From October 19 to 21 the breathtaking landscape of the Astir hotel in Athens serves as the backdrop for the 31st annual Marketing Meeting of GEB. It also served as a way to celebrate GEB’s 45th anniversary. The location of the event was chosen at the beginning of the year and, at that time, no one could have foreseen the challenges to be faced by the Greek people. Fortunately, despite the tough conditions and some flight cancellations, the event was a success and almost all the 150 invitees were able to attend.
The attendees came to represent the GEB Network’s local companies from all over the world, from the Americas to Asia, Africa and from all over Europe. Over the course of three days they 
were updated on the current and most relevant topics of the Employee Benefits market and on the future projects concerning our organisation. GEB CEO Mauro Dugulin underlined the important role played by the Network’s local insurers as they are closest to local clients. He reaffirmed GEB’s commitment to strengthen the cooperation and the support to the local partners in an effort to build an excellent and reliable service for the clients.
Senior representatives from the Generali Group addressed the audience via a videoconference. Mr. Valter Trevisani, Deputy General Manager, and Mr. Stefano Ferri, Chief Risk Officer of Assicurazioni Generali, explained the Group’s strategic growth and profitability objectives, and Generali’s approach to Solvency II. Furthermore, Mr. Trevisani underlined the fact that GEB represents a true success story among Group companies. He was pleased to see the strengthening of GEB’s market position, and how it distinguishes itself from the competition.
During the preparation phase of the conference, a survey was sent to all participants asking their advice on some issues concerning the contents and the structure of the meeting. The results of this survey gave the idea to dedicate a slot to roundtables and this formula was highly appreciated by the participants whose attendance was very proactive. The leisure activity, that was supposed to be a visit to the Acropolis Museum, was cancelled due to the manifestations that took place in the Greek capital in the same days.
This fact did not dampen the spirits of the attendees who enjoyed the sun and the mild temperature while talking and networking around the swimming pool of the hotel. Later that evening they had the chance to enjoy an incredible view of the Parthenon during a gala dinner sponsored by Generali Hellas, GEB’s local insurer in Greece. The closing remarks were given by Mr. Ludovic Bayard, GEB Chief Commercial Officer, who took the opportunity to thank the Greek colleagues who were instrumental in organising this successful event. Mr. Bayard concluded the meeting by encouraging the GEB Network to use all of its capabilities to face and overcome the challenges brought on by the economic crisis, and set sights on the 2012 GEB Forum.