network of Offices of Economic & Commercial Affairs and its diplomatic employees. The ECA offices constitute the main mechanism for the implementation of support policies for the Greek entrepreneurship abroad.
Suggested discussion topics:
- Reform and implementation of national strategy
- Economic diplomacy and exporting entrepreneurship: the role of ECA offices in the internationalization of Greek businesses
- “Enterprise Greece S.A. - Invest & Trade”, the official agency of the Greek State to promote investment in Greece and exports from Greece
- Bilateral commerce in the global market
- Exports infrastructure and transit centers: the role of Logistics and supply chain in exports
- Re-exports and creation of products assembly centers
- Rationalization and digitization of procedures: electronic customs, business licensing, external trade procedures, standardization, certification, exports investment framework.
SESSION 2: Exports insurance and funding
This panel aims to highlight the problems but also the opportunities related to the funding of exports. Greek exports companies have reached and exhausted their exporting limits in the last years, due to lack of investments because of the economic crisis. Limited market liquidity – among other problems – makes the situation even more difficult. It is a fact that most exporting companies in Greece are small and medium-sized enterprises with limited experience and very few possibilities to get funding in order to further promote their exporting activities. This environment calls for new types of services, technical applications and funding tools that will boost the exporting effort and offer the sector the consulting and financial support it needs in order to grow. A business taking its first steps in exports or aiming to expand its exporting activities, needs funding as well as guidance from the competent state authorities.
Suggested discussion topics:
- Suggestions on alternative forms of funding, initiatives by ECIO (Export Credit Insurance Organization)
- Tools for boosting production/ manufacture, innovation and exportation through NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework)
- Export credit insurance
- High risk markets and export insurance
- Foreign investments insurance
- Factoring-type alternative funding tools
- Stock market, export indexes and funding sources
- Bank funding
- International commerce, legal mechanisms and insurance framework for goods in transit.
SESSION 3: A Practical Guide for the successful exporter: learning, getting organized, exporting
The implementation of international development policies requires reform of existing procedures in order to rationalize and simplify them – where necessary – thus reducing time and administrative cost for exporting companies and paving the way for new, modern ideas. Effective collaboration among research organizations, educational institutes, consultation services companies and exports businesses constitutes a major challenge, as only recently have we started to realize how much it can contribute not only to the increase of income from exports but also to the promotion of a renewed and more attractive image of Greece abroad, as a country fighting to establish itself successfully in the global marketplace of goods and services.
Suggested discussion topics:
- New market penetration and development techniques
- Exports marketing
- Brand creation consultation services
- Standardization, certification, packaging
- IT and communications technologies in the service of exporting enterprises
- Boosting exporting activities through social media
- Exports support and promotion electronic portals
SESSION 4: Successful Greek exporters: boldness, talent, art
This session will focus on the key role that experience and know-how can play in the boosting of the productive and exporting potential of Greece. Top professionals of the exports sector will share their opinions based on the experience drawn from their companies' business activities abroad. They will explain how they achieved to place, promote and establish their brands on an international level, thus contributing to the creation of a uniform, clear and powerful image of our country abroad. Greece as a brand name already ranks high in the list of countries that have a competitive touristic and cultural product. However, how could “made in Greece” become even more recognizable, attractive, competitive and more widely accepted? Experienced professionals who have conquered the global marketplace will attempt to answer this question by sharing their own point of view. It is imperative for Greece and Greek entrepreneurs to design a long term national communication strategy, which will enable it to consistently promote its values and uniqueness through modern terms and messages and above all through its businesses.
