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Developing business partnership between Greece and Turkey
The development of economic relations between Greece and Turkey was at the heart of the 2nd Business Forum ‘Regional Economic Cooperation between Greece and Turkey’ which took place between the two countries and coordinated by ARTION on 14–15 January 2011 at the Arcadia Hotel in Komotini. There were more than 320 participants from companies in Greece and Turkey, while hundreds of bilateral business meetings were held between representatives of the participating companies. Referring to the growth of cooperation between the two countries, the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Spokesman Mr Giorgos Petalotis stressed that the suggestion ‘to turn the crisis into an opportunity’ is particularly valid in terms of the relationship between the two countries. The Turkish Minister for Industry and Commerce Mr Nihat Ergün pointed out that the two countries cannot afford not to improve their relationship, and that the predominant logic should be for the Aegean to become a sea of peace, with passenger planes and boats replacing the military aircraft and ships. The 2nd Regional Business Forum was hosted by the Union of Hellenic Chambers (KEEE) in collaboration with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the Commercial & Industrial Chamber of Rodopi, the Chamber of Tradesmen & Handicrafts of Rodopi, the Chamber of Erdine and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK).
ARTION at the Conventa Trade Show in Ljubljana
Artion participated as a hosted buyer in Conventa Trade Show, the leading meeting industry of South East Europe, on 19–21 January 2011 in Ljubljana. Conventa is a focused and professional businessto-business event bringing together over 100 meeting industry providers from South East Europe and more than 200 carefully selected hosted buyers from all over Europe. The Conventa Trade Show showcases the diversity of South East European destinations characterized by their location between the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Black Seas and by professionalism, flexibility, sincere hospitality and truly excellent value for money! 1 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
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ARTION at the ICCA Med Chapter Summit 2011
ARTION took part in ICCA Med Chapter Summit 2011, the annual meeting for members of the Mediterranean Chapter of the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) held on 18–20 February 2011 in Nice, France. Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), convention bureaus, conference and exhibition centres, journalists and hoteliers from ten European countries participated in the Meeting. The programme included presentations and speeches that focused on taking advantage of the facilities and publicity from large events (such as the Olympic Games, the World Cup, or the Capital of Culture title), sustainable development, protecting the environment, and how to make the most of social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter etc).
‘Kalimera Breakfast’ at the 1st Gastronomy Conference
A new breakfast suggestion, known as ‘Kalimera Breakfast’, which will bear a Greek mark and promote Greece as a destination for the international clientele of tourist establishments, was the focus of the 1st Gastronomy Conference ‘Kalimera Breakfast’ hosted by the Hellenic Chefs Association on 5 February 2011 at the EXPO Athens Exhibition Centre as part of the 2011 HORECA International Exhibition for Catering and Equipping Hotels and Catering Establishments. The custom of a Greek breakfast will promote Greek products and contribute to boosting local economies, as well as benefitting the destination’s distinctness and identity. The proposed meal should provide the individual elements that showcase the quality and features of the country, or even of the region in which the specific lodgings are located, thus contributing to the existence of an identity through food, and simultaneously promoting the particular products and flavours connected to a country or region. The Conference was held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, the Union of Hellenic Chambers, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the Hellenic Chef’s Federation, the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurant Owners and Related Businesses, and the Chefs’ Association. ARTION was responsible for organising and promoting the Conference.
ARTION in a Fam Trip to Sofia
Following an invitation from the Sheraton Sofia Hotel ARTION had the chance to take part in a Fam Trip to Sofia on 25–27 February 2011 which included a hotel inspection along with a city tour. Joined by HAPCO and a number of companies active in the tourism sector, the visit began with a warm reception from the organisers, followed by a dinner in the Sheraton Hotel’s Italian restaurant. The next day the group visited Plovdiv, an exceptionally beautiful city that exudes a sense of peace and tranquillity, followed by the Sofia National Opera playing the Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco. The trip ended with a tour of the city that included visits to both the National Art Gallery and the National Museum of History.
