THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Expats Living in Rome presents a special event as part of Rome Future Week.
Starting a business in Italy isn’t easy—complex bureaucracy, high taxes, and cultural and language barriers can make the journey especially challenging for expats. Yet many have proven that with creativity, persistence, and vision, it’s possible to turn an idea into a thriving business.
Join us for an inspiring evening as expat founders share how they built their businesses in Rome from the ground up:
• Patrizia Di Gregorio, Founder of Expats Living in Rome and a seasoned expert with over 24 years of experience in immigration and relocation to Italy. She is the visionary behind Italy’s largest expat community—both online and offline—supporting internationals through immigration and relocation services, Italian lessons, and social events. She also pioneered the well-known Tuesday Expat Meetup in Rome, the first event of its kind in the city, now recognized as the go-to gathering for newcomers and expats to connect and make friends.
• Oliver Green is the Co-Founder and CMO of Carpe Diem Tours and Create Circus Agency. Passionate about building purpose-driven tourism brands, he creates authentic, immersive experiences for travelers worldwide. With expertise in marketing and AI, Oliver develops impactful strategies that enhance customer journeys and drive growth across the travel industry. He is currently training as a coach, dedicated to supporting early-stage startups in scaling and achieving sustainable growth.
• Dennis A. Diokno is the Founder and CEO of FirstMed, a prominent provider of private healthcare services in Central Europe, with clinics in Rome and a new location soon to open in Milan. With over 30 years of international experience, he has led the development of clinics across Asia and Europe. He began his career in Moscow and Beijing and now oversees FirstMed’s strategic expansion into key European markets.
• Rosangela Mastalia & Brandy Pollock, Co-Founders of AURA Sacred Space, a yoga and wellness studio in Rome. Longtime friends and expats, they created AURA to empower the community through yoga, wellness, and music, blending their personal journeys of motherhood, spirituality, and cultural connection.
• Richard Greenbury is the founder of Cribmed in Rome, an online platform that simplifies apartment rentals for travelers and expats. With a strong background in hospitality and deep knowledge of the Roman housing market, he helps foreigners find their ideal home with minimal stress, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay in Rome.
They’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship as expats, sharing practical insights, lessons learned, and the realities of building a business in Rome.
After the talks, join us for a Q&A session where you’ll have the chance to engage directly with the founders. The evening will conclude with an aperitif and networking session—an opportunity to connect with fellow expats, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners in a casual, social atmosphere.
Whether you dream of launching a business in Italy or simply want to be inspired by real-life success stories, this event will prove that building a business in Rome is possible.
Advance Registration for this event is mandatory, spots are limited
Location: Città dell’Altra Economia
Date & Time: Friday, September 19| 07:00 PM
Entry: €18 includes a plate of appetizers and 1 drink.
Note: Due to limited space, RSVP is required to access the event.
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