A Premier Platform for Business, Heritage, and Community
The 34th Annual Hermes Expo reaffirmed its status as North America’s leading Greek-American trade and networking event on June 25th, delivering a powerful day of connection, knowledge-sharing, and celebration at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, industry leaders, and cultural ambassadors from the United States, Greece, and Canada, the Expo offered a dynamic space to exchange ideas, expand networks, and showcase the best of Hellenic creativity and business excellence.
For more than three decades, Hermes Expo has served as the premier platform for advancing Greek-American enterprise and culture, championing Hellenic values, quality products, and meaningful professional partnerships in the highly competitive U.S. market.
The Hermes Business Conference: Insight, Strategy, and Leadership
This year marked a highly anticipated return of the Expo’s historic morning business panels a tradition that connects attendees with top executives, thought leaders, and government officials for deep industry insights and strategic discussion.
With standing-room-only crowds, the panels underscored the community’s hunger for credible knowledge, future-focused strategies, and authentic networking that turns ideas into real-world opportunities.
A major highlight was the Hermes Business Conference, masterfully moderated by Katie Katro, award-winning reporter for 6abc Action News in Philadelphia.
This flagship session delivered actionable guidance, expert perspectives, and cross-industry networking designed to empower Greek-American entrepreneurs for growth in today’s evolving business environment.
Featured speakers included:
- Mike Bolos, CEO, Thunderbird LLC (Sponsor), on navigating technological change and AI with adaptability and workforce readiness.
- Andrea Pagiazitis, SVP, Market Manager at Provident Bank (Sponsor), offering tailored financial strategies for growing businesses.
- Adam Moraitis, Owner & Investment Advisor at Pegasus Wealth Management (Sponsor), providing practical investment planning insights.
- Phil Kafarakis, President & CEO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), exploring tariff challenges and transformative potential in the global food industry.
- Lauren Platz, International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service, offering resources to help businesses expand into international markets.
- Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Thessaloniki, Greece, highlighting the strategic U.S.-Greece partnership and inviting participation in the upcoming Hermes Expo Trade Mission to Thessaloniki.
The conference exemplified Hermes Expo’s mission: to educate, connect, and inspire the Greek-American and PhilHellenic business community for success at home and abroad.
Strengthening Transatlantic Ties with HELEXPO
A milestone achievement this year was the formalized partnership between Hermes Expo and HELEXPO, Southeastern Europe’s leading exhibition authority.
Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis visited the U.S. to spotlight this collaboration and promote the 13th Hermes Expo Trade Mission to Thessaloniki, designed to deepen U.S.-Greece business ties and expand opportunities for Greek-American entrepreneurs in one of Europe’s most vibrant markets.
Grand Opening Ceremony: Tradition, Vision, and Official Recognition
The Expo’s Grand Opening delivered signature ceremony and meaningful symbolism. Master of Ceremonies James Polos led the proceedings alongside founders Paul and Aphrodite Kotrotsios, with Archimandrite V. Rev. Nektarios Cottros performing the blessing, on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of NJ.
In his address, Paul Kotrotsios underscored the Expo’s mission of transforming ideas into opportunities and connecting Greek-American businesses with customers and partners in the demanding U.S. market. He reaffirmed that Greek products and services stand out for their quality, authenticity, and competitive edge.
“You know, when we chose the name ‘Hermes’, it wasn’t just about trade. It was about something deeper—communication, connection, and culture. And that’s what today is about. It’s about coming together, learning from each other, and walking away with new ideas, new relationships, and new inspiration.”
—Paul Kotrotsios, Founder and President
“This gathering stands as proof of what vision and hard work can achieve, thanks to the Kotrotsios family and our community’s support. Let’s continue to build on this tradition of connection, opportunity, and shared success.”
—The Honorable James Polos, Master of Ceremonies
Every government official in attendance was recognized and given the opportunity to greet the audience, underscoring the event’s stature and broad support. Among those who addressed attendees were Mike Tannousis, Assemblyman, New York; John Allen, New Jersey State Representative; Owen Henry, New Jersey State Senator; Steven Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Old Bridge, Dimitrios Kontolios, New Jersey Councilman; Chrisoula Ntinti, Regional Deputy Governor of Thessaly, (Trikala) Greece; and Bill Mataragas, President, Hellenic American National Council, Konstantinos Telios, Regional Deputy Governor of Thessaly (Karditsa).