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RICS Hellas Real Estate Conference
The 1st Hellenic Conference of the Greek division of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the ‘RICS Hellas Real Estate Conference’, took place on 7 April 2011 at the Ioannis Vellidis congress centre at the HELEXPO TIF (Thessaloniki International Fair) site in Thessaloniki. The purpose of the Conference was to mark the beginning of a new era in the chartered real estate survey sector, as well as to create a statutory body for Greek chartered surveyors. Through the Conference, and in the context of a wider attempt to mature and revitalise the Greek property market, RICS Hellas demonstrated that now more than ever there is a need to deregulate the profession of chartered surveying, and for the latter to be authenticated according to the international standards of RICS. ARTION organised the Conference.
developing educators and executives in the use of life-long learning as a tool for growth and social welfare; life-long development of multilingual skills as a competitive advantage for businesses; and e-learning opportunities etc. During the Conference a foreign-language book fair also took place, with participation from a wide range of publishing houses. The organisation of the conference was coordinated by ARTION.
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ARTION joining the World PCO Alliance
In May 2011 the international network of conference organisers The World PCO Alliance selected and welcomed ARTION as a new member. This important distinction placed ARTION in a group comprising leading conference organisers from all over the world. The World PCO Alliance was created to help associations organise effective meetings throughout the globe. Representing the leading Professional Congress Organisers (PCO’s) worldwide, its aim is to increase the efficiency of conference and event services within a single network, by sharing resources, knowledge, technology, training and best practices among its members.
ARTION at Riga for AIACE Congress
Multilingualism and Life-Long Learning
The 1st Southeast Europe Conference in Multilingualism and Life-Long Learning took place at the Elpida Resort & Spa in Serres on 28–30 April 2011 at the initiative of the Associations of Foreign Language School Owners of Serres, Kavala and Halkidiki, with full support from the Chambers of Commerce of these three Prefectures. As stressed by the President of the Organising Committee Mr Ioannis Tsananas the novelty of the Conference laid in its topic: the combination of Multilingualism and Life-Long Learning in business. The conference sessions focused primarily on language learning and small and medium-sized enterprises in the European Union; educating and 2 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
Latvia’s capital, Riga, was the location of this year’s Annual General Assembly of AIACE (the International Association of Former Officials of the European Union) which took place during the 2011 Congress of AIACE on 15–21 May 2011. AIACE counting now almost 9000 members was created in 1969 by 35 former officials of various nationalities. It has always worked to promote the European ideal and to improve the well-being of all pensioners and endeavoured to nurture, in a spirit of friendship and good humour, the links among themselves and with the administrative services of the Institutions. More than 250 former officials of the EU institutions gathered at the Latvian city to attend the working sessions of the Congress and discuss various issues of the Association’s concern, such as EU remuneration, pensions and other matters with regard to administration EU services. The participants along with their spouses had the opportunity to enjoy the city, its diverse architecture and its surroundings through a rich cultural and social programme designed especially for them by the Organising Committee of AIACE and ARTION.
Thessaloniki to host the next ICCA Joint Mediterranean & UK/Ireland Chapter Summit
Thessaloniki, Greece, was officially announced the host of the ICCA Joint Mediterranean and UK/Ireland Chapter Summit for 2012 during the ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Meeting held on 23 May 2012 in Frankfurt. The ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, one of the largest Chapters of ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) represents over 150 organisations in 14 countries specialising in meetings. For 2012’s Summit, 8 destinations submitted bids. After shortlisting Milan and Thessaloniki and rigorous site inspections at both destinations, the announcement was made in favor of Thessaloniki. The bid presentation was put together by ARTION in partnership with the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. Miranda Ioannou, ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Chair and ICCA Board Member, noted: ‘It is our intention to forge synergies with destinations close to Thessaloniki to enable business development to take place before-during and after the Chapter Summit, in addition to the great cooperation and business exchange we have already put in place with the UK & Ireland Chapter’. ‘We have the full support of the industry, the politicians and business leaders in our region to make this event a success and showcase our city in the best possible way to meetings industry professionals’, said Ms Despina Amarantidou, the Communication Manager of ARTION, that submitted the bid jointly with the Thessaloniki CVB.
1st Training Seminar in Breastfeeding
The Association of Midwives and Obstetricians of Crete (AMOC) hosted the 1st Training Seminar in Breastfeeding, which took place at the Candia Maris Hotel in Heraklion, Crete, on 20 and 21 May 2011. The main aims of the Seminar were to deal with the scientific elevation of the obstetric profession, to preserve and support the professional rights of midwives, and to ensure the best possible training for them in the context of serving society as a whole. ARTION was responsible for organising the Training Seminar.
