By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Thursday, June 9th, The Rio Times is hosting their second “TALKS” speaker series event, bringing together a panel of experts in three essential areas regarding the Olympics for foreigners in Rio: the organization of the games including tickets and transportation, the tourism opportunities for businesses here, and the visa situation for travelers during the Games.
The discussion panel will be held at the DOCA co-working space in Ipanema, and will go from 7PM-10PM offering R$5 Bohemia longnecks, and R$10 glasses of wine or Rekorderlig Cider, as well as some light appetizers and snacks provided by partners from the international community.
The main attraction of the event however, is the discussion panel and question and answer period. The Rio Times has brought together seasoned veterans to share their knowledge, experience and advice for those interested in the topics.
Stone Korshak, editor and publisher of The Rio Times explains, “We had a very successful event in this format last year, but this one will be improved as we’re holding it in a better-suited location. Also the topics surrounding the Olympics could not be more relevant at the moment, and our speakers are all terrific.”
Adding, “Each of these folks joining us have a unique perspective and experiences to share. I think that there are a lot of us in the community of foreigners here [in Rio] that will really benefit from what they have to say. Plus we’ll have some music, food and inexpensive drinks to make sure everyone is having a good time.”
Co-Hosts and guest speakers start with British expatriate Philip Wilkinson, the international media manager for Rio 2016, who is joining in an unofficial capacity. After his experience working on the last three Olympics, and now living in Rio since 2013, Wilkinson will talk about the organization of the Games in August, and share the latest about ticket sales, and transportation for both press and spectators.
Next will be Roshni Thakker from XperienceRio, a premium travel and tour company based in Rio de Janeiro that began operating in 2010 when American born Thakker fell in love with the city. She will speak about strategies and opportunities for making the most of the nearly 500,000 foreign tourists expected to descend on Rio between August 5th and 21st.
Last but not least will be American expatriate Michael Royster, who is a Brazilian lawyer since 1992, and managing partner at Royster Advogados Associados living in Rio for nearly forty years. Royster will talk specifically about the visa waiver for tourists and what conditions people should be aware of.
Korshak explains, “These are each topics that people want to discuss and learn more about, as they affect so many of us foreigners here in Rio. This was an opportunity to get the experts together and offer a service to the community, all over some great food and drink at this amazing co-working location in Ipanema.”
Entrance to this event will be limited to fifty places, and a guaranteed seat requires pre-purchasing a ticket for R$50 online. If seating is still available on the night of the event, entrance will be R$80 (cash only). Find out more and stay updated on new announcements and promotions by joining the Facebook Event page.
What: The Rio Times TALKS Series: Olympics
When: Thursday, June 9th, 7-10PM
Where: DOCA, Rua Barão da Torre 219, Ipanema, RJ
Entrance: R$50 reserved online/R$80 without (cash only)