Greek-American Business Expo Hermes Expo Celebrates 35th Anniversary

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April 21, 2026
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On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Hermes Expo International will celebrate its 35th Anniversary at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey, marking more than three decades as America’s only business expo dedicated to advancing Greek-American enterprise.

Founded in 1992, Hermes Expo has evolved into one of the most influential Greek-American business gatherings in the United States. The annual event brings together entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, educators, clergy, and institutions from across the country for a day focused on networking, collaboration, and professional development.

Over the years, the Expo has served as a unique meeting point where businesses connect, partnerships are formed, and ideas are exchanged. It reinforces the strong connection between the Greek-American community and the broader American business landscape while encouraging innovation, investment, and professional growth.

Hermes Expo International operates as a multicultural, multi-industry B2B marketplace, convening companies, entrepreneurs, institutional leaders, and community stakeholders from across the greater five-state region and beyond. The event creates a welcoming environment where professionals connect face-to-face, explore opportunities, and build relationships that extend well beyond the Expo itself.

Through intentional networking and institutional collaboration, Hermes Expo continues to strengthen professional relationships while also serving as a convening platform for the Hellenic League of Businesses, a growing movement dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, professional integrity, and collaboration within the Greek-American business community.

Business & Leadership Conference and Masterclass Series

The 35th Anniversary program will feature a full day of engagement beginning with the Business & Leadership Conference and Hermes Masterclass Series, bringing together accomplished leaders from diverse sectors including entrepreneurship, energy, education, investment, and manufacturing.

Featured speakers include:

Irina Kapetenakis, Franchisee of Rumble and Private Investor, presenting the masterclass “Franchise-Ready: Building a Business That Can Multiply.”
Sal Ritorto, President of Greencrown Energy, presenting “AI, Electrification & Rising Power Costs: What Every Business and Property Owner Needs to Know.”
Mike Bolos, CEO of Thunderbird LLC
Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis, Dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Fairfield University, presenting “The Psychology of Success and Sustainability: From Anxiety to Resilience.”
Philip Kafarakis, President of the International Food Manufacturers Association

Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Hermes Expo Vendor Showcase, a multi-industry exhibition featuring companies, brands, products, and services across sectors such as banking and finance, food and beverage, information technology, healthcare, professional services, legal services, point-of-sale technology, and lifestyle brands.

Evening 35th Anniversary Reception and Awards Celebration

The day will culminate with the 35th Anniversary Reception and Awards Celebration, an elegant black-tie evening featuring an open bar, cocktail reception, formal sit-down dinner, and traditional Greek music and dancing.

The evening highlights the intersection of enterprise, leadership, and Hellenic culture while recognizing individuals whose work and contributions reflect leadership, innovation, and commitment to community.

2026 Honorees

As part of this milestone year, Hermes Expo will recognize the following individuals:

Evellyn Tsiadis and Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis — Athena Award
Father Paul Pappas — Spiritual Leadership Award
Manny Niotis — Business Excellence Award
Leonidas Pappoulias and Despoina Apostolidou — Paideia Award
Helen and John Psaras — Aristotelian Award
The Honorable Mariyana Spyropoulos — Public Service Award

For thirty-five years, Hermes Expo has served as a national meeting point where entrepreneurs gain visibility, professionals connect across industries, institutions collaborate, and emerging leaders engage directly with experienced executives and innovators.

Entrepreneurs, professionals, students, chambers of commerce, institutions, and community members from across the country are invited to attend and take part in an event that continues to shape the future of Greek-American enterprise in the United States.