‘Preparation for Parenthood’ training seminar
The Association of Midwives and Obstetricians in Thessaloniki hosted the 15th Training Seminar for Midwives and Obstetricians entitled ‘Preparation for Parenthood’ on 21–22 May 2011 at the MET hotel in Thessaloniki. 3 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
The Seminar drew approximately 250 people, and aimed at those who specialise as Midwives and Obstetricians, as well as Paediatrists, Gynaecologists and medical students. The purpose of the Seminar was to inform midwives about getting future parents ready for parenthood, as well as to develop proposals for dealing with everyday issues. ARTION was responsible for the Seminar secretarial services and the sponsorship programme.
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Renown international scientists in Alexandroupolis
More than 150 international scientists and researchers renown in the field of cellular biology and microscopy and representatives of more than 20 companies from the field of light microscopy attended the 11th International Elmi Meeting, the annual meeting of the European Light Microscopy Initiative. The meeting organised by Dr Margy Koffa and Dr Andreas Girod of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Democritus University of Thrace was held on 7–10 June 2011 at Thraki Palace Hotel in Alexandroupolis. The success of the event was due in part to a rich and varied mixture of fascinating lectures by speakers who enjoy international recognition, in combination with a large number of practical seminars in advanced technology methods, in which top companies from the field took part. Groundbreaking research, imaginative applications, innovative technologies and new imaging tools were all presented. The meeting was organised by ΑRTION.
ARTION at the World Chambers Congress in Mexico
ARTION travelled to Mexico to take part in the World Chambers Congress that is organised by the ICC World Chambers Federation. Held every two years in different regions of the world, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for chamber executives worldwide to share best-practice experience, develop networks and learn about new areas of innovation from other chambers, as they face the challenge of remaining relevant to companies in their region. Mexico hosted the 7th World Chambers Congress, on 8–10 June 2011. The Congress opened new doors for delegates and its members, providing opportunities to interact with companies in leading sectors such as oil, agriculture, trade, and services.
Tourist promotion of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
25th Annual Hellenic Congress of Neurosurgery
The 25th Annual Hellenic Congress of Neurosurgery took place from 23–25 June 2011 at Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens. The topics covered by the Congress were extensive, including lectures by Greek and foreign guest speakers, as well as oral and poster presentations. In a parallel session and under the auspices of the Hellenic Neurosurgical Society, the 5th Annual Neurosurgery Nurses Meeting was held on 24 June 2011, where a presentation of scientific papers and discussion relating to organisational matters for Neurosurgery Nurses took place. Artion was responsible for organising and promoting both events.
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ARTION on Olympic Air’s educational trip to Chania
Driven by an initiative of the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul and the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, a series of events promoting tourism in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace took place at the Sismanoglio Megaro in Istanbul from 17 to 21 June 2011. The Sismanoglio Megaro standing on İstiklal Cadessi, one of Istanbul’s main thoroughfares, was visited by over a million people, keeping the publicity of the event at the highest levels. A press conference was held by the Head of the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace Mr Aris Giannakidis and executives of the region followed by the opening of the event in the presence of the Greek consulate authorities, representatives of the government, representatives of regional and local government, business people from the different prefectures of the region, as well as representatives of Istanbul’s Greek community. Cultural events were held in the following couple of days, while on 20–21 June 2011 prearranged Business-to-Business meetings took place between Greek and Turkish travel agencies, hotels and entrepreneurs. ARTION was responsible for the organisation as well as the promotion of the event.
45th Society of University Neurosurgeons Meeting
The annual meeting of university neurosurgeons, the 45th Society of University Neurosurgeons Meeting was held from 21–23 June 2011 at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens. The meeting, which took place just before the opening of the 25th Annual Hellenic Congress of Neurosurgery, gave Greek neurosurgeons the opportunity to meet colleagues from the United States and to exchange neurosurgical ideas and practices. Secretarial support for the meeting was provided by ARTION. 4 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
In July 2011 Olympic Air offered tourist agencies in northern Greece a unique educational trip to Chania and Iraklio, to show off the airline’s improved in-flight services and the superb 78-seater Bombardier Dash 8-400 aircraft in which the participants made their outward and return journeys. The participants, representatives of travel agencies in Northern Greece, including ARTION, had the opportunity to tour Iraklio and Chania, and to exchange views on issues concerning the tourism industry.
