Hermes was the Greek god of commerce, son of Zeus and Maia. Quick acting and cunning, he was able to move swiftly between the world of man and the world of gods, acting as a messenger of the gods and the link between mortals and Olympians.
Hermes Expo continues this tradition. On March 31, the 24th Hermes Expo took place at the Concordville Inn in Delaware County. The Hermes Expo has gone back to its roots after traveling to Chicago, Atlantic City and New York City. Delaware County welcomed the Hermes Expo with open arms. It is here to stay. The 2015 Hermes Expo showcased products and services from a variety of industries, ranging from healthcare, restaurant and hospitality to tourism. It was and continues to be a one stop shop for meeting with driven individuals in the fields of law, medicine, hospitality and finance. It is the number one networking platform in the region. Hermes Expo replaces the internet through personal interaction and contact.
The morning of March 31 saw Hermes Expo open its doors to the first Theodore G. Spyropoulos Seminar series, named after the leader and visionary Greek, Theodore G. Spyropoulos of Chicago, IL. The “TGS” Seminars hosted speakers of diverse backgrounds. They discussed public service and economics as well as the restaurant and hospitality industry. Featured speakers included: Dr. Nicholas Hadgis, Dean of Widener University Restaurant & Hospitality School; Iris Capo, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce; Chere Dannettel, Economic Statecraft at the Institute of World Politics; Penny Zenker, Productivity Expert; Nick Larigakis President of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI); Newly appointed President of Delco Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Trish McFarland; Chef Marc d’Entremont; Dr. George Tsetsekos, Dean Emeritus and Francis Professor of Finance at LeBow’s College of Business at Drexel University; Nick Fontana, Senior Marketing Associate at Sysc; Les Vail , President Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce; John P. McBlain, Delaware County Councilman; Michael Culp, Delaware County Councilman and Honorable Mario J. Civera Jr., Chairman of Delaware County Council.
The 24th Hermes Expo Grand Opening commenced at 1:00 pm. Booth exhibits included representation from the food industry, real estate, finance, healthcare, energy, non-profits, pharmaceuticals and others. Attendees were given the opportunity to mingle with the vendors and guests. The Hermes Expo hosted a food show in addition to a business forum. Businesses and professionals from across the country met to conduct business and explore ideas.
The Awards Dinner was unique. The unforgettable ceremony honored individuals who have excelled in their professional career as well as their community. Honorees included Congresswoman Dina Titus, (D-NV), who has tirelessly worked on issues to protect our environment, pushing for renewable energy development policies and creating more sustainable communities. Honorees included Dr. Nicholas Hadgis for his long-term contribution to education and leadership; Dean Laskaris for his contribution to St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church and leadership; John, Tommy & Loui Korologos for their philanthropic contributions; and Dr. Angelo Karakasis for his contribution in his field of practice.
The keynote address at the Hermes Expo was given by Dr. Konstadinos Plestis, MD and System Chief, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Main Line Health’s Lankenau Heart Institute. In attendance at the Hermes Expo was Jack Whelan, District Attorney of Delaware County, Mario Civera Jr., Chairman of Delaware County Council, Pat Larkin Jr., Chairman of the Marple Republican Party, Nick Larigakis, President of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), four of the Area priests and their Board of Directors, Presidents of Societies and Communities as well as businessmen and businesswomen from the north east region.
The Hermes Expo recognized Director Elias Pantelidis and the Hellenic American Academy of Aristotle. The Delaware County-based academic institution instructs students in the Greek language and Hellenic culture. Founder and President of Hermes Expo Paul Kotrotsios awarded scholarships to three students from the Academy in honor of the late Theodore G. Spyropoulos. These talented and inspirational students were C. Konstantopoulos, Iris Locke and Lia Fourakis.
In today’s world of technology, it is important to remember that personal interaction is vital to the success of business transactions. Hermes Expo does just that. It brings together various professionals from a variety of industries to network, mingle, and exchange business ideas. It is one of a kind in that it has never forgotten its roots or its purpose: to help grow one’s business. Hermes Expo invites its attendees to explore, discover and connect. This forum is an important tool for businesses and professional development. The opportunities are endless.
“Besides exhibits, we focused on quality,” said Kotrotsios. “Everyone had time to talk on a one to one basis. We had time to communicate with supporters, sponsors, exhibitors and visitors. It was all there: educational seminars, exceptional speakers, special offers by the exhibitors, b2b meetings, reception, networking opportunities, awards dinner and entertainment.”
“Hermes Expo is one of the country’s largest and renowned business- to-business networking events and we are excited to partner with The Concordville Inn,” noted Kotrotsios. “Hermes Expo International has become a proven venue for businesses to establish new contacts, increase sales, and expand their brand. While the Expo still includes many companies doing business with Greece, the event is national and international in scope. That is what makes this event unique. Each year, the event grows in the number of exhibitors, participants, sponsors, and attendees.”
“We hope to see you next year at the 25th Hermes Expo in Delaware County!” said Kotrotsios. “Come explore, discover and connect with our attendees and vendors. Take advantage of this unique networking platform. And don’t forget; invite your associates and friends!”
For more information on sponsorships, booths, events, seminars and advertising opportunities please connect via web or e-mail.