Suggested discussion topics:
- Consultation with successful exporters
- Producing in Greece and selling globally: experience and know-how
- Globally recognizable Greek brand names
- Who Dares Wins in exports
- How an idea can be translated into a business of international standards
- Boldness, talent, art: paving the way, overcoming obstacles, adversities and challenges
PARALLEL SESSIONS
PARALLEL SESSION 1: Educational seminars for exports companies executives
In parallel with the plenary sessions of Greek Exports Forum 2014, a series of educational seminars will take place. These seminars are addressed to exports companies executives and their main topics are:
International commerce: an overview of goods circulation on a global scale
Foreign market penetration strategies: marketing and promotion of sales abroad
Organization of exports departments
Spotting potential partners and agents abroad
Legal framework and protection of exports companies
Standard procedure from the beginning to the conclusion of a sale
PARALLEL SESSION 2: B2B consultation meetings between Greek exporters and Economic & Commercial Affairs (ECA) executives
In parallel with the plenary sessions of Greek Exports Conference 2014, the organizers will offer to the delegates/ potential exporters the unique opportunity to have personal consultation meetings (B2B meetings) with Greek Economic and Commercial Affairs Diplomats, who have experience and knowledge of the markets of Russia, Romania, China, the USA, Turkey, Germany, the UAE, Qatar, Israel, France, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Albania and Bulgaria. All meetings will be scheduled and tailor-made to the needs of each delegate. During them, the participating exporters (or potential exporters) will be encouraged to explore business possibilities in the markets of their choice and discuss with the ECA Diplomats any issues related to exporting procedures and landscape in the market sector they are interested in. Private meetings will be arranged by Ethos Media on a first come first served basis.
PARALLEL SESSION 3: B2B consultation meetings between Greek exporters and Bilateral Chambers executives.
In parallel with the plenary sessions of Greek Exports Conference 2014, the organizers will offer to the delegates/ potential exporters the opportunity to have personal consultation meetings (B2B meetings) with Bilateral Chambers executives. During these meetings, the participants will be able to explore their networking prospects in the markets they are interested in and get detailed information on challenges and opportunities related to bilateral commercial relations. Β2Β meetings will be arranged by Ethos Media on a first come first served basis.
GREEK EXPORTS AWARDS 2014
(In parallel with the plenary sessions of Greek Exports Conference 2014)
The Greek Exports Awards 2014 is the crowning moment of the Greek Exports Conference 2014. The Awards' main objective is to highlight and reward Greek businesses that contribute to the boosting of productivity, competitiveness and employment in our country, serving as role models for other companies. The organizers aim at establishing the Exports Awards on a national and international level, thus assisting the Greek exporting companies in their effort to penetrate new foreign markets.
The Greek Exports Awards 2014 ceremony will be held on 28 November 2014 during a gala dinner and will be widely covered by the media.
AWARD CATEGORIES: THREE SPECIAL EXPORTS AWARDS
Thespecialprizeswillbeawardedtoone(1)winnereachandtherewillbefive(5)finalists.
1stSpecialAward: “IASON: Premier Greek Exports Award 2014” will be awarded to the ExporteroftheYear
ThisisthetopprizeoftheeventandwillbeawardedtothebestGreekexporteroftheyear,following comprehensiveresearchandevaluationcarriedoutbytheAwardCommittee,whichcomprisesmembers specializedinvarioussectorsofthemarket.
2nd Special Award: Honorary Award granted by the “Union of Diplomatic Employees of EconomicandCommercialAffairs(UDEECA)2014”
This prize is awarded according to the criteria set by the Greek Union of Diplomatic Employees of Economic and Commercial Affairs (UDE ECA) which do not apply to the other awards.
3rdSpecialAward:“TopImporterofGreekProducts2014”
The objective of the third special prize of the event is to honor the importing business which has contributed the most to the Greek economy by consistently importing Greek products in its market(s).
ELEVEN (10) EXPORTS AWARDS FOR EACH EXPORTING ACTIVITY CATEGORY
The objective of these awards is to honor businesses with exporting activities in all market sectors, regardless of their size. In addition, there is an effort to honor companies that provide supporting servicestotheexporters,specialtypesofexportingactivitiessuchasaffiliatesandfranchisesaswellas renownedexportableproductsandservices.