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Opening of new nursery school at Delta Municipality
The opening of a new nursery school in Diavata, Delta Municipality, took place on 9 September 2011. Its construction was fully financed by Hellenic Petroleum; the school was build on a plot owned by the Municipality and will operate under its supervision. It is a project of particular importance for the local community, where care and affection will be provided to the children in a cosy and hospitable environment, to which parents can entrust the care of their children.
The blessing was made by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Neapoli and Ouranoupoli, Varnavas. The event was honoured by the presence of Mayors and representatives of the Local Government, MPs and representatives from the Region of Central Macedonia.
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Athens to host a European Neurosurgery Congress in 2016
Athens was chosen to host the 16th European Congress of Neurosurgery in 2016, following a successful bid by the Hellenic Neurosurgical Society (HNS) during the 14th European Congress of Neurosurgery that took place on 13 October 2011 in Rome. Other candidate cities participating in the bid for the congress included Geneva and Tel Aviv. The Congress, that will be taking place for the first time in Greece and South East Europe in general, aims to promote the networking of neurosurgeons in Europe, and the exchange of knowledge among the neurosurgical communities of Europe. The organisation of a congress of such calibre in a Greek city — approximately 2500 delegates are expected to attend — will underline its dynamic presence on the convention scene, contribute to promoting its tourism potential and provide actual support to the Greek economy. The bid committee for the Congress consisted of the Chairman, Prof Panayiotis Selviaridis and the President of the HNS, Prof Ioannis Patsalas, who were supported throughout the preparation phase by ARTION, which put together the bid proposal and coordinated all the processes required to ensure a complete, flawless presentation, starting in 2007. The bid was supported by the City of Athens and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. ‘Such a successful outcome, which promotes convention tourism in our country, is of utmost importance, particularly at a time when Greece is “eager” to highlight its convention tourism potential abroad. After a lot of hard work over a number of years, against very strong competitors, we have managed, despite the current situation, to promote Athens in the best possible way and undertake the organisation of the Congress in 2016’, stated Ms Despina Amarantidou, ARTION’s Communication Manager.
New developments for freight transport and logistics at the 4th European Conference on ICT for Transport Logistics (ECITL)
The crucial role of a fully interoperable and intelligent transport system was emphasised at the 4th European Conference on ICT for Transport Logistics (ECITL) organised on 13 and 14 October 2011 at the Met hotel in Thessaloniki by the University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg GmbH (FHV) and the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) of the Centre 5 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), and supported by several independent EU funded projects. During the conference, at which there was a considerable EU presence as well as participants from all over the world, from China to America, it was noted that in the field of freight transport and logistics a commonly agreed pan-European architecture for the exchange of data and information is gradually being formed. This is essentially a common language of communication to facilitate trade through integrated logistics operations, and strengthen interoperability between different systems and technologies, ultimately reducing costs and achieving wider (global) implementation. The event was coordinated by ARTION.
7th Maintenance Forum ‘Maintaining your power’
The largest event in Greece in the maintenance sector, the Maintenance Forum, was held for the 7th year running in Athens, on 13–15 October 2011. The aim of the 7th Maintenance Forum, with the title ‘Maintaining your power’, was to promote and upgrade the role of the maintenance sector, through invited speakers from Greece and Europe who are leading figures in the field, in order to present both the strategy that maintenance departments should follow during this period of economic recession, as well as the most modern technologies and organisational methods currently available. The Maintenance Forum was co-organised by the Hellenic Maintenance Society and Atlantis Engineering, and was actively supported by EFNMS (European Federation of National Maintenance Societies). ARTION was responsible for the organisation of the Forum.
ARTION bids for the organisation of the 37th WACS World Congress in Athens
On 31 October 2011 The Hellenic Chef’s Federation, with ARTION as coordinator, submitted a bid to host the 37th WACS World Congress (WACS – World Association of Chefs Societies) in Athens, in May 2016. Over 1000 distinguished Chefs from around the world are expected to attend the 37th WACS World Congress, whose presentations will be framed with competitions and events that will create a festive atmosphere in the city. The congress in question has never been organised in a European Mediterranean city to date, and will serve as the best promotion
for Athens, for Greece and for the Culinary Culture of the Mediterranean; it will also financially benefit all the companies involved, and strengthen the country’s food industry and culinary world, while promoting it as a tourist destination. The candidate cities that will be invited for presentation at the 35th WACS Congress hosