2023-04-26 13:13:28
For Obama in Zurich “every step is counted”
Event manager Nader Korayeim tells how to bring an ex-US president to Europe, what role the Secret Service plays and whether Barack Obama is a diva.
An appearance with him involves a lot of effort: Ex-US President Barack Obama.
Foto: Charles Sykes (Keystone)
Mr. Korayeim, you usually bring rap superstars like Drake or Nicki Minaj to Europe, now Barack Obama. How did you get into it?
This came out of a conversation I had with a friend of mine. He works right next to Obama’s office, so I found out that his team was planning a speaker tour in Australia. I immediately saw the opportunity and started working on bringing him to Europe.
When was it?
End of 2022. After a few weeks we got the confirmation for the three shows in Europe, Amsterdam, Berlin and Zurich. For me, this is a milestone in my career.
Is Obama the first politician you represent?
Exactly.
«For us, Zurich is one of the most relevant cities in Europe.»
Why are you actually bringing the tour to Zurich? Do you have a relationship with the city?
For us, Zurich is one of the most relevant cities in Europe, with international flair, financially strong and with many intellectuals. We also asked suppliers in London, Stockholm and Paris, but for now we are doing Amsterdam, Berlin and Zurich.
The city of Zurich is responsible for security during the trip to Switzerland, in consultation with the Secret Service: Barack Obama 2016 on a visit to Cuba.
Foto: Getty Images
How is the presale going?
In Amsterdam and Zurich it runs reasonably. But we couldn’t address the guests through traditional advertising, so I’m happy with that.
That doesn’t sound very euphoric. Will the event be sold out?
I do not think so, no. But we will have a reasonable capacity utilization in the halls.
Pictures from the event must first be sent to the USA for review before they can be published. Is Barack Obama a diva?
I haven’t met him yet, but I don’t think he’s complicated. Basically, with Obama we have to coordinate every advertisement with the Berlin Office in advance and have everything approved, but that is common practice and normal for most major artists today. You only publish pictures that you have agreed with the management. But with Obama’s team, communication is much closer and more intensive. Every detail has to be clarified, which is why we are in constant communication.
How long does this preparation take?
We are working intensively for two months on this topic and again for a good two months before signing the contract. It’s really elaborate because nothing is left to chance: the number of steps in the hall is counted, the safety precautions in each city have to be met and so on.
Do you have anything to do with the security system?
Not in detail, that will be voted on at a different level. Nevertheless, we have to brief all service providers. The city of Zurich is responsible for security, in consultation with the Secret Service.
“I don’t just want to appeal to the elite with the idea of bringing Obama to Europe.”
How much money does Obama get?
A performance like this takes a lot of effort.
But how much? In the six-digit range?
Unfortunately, we have a duty of confidentiality in the contracts.
Then you’re not allowed to say where he lives and how long he’s staying?
No.
What speaks for Klaas Heufer-Umlauf as moderator?
I had different ideas for the program – and Klaas stands for a clear set of values. In the past he has done nice actions that brought certain topics such as sexist attacks in everyday life or the uprisings in Iran into the public eye, at least in German-speaking countries. He also guarantees that you can implement a cross-generational program with him. With this idea of bringing Obama to Europe, I don’t just want to appeal to the elite, but also to people who may not yet have access to such issues.
What fee does Heufer-Umlauf get?
I can’t say anything about that either, but everyone involved gives everything for the show.
is he excited
He was super excited when we first talked about this opportunity. And yes, he’s excited.
How political will the event be?
Socially relevant topics will be addressed, certainly with a link to politics, but it won’t be pure political talk. Like me Obama estimate, he will convey these topics to us in a very motivating way. And especially in today’s world with its many global conflicts, I think that he can convey a lot of hope.
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