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 areas regarding the Rio 2016 Olympics; organization, tourism and immigration issues (visas). The first speaker is 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.
Wilkinson spoke unofficially about how his experience has been for the Rio 2016 preparations compared to the last three Olympics he worked on.
“Living and working in Rio has been a wonderful life experience, full of challenges and surprises, which is what makes it interesting and rewarding. I’ve learnt that being flexible and adaptable are key skills, you can’t come in and be ‘100 percent gringo’,” he explained.
Wilkinson adds, “Every Olympics is different, has its own unique flavor. Rio is the Games I’m most excited about. Cariocas are amazing hosts and the combination of Brazilian spirit and energy with the most spectacular city in the world will make this a Games to remember.”
Regarding the event, Stone Korshak, editor and publisher of The Rio Times explains, “We were surprised to be able to get Phil to join us, I know him personally and he is a great guy and very approachable, but his position at Rio 2016 has a lot of responsibility and I know he could not be busier these days.”
Adding, “The key is that the TALKS is not an official Rio 2016 event, and I think because Phil has become so much a part of the community of expats living here in Rio, he couldn’t say no! I’m joking a bit of course, but in all sincerity we feel privileged to have him join us and share some of his knowledge and expertise.”
In terms of what Wilkinson is personally most looking forward to during the Games, he says, “First and foremost; the sport. I’m a sportsman at heart and the greatest stories of the Games are always created on the track/field/court/pool. Secondly I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction of the International media to the first ever Games in South America.”
Answering what he thinks guests at the TALKS speaking event will have the most questions about, Wilkinson predicts questions regarding, “Will everything be ready? How can I get tickets? Where will the best parties be?!”
The other two speakers are Roshni Thakker from XperienceRio and American expatriate Michael Royster, who is a Brazilian lawyer since 1992. The latest addition to the line-up, thanks to Brazil 101: Comedy for Gringos, is an amazing opportunity to have Fernando Caruso, a famous Brazilian comedian and actor will be the host and emcee.
Other announced sponsors and partners are Fine Wines and Rekorderlig Cider, and of course our hosts DOCA co-working space. 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).
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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)