INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: CONGRESS RENTAL
STRONG REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND RELIABILITY
Aleksandar Ilic, General Manager of Congress Rental
"Over the past 15 years, Congress Rental Serbia has grown into one of the leading providers of conference and interpretation solutions in the region, building a strong reputation for excellence, innovation, and reliability. From the very beginning, we have continuously expanded our portfolio, offering simultaneous interpretation systems, discussion and voting solutions, audiovisual equipment, and advanced conferencing technologies to ensure seamless communication at international events. For us, working with clients isn’t just about providing AV and conferencing solutions—it’s about truly understanding their needs and ensuring their events run smoothly. We see ourselves as partners, not just providers, committed to delivering quality, precision, and a stress-free experience".
Podimatas Group of Companies is an event production group which provides end to end solutions for any type of meeting or event using the latest technologies. Could you tell us more about the group's operations in the region?
Podimatas Group of Companies, led by Mr. Panagiotis Podimatas, is a leading event production group specializing in comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for a wide range of events, from corporate meetings and conferences to large-scale productions and exhibitions.The group consists of five specialized companies: Podimatas Audiovisual, which provides cutting-edge audiovisual services; Upbeat, focused on entertainment and audience engagement; PPDA, a strategic design and production company; Athens Flying Week, one of Europe's most prestigious aviation events; and Congress Rental Serbia, a leading provider of conference and interpretation solutions in Serbia.With offices in Crete, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Belgrade, the group has the capacity to support events across the Balkans and beyond, ensuring seamless execution at any scale.
Congress Rental operates in Serbia for more than 15 years as part of Podimatas Group of Companies. How did Congress Rental develop during this period?
Over the past 15 years, Congress Rental Serbia has grown into one of the leading providers of conference and interpretation solutions in the region, building a strong reputation for excellence, innovation, and reliability. From the very beginning, we have continuously expanded our portfolio, offering simultaneous interpretation systems, discussion and voting solutions, audiovisual equipment, and advanced conferencing technologies to ensure seamless communication at international events. Today, we are a company of 25 dedicated professionals, backed by strong references, valuable partnerships, and state-of-the-art equipment. Together with our team from Greece, we have supported two of the most significant conferences in modern Serbian history—the 22nd OSCE Ministerial Council in 2015 and the 141st Assembly of the IPU. Our expertise is also reflected in the fixed installations of Bosch conference systems in the Serbian Parliament, Government, Ministries, and numerous other institutions.
Live events are known for the challenges that can arise at any moment. How important is a good team work in these situations?
The most important value of Congress Rental are people, our team. In the context of live events, good teamwork is absolutely critical. Live events are dynamic, fast-paced, and often unpredictable, with numerous moving parts that must align perfectly to ensure success. Whether it's a concert, conference, sports event, or corporate gathering, the complexity of live events demands seamless collaboration among team.
Congress Rental is a member of two international networks, AV Alliance and Congress Rental Network. What benefits does this membership offer to your portfolio?
Membership in international business networks can provide significant advantages to a company's portfolio, enhancing its growth, competitiveness, and global reach. These networks connect businesses across borders, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to new opportunities. Trust building, strategic partnerships, Industry Insights, crisis supports (during the Covid we learned it very well), global mindset and many others. And one of the most important, we improved the profile of Serbia in international map of event management.
The Audiovisual (AV) industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in collaboration and communication tools. What are the most decisive AV industry trends nowadays and which ones are you implementing in your business?
We are living a Rrenaissance of Tech industry and we enjoy it. It is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the increasing demand for immersive and interactive experiences. Three years ago, we tested AI interpretation on Annual Meeting of Congress Rental Network in Colombia and we are working on implementation to our services. This year, we have invested in cutting-edge technology, including a 4K resolution LED screen,sound system with advanced technologies (immersive sound, sound direction control etc.), lights with digital control, Bosch delegate microphone with touch screen, advanced software for hybrid meetings where you can connect from any point of the World to meeting here in Belgrade, remote interpretation etc. Event venuesrendering where you can see how your event will look like.
How do you define an effective approach to clients and what would you highlight as the main advantage of the Congress Rental brand compared to other companies in the same industry?
For us, working with clients isn’t just about providing AV and conferencing solutions—it’s about truly understanding their needs and ensuring their events run smoothly. We see ourselves as partners, not just providers, committed to delivering quality, precision, and a stress-free experience. While technology is at the core of what we do, the real challenge is adapting technology to people, not the other way around. Access to cutting-edge equipment, international partnerships, and continuous investment is crucial, but what matters most is empathy and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. This is a belief shared by both myself and our chairman, Mr. Podimatas, and it’s what truly sets us apart.
This year Congress Rental marks 10 years since joining the Association. What does the Association represent for you and, as an active member of the HBA, are you satisfied with its work?
This year, we proudly celebrate 10 years as a member of the Hellenic Business Association (HBA)—a partnership that has given us valuable connections, insights, and opportunities for growth. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with many members, some lasting more than a decade. As a Greek company, our membership in HBA holds great significance, as it supports stronger business ties between Greece and Serbia, helps Greek companies thrive, and brings our two nations even closer together. HBA has been doing an outstanding job, and I want to take this opportunity to commend both past and present leadership, the Greek Embassy, and especially Ms. Fanina for her unwavering energy and passion in supporting our community.
