T.E.A.M Houston - Soccer Summit 5 - Soccer Diplomacy - Houston Meets Europe
About The Event: SOCCER DIPLOMACY: HOUSTON MEETS EUROPE Where Sport, Business & Culture Connect As Houston prepares to welcome the world for the upcoming global soccer celebrations, this special Soccer Summit edition brings together international business, culture, and soccer into one high-impact evening. Just one month before kickoff, Houston Meets Europe creates a platform where business leaders, international representatives, entrepreneurs, and soccer communities connect through the universal language of the game. More than a networking event, this evening positions Houston as a global gateway city - open for business, rich in diversity, and ready for the world. HOUSTON 2026: THE OPPORTUNITY The FIFA World Cup in Houston…. This is NOT “Seven Super Bowls.”It is 39 days of global soccer, featuring: * 104 matches – 104 opportunities! * Millions of fans (3 million of them in Houston Metro area!) * International media attention – become visible! * Endless opportunities for engagement and business growth For companies, venues, brands, and entrepreneurs, this is a unique opportunity to connect with international (and LOCAL!) audiences, build partnerships, and create customer relationships that extend well beyond the tournament. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 1.HOUSTON MEETS EUROPE – LET’S TALK BUSINESS A Soccer Diplomacy discussion featuring representatives from four European nations expected to play in Houston: * The Netherlands – Stef van de Vijver - Dutch Business Support Office (NBSO) * Sweden - Anna Hammarlund Blixt - Swedish Consulate General Houston * Portugal - Erik Ussene – Portuguese Business Man - Zenith Football & Kizmet Agency * Germany - GACC / German business community representative (TBA) Topics include trade, culture, fan engagement, and business opportunities connected to the global soccer audience arriving in Houston. 2. HOUSTON MEETS EUROPE – LET’S TALK SOCCER A fireside-style conversation on European soccer culture, fan traditions, rivalries, legendary players, and what Houston can expect when Europe arrives.Featuring Glenn Davis and invited European soccer voices. 3. ONE MONTH TO GO – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW A practical session focused on business readiness and maximizing opportunities during the tournament.Featured experts include: * Juliana Wathen – Cosmo Cool Concepts - Event Planning Strategy * Jeff Scott – Magnolia Ballroom - Venue Strategy * Isabel Zetina – IkTika Media - Digital Marketing & Content * David - Houston Limo Association - Transportation Readiness Designed to help businesses understand how prepared they are - and what actions they should still take (and should not take) before kickoff. NETWORKING & DISCOVERY The evening concludes with networking, business introductions, cultural experiences, and engagement with Soccer Summit partners and vendors via various vendor booths, while enjoying snacks and drinks. WHO SHOULD ATTEND * Business leaders & entrepreneurs * International companies & trade organizations * Sports, hospitality & marketing professionals * Civic & community leaders * Anyone interested in soccer, business, and global culture FINAL THOUGHT Soccer Diplomacy: Houston Meets Europe is where relationships begin before the world arrives in Houston.If you want to learn, prepare, and connect with others focused on making the most of these historic 39 days, join us this coming Wednesday.Come learn from experts, engage with international communities, and discover how your business can benefit from one of the largest global sporting moments Houston has ever hosted. Learn more about T.E.A.M. Houston here: www.team-houston.com/events [https://www.team-houston.com/events]
