{"id":14272,"date":"2026-04-08T12:40:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/greek-american-business-expo-hermes-expo-celebrates-35th-anniversary\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T12:40:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:40:47","slug":"greek-american-business-expo-hermes-expo-celebrates-35th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/greek-american-business-expo-hermes-expo-celebrates-35th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"Greek-American Business Expo Hermes Expo Celebrates 35th Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"


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On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Hermes Expo International will celebrate its <\/span>35th Anniversary<\/strong> at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey, marking more than three decades as America\u2019s only business expo dedicated to advancing Greek-American enterprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hermes Expo International operates as a <\/span>multicultural, multi-industry B2B marketplace<\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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Business & Leadership Conference and Masterclass Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Featured speakers include:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • <\/span>Irina Kapetenakis<\/strong>, Franchisee of Rumble and Private Investor, presenting the masterclass <\/span>\u201cFranchise-Ready: Building a Business That Can Multiply.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  • <\/span>Sal Ritorto<\/strong>, President of Greencrown Energy, presenting <\/span>\u201cAI, Electrification & Rising Power Costs: What Every Business and Property Owner Needs to Know.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  • <\/span>Mike Bolos<\/strong>, CEO of Thunderbird LLC<\/span><\/li>\n
  • <\/span>Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis<\/strong>, Dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Fairfield University, presenting <\/span>\u201cThe Psychology of Success and Sustainability: From Anxiety to Resilience.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  • <\/span>Philip Kafarakis<\/strong>, President of the International Food Manufacturers Association<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the <\/span>Hermes Expo Vendor Showcase<\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Evening 35th Anniversary Reception and Awards Celebration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2026 Honorees<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    As part of this milestone year, Hermes Expo will recognize the following individuals:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • <\/span>Evellyn Tsiadis and Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis<\/strong> \u2014 Athena Award<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Father Paul Pappas<\/strong> \u2014 Spiritual Leadership Award<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Manny Niotis<\/strong> \u2014 Business Excellence Award<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Leonidas Pappoulias and Despoina Apostolidou<\/strong> \u2014 Paideia Award<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Helen and John Psaras<\/strong> \u2014 Aristotelian Award<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The Honorable Mariyana Spyropoulos<\/strong> \u2014 Public Service Award<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      Event Schedule<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Wednesday, April 29, 2026<\/strong>
      <\/span>Grand Marquis | Old Bridge, New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Business & Leadership Conference and Masterclass Series<\/strong>
      <\/span>11:30 AM \u2013 2:00 PM<\/span><\/p>\n

      Hermes Expo Vendor Showcase<\/strong>
      <\/span>11:00 AM \u2013 5:30 PM<\/span><\/p>\n

      Grand Opening Ceremony<\/strong>
      <\/span>2:10 PM<\/span><\/p>\n

      Cocktail Hour & 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner<\/strong>
      <\/span>5:30 PM \u2013 11:00 PM<\/span><\/p>\n

      The <\/span>Business Conference and Vendor Expo are complimentary with online pre-registration.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The <\/span>Cocktail Hour and Awards Dinner are ticketed events<\/strong>, and tickets must be purchased in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Pre-registration and dinner tickets are available online.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n