Upcoming Events
Athens, Greece
Educational Summit
September 26 – October 1, 2026
Agenda – Topics of Study
As is true of all our international programs, we aim to cover a variety of topics to ensure our delegates receive a complete overview and understanding of each health system we study.
Click here to review the preliminary agenda for our week in Greece. There may be some changes from this version, but you will receive a final hard copy in your meeting materials upon check-in.
Get To Know Your Fellow Delegates
There will be a delegate roster for a quick overview of who is attending the TPG-IHA Greece Educational Summit 2026 available soon!
You will be able to read all delegate biographies and company profiles here, so you can get to know your fellow delegates prior to the opening reception on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Athens. Details to come!
Hotel
DO NOT make your own reservations for the upcoming Educational Summit. TPG-IHA will be making reservations on behalf of all delegates per the information you provide in your registration materials.
All delegate reservations begin on Saturday, September 26, 2026 with check-out on Thursday, October 1, 2026. At their own expense, delegates may extend their stay on either side of the Educational Summit, or secure an upgraded room (subject to availability).
Below will be a list of articles that provide information and perspective on the Greek healthcare system. We will add articles to this list periodically, so check back often!
These reading materials are provided to you as a supplement, NOT a requirement. Feel free to read as many, or as few, of these materials as your interest & availability allows.
Articles will be available in the coming weeks!
Currency
Greece is a member of the European Union, and thus their official currency is the Euro. Exchange rates change daily, though as of the Spring 2026, 1 USD is equal to 0.85 Euros.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get cash in Athens is by using your debit card at official bank ATMs. Avoid exchanging physical currency, as rates and fees are usually poor. Carry a passport for any over-the-counter transactions, and rely on ATMs rather than standalone exchange bureaus.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Athens, and by Greek law, nearly all businesses—including hotels, restaurants, and shops—must have POS terminals. While Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted, carrying some cash is recommended for tipping, street markets, and small purchases.
Weather
At the end of September, Athens experiences a beautiful transition from hot summer to mild autumn. Daytime highs average around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F), perfect for sightseeing, while evenings cool down to a comfortable 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). Rain is still rare, though occasional light showers may begin to occur as the month progresses
As always, having a light jacket or rain coat doesn’t hurt.
Time Zone
Buenos Aires is in the UTC+3 time zone, which means when it is 1:00pm Eastern (in New York, let’s say) it will be be 8:00pm in Athens. In other words, the Eastern time zone is 7 hours behind Athens, Greece in September.
Tipping in Greece
In Athens, tipping is never strictly mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated custom. Unlike North American tipping culture, a gratuity of 5% to 10% is perfectly acceptable. For excellent service, 10% to 15% is generous, but amounts over 15% are generally unexpected.
Always leave your tip in cash directly to the server. Tips added to a credit card often get taxed or kept by the restaurant owner rather than reaching the staff
Power Outlets
Athens, Greece, uses standard European Type C and Type F sockets with 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. These are the two-pin circle outlets, so an adapter will be necessary to use your US-based electronics.
What to Pack
- passport and any other travel documents
- weather-appropriate clothes (see weather information above), including a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes
- casual attire for Saturday, Sunday, and departure on Thursday
- business casual attire for Monday – Wednesday
- cash and/or credit cards
- any necessary medications in their original packaging
- electronics, charging cables, etc
- outlet converter
- sun screen, glasses, hat, etc
Dress Code
- Saturday – arrival & opening reception – smart casual
- Men: nice jeans or chinos, button-down or polo shirt, optional blazer, clean shoes
- Women: Casual dress or skirt/top combo, tailored pants with blouse, flats or low heels
- Sunday – cultural excursion – casual
- Men: Jeans or casual pants, t-shirt or casual shirt, sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
- Women: jeans or casual pants/shorts, t-shirt or casual top, flats, sneakers, or comfortable walking shoes
- Monday – educational sessions – business
- Men: suit or dress trousers with blazer, dress shirt, tie
- Women: suit, sheath dress, or blouse with tailored skirt/pants, heels or polished flats
- Monday – patron dinner – smart business casual
- Men: tailored dress shirt with blazer, dress pants, leather shoes
- Women: structured dress or blouse with tailored pants/skirt, heels or elegant flats, refined accessories
- Tuesday – educational sessions – business
- Men: suit or dress trousers with blazer, dress shirt, tie
- Women: suit, sheath dress, or blouse with tailored skirt/pants, modest heels or polished flats
- Wednesday – educational sessions – business
- Men: suit or dress trousers with blazer, dress shirt, tie
- Women: suit, sheath dress, or blouse with tailored skirt/pants, modest heels or polished flats
- Wednesday – closing reception – smart business casual
- Men: tailored dress shirt with blazer, dress pants, leather shoes
- Women: structured dress or blouse with tailored pants/skirt, heels or elegant flats, refined accessories
- Thursday – departure – casual
Internet/WI-FI
You will have complimentary wi-fi coverage in the hotel, and Athens offers free public wi-fi in many areas around the city. There are also paid options in some locations as well.
Vaccines
No specific vaccines are required to travel to Greece at this time.
Personal Safety
Your personal safety is usually a matter of common-sense awareness of your surroundings. Keep wallets in an inconspicuous location; don’t leave expensive jewelry or other valuables unattended in your hotel room. The surest way to protect these items from loss or theft is to leave them at home. Take advantage of hotel safes and always lock your door when in your hotel room.
When traveling in markets and public areas, take care of your belongings and leave valuables back at the hotel. It is wise not to accept gifts of food or drink from any strangers. Do not go with anyone soliciting business or services away from the delegation or public spaces. Take care with your passport, credit cards and money – a money belt to fit beneath your clothes is highly recommended. Avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places.
Mike is a Senior Consultant for The Pharmacy Group (TPG). TPG provides consulting services to healthcare service, information technology, and pharmaceutical companies to grow revenue and improve the financial performance of their products and services.
Henry is a senior consultant with The Pharmacy Group (TPG). TPG provides consulting services to healthcare service, information technology, and pharmaceutical companies to grow revenue and improve the financial performance of their products and services.



Gayle is a Senior Consultant with TPG Data Services (TPG-DS). TPG-DS and our team of senior healthcare and clinical consultants are transforming the way providers and payors monitor healthcare information to control costs and enhance efficiencies.
Winston Wong is a Senior Consultant with The Pharmacy Group (TPG). TPG provides consulting services to healthcare service, information technology, and pharmaceutical companies to grow revenue and improve the financial performance of their products and services.
Jeff joined The Pharmacy Group (TPG) in August 2008 to support its administrative functions. Over the years he has taken on additional responsibilities including marketing initiatives, client communications, and general web support. As a vice president Jeff is primarily responsible for attendee recruitment for all TPG activities, from the planning and strategy of recruitment to the execution and oversight of those initiatives.
Rich Balest has served as a health industry consultant utilizing over 25 years of experience in data mining, data modeling, data warehousing, and information delivery. Rich has comprehensive experience analyzing detailed claims and eligibility from CMS, insurance companies, and managed care organizations including prescription benefit managers (PBM), and account and medical record detailed patient data from hospital patient accounting systems, clinical ancillary systems, and professional and institutional billing systems.
Marjorie Pestel Zimmerman, MS, BS Pharm, is a registered pharmacist with diverse experience in the healthcare industry. During her practice in a large tertiary care center, she held numerous positions, including decentralized clinical pharmacist and Assistant Director of Operations within the pharmacy department. As a consultant for a psychiatric hospital, she performed medical staff drug usage evaluations and led patient medication groups.