Recognizing Leadership and Continuity
Attendees celebrated the leadership of Aphrodite Kotrotsios Tsilomelekis, Director of Hermes Expo and Hellenic News of America, whose vision and dedication have sustained and grown the Expo as a vital resource for Greek-American and Philhellene businesses.
“At a time when there was no central space for Greek-American professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to come together, Paul Kotrotsios had the boldness and the heart to create one. His mission was simple but profound: to unite the Greek-American community, to spotlight our contributions, and to give us all a place to grow—together.”
—Aphrodite Kotrotsios Tsilomelekis
Speakers throughout the day acknowledged her essential role in continuing this proud legacy while innovating for the future.
A Marketplace of Opportunity Across Sectors
Throughout the day, the Hermes Expo exhibition floor transformed the Grand Marquis into a dynamic marketplace, featuring exhibitors across gastronomy, tourism, banking, construction, luxury goods, technology, and more.
Attendees experienced live networking and real B2B connections, with opportunities to discover Greek products, explore services, and forge lasting partnerships that strengthen the Greek-American economic ecosystem.
Thessaly in the Spotlight
This year’s Honored Region was Thessaly, Greece, represented by regional officials and showcasing high-quality local products. Their presence underscored Hermes Expo’s mission to connect Greek regions with the diaspora, creating real pathways for economic growth and cultural exchange. Also present Euro food Quality SA and Ambrose Fruit Companies directly from Greece, presented their quality products and had fruitful meetings with buyers in showcasing and tasting their products.
Support from Greek Diplomatic Authorities
Greece’s Consul General in New York, Iphigenia Kanara, praised the Expo’s consistency and depth, noting her strong impression of the vast number of participating companies and the dynamism of Greek-American entrepreneurs.
She emphasized the importance of supporting Hellenic business efforts abroad as a pillar of Greece’s diplomatic and economic engagement strategy.
Hermes Expo continued its close collaboration with Greek-American Chambers of Commerce in New York and New Jersey, while also welcoming American chambers represented by their presidents and executive directors from CIANJ, NJBAC, MCRCC, WMRCC, CNJRCC, QCC, MRCC and OBCC, underscoring the Expo’s reputation as an multicultural business event.
Celebrating Excellence with Annual Awards
A highlight of the evening was the Hermes Expo Awards Ceremony, recognizing leaders for their business achievement, community service, and philanthropic contributions:
- Irina Kapetanakis, Rumble Boxing entrepreneur empowering women in business.
- Charlie Capetanakis, Lawyer and President of Hellenic Classical Charter Schools.
- Justine Frangouli, Author, journalist, and President of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal.
- Alec Oikonomakis, Supreme President, Sons of Pericles, for advancing Greek-American youth engagement.
- Michael Papaphotes, Dimitris Geaneas, Lucas Loucopoulos, distinguished AHEPA leaders recognized for community service.
- Dr. George Tsioulias, renowned surgical oncologist at Mount Sinai, honored for pioneering cancer research and patient care.
- George Athanasopoulos and the Parish Council of St. George, Piscataway, for decades of dedicated service.
- Pan Gregorian Enterprises Charitable Foundation
Authentic Greek Music and Celebration
The night concluded with a festive Greek celebration, featuring renowned singer Rena Tsapela and clarinetist Christos Haligiannis, offering guests a lively, authentic folk music experience alongside a luxurious surf-and-turf dinner.
The Management and Staff of the Hermes Expo expresses their gratefulness to all Sponsors, Exhibitors, Visitors, Keynote speakers, guests and Honorees.
Building Bridges. Creating Opportunities. Celebrating Hellenic Excellence.
For 35 years, the Hermes Expo has stood as America’s premier platform for uniting Greek-American enterprise with partners across the U.S. and Greece. What began in 1992 as a dedicated space for Greek-owned businesses to connect and grow has evolved into a truly multicultural business expo, open to all who share a commitment to quality, innovation, and partnership.
With its foundation in Hellenic values and community, Hermes Expo is more than an event, it’s a marketplace of ideas, a launchpad for collaboration, and a living bridge between cultures and economies. From Greek producers to American companies eager to tap into new markets, the Expo welcomes everyone ready to create opportunities and build lasting connections.
As we celebrate 35 years of impact, we invite you to be part of the journey: connect, collaborate, and grow with us. Discover the power of Hellenic enterprise and help shape the future of business, together.
