Hermes Expo International Kicks Off 35th Anniversary Celebrations in Athens

Athens Gathering Launches Milestone Year

The Hermes Expo International is set to commence its 35th-anniversary celebrations with an exclusive networking gathering in Athens, Greece, on January 15, 2026. This event will formally launch a year of activities recognizing the organization's significant role in fostering business, trade, and institutional collaboration between Greece and the United States, as well as within the global Greek diaspora. The Athens gathering is expected to convene institutional leaders, business executives, and key stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic, alongside representatives of the diaspora, underscoring the Expo's enduring mission as a transatlantic bridge.

Three Decades of Connecting Greek-American Enterprise

Founded in 1992 by Paul Kotrotsios, the Hermes Expo International has evolved into a central institution for Greek-American enterprise. For over three decades, it has served as a crucial platform operating at the intersection of commerce, diplomacy, and community-building. The Expo has consistently supported Greek businesses in accessing the U.S. market, facilitated partnerships for American companies engaging with Greece, and provided a trusted forum for chambers of commerce, regional authorities, government agencies, and entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate. Its mission, as articulated by founder Paul Kotrotsios, is to be 'a bridge, between Greece and the United States, and among Greek Americans themselves.'

Promoting Trade and Collaboration Across Diverse Sectors

The Hermes Expo International's impact spans a wide array of industries, including:

• Hospitality and Food & Beverage
• Banking and Finance
• Real Estate and Consumer Goods
• Legal and Medical Services
• Manufacturing, Technology, and Energy
• Tourism and Education

The organization actively promotes Greek products and services abroad, aiming to strengthen the Greek-American diaspora as a strategic economic force. It encourages innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration between both public and private sectors. Notable achievements include facilitating a landmark business and cultural trade pact between the Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2000, and a formalized partnership with HELEXPO, Southeastern Europe's leading exhibition authority.

Looking Ahead: The Main Event in New Jersey

Following the Athens launch, the milestone year will culminate with the 35th Hermes Expo International in the United States. This flagship event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey. This main expo is anticipated to once again bring together businesses, institutions, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurs from Greece, the United States, and beyond, reinforcing the Expo's legacy of fostering meaningful connections and opportunities.