Professor Kirk Bowman addressed the annual Brazilian Economic Forecast at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta on 3 December.  His presentation focused on the preparations for the 2014 World Cup and the potential promises and perils of mega-events for country branding and tourism in Brazil.  While Brazil has tremendous tourism potential, institutional constraints undermine Brazil's performance in international tourism.  In addition, government missteps in using soccer as a distraction from unpopular measures contributed to political violence in 2013 and more protests are likely during the upcoming World Cup.