Eachoftheten(10)ExportsAwardswillbeawardedtothree(3)winnerspercategory(1st, 2ndand3rd)andtherewillbethree(3)finalistsforeachcategory.
Industry Award
Crafts/ Manufacture Award
Trade Award
Services Award
Technology/ Innovation Award Primary Sector Award
Best Stock Market Listed Exporting Company Award
Award for Best New Exports Company (established less than 5 years ago)
Exports Supporting Services Award
Renowned Exportable Product or Service Award
The procedure regarding the selection of companies to be awarded per category has as follows: initially, six companies will be shortlisted as finalists per category. Then, the first three (3) will be selected by the Award Committee and awarded, while the last three (3), which will not receive an award, will still receive a specially crafted distinction logo to use in their marketing materials. This procedure applies to the awards granted for each exporting activity category; for the “Special Exports Awards” there will be only one (1) winner and five (5) finalists per category.
AWARD CRITERIA
The criteria for the evaluation of the nominations and the final selection of the winning companiesarethefollowing:
(The size or year of establishment of a company are NOT included among the award criteria)
- Exports percentage on total sales (average of the last three years)
- Number of countries where the company exports
- Recognizability of products or company identity abroad, brand names and innovative products
- Number of affiliates established abroad with actual business activities (not paper companies)
- Number of participations in expositions all over the world during the last three years (number of participations per exposition and total number of participations)
- Number of company distinctions and awards abroad – international recognizability and brand value abroad
- Innovations that assist exporting activities (eg: packaging, logos, procedures etc)
AWARD COMMITTEE
The award winners will be selected by a Committee consisting of distinguished exports executives with profound knowledge of the market. Their names will be published on the forum site: exports.ethosevents.eu by Friday 31 October.
TheAwardCommitteeandalltheorganizersareboundtoconfidentialityoftheresultsuntil theawardceremony,whenthewinnerswillbeannouncedbeforetheaudience.
The application procedure in Greek Exports Awards is as follows:
Entry for applications: Monday, November 3, 2014
Deadline for submission of applications is Monday, November 17th, 2014 at 14:00
The application process is done online at the conference site
http://exports.ethosevents.eu/el/
Companies that wish to be nominated for an award are requested to follow the instructions below:
Visit the http://exports.ethosevents.eu/el/ site and then press the button: Greek Exports Awards 2014. There is an application form which should be completed and sent electronically
Instructions for filling the application
1) select up to three categories of awards which wishes to be a candidate. 2) complete the specific request for the information required.
(To ensure the integrity of the process, a special committee will check for the accuracy of the data reported)
3. Companies that wish to be nominated are required to pay a NOMINATION FEE
The fee applies to one (1) nomination for one (1) award category. An extra fee will apply for each additional award category.
A. Nomination for the Greek Exports Awards: Cost €300 including VAT)
(Includes newly-established companies with less than 5 years of operation or with turnover less than €5.000.000
B. Nomination for the Greek Exports Awards Cost €600 including VAT)
(Includes companies with more than 5 years of operation or with turnover more than €5.000.000
For more informations about Greek Exports Awards please contact: Mrs Maria Nega, Ethos Media, (+30) 2109984920, e-mail : nega.m@ethosmedia.eu
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This Forum is a must attend event for:
Companies with business activities in the Greek market and abroad
Companies involved exclusively in exporting activities and companies with developed exports departments
Companies that have recently started to turn to exporting activities
Academics, Scientists, Experts
Professionals and specialized executives from state authorities, organizations and private companies involved in international commerce
Banking and Factoring executives specialized in exports
Insurance executives
Transport and Logistics companies executives
Consultants
Lawyers
Standardization – Certification companies executives
Communications, Internet and Mobility Marketing – Social Media companies executives
Graphic Arts and Marketing companies executives
Representatives of Chambers and Unions
Exports Information Banks executives
Exposition and Event Services companies with business activities abroad
On line marketplaces executives
Airline companies and traveling agencies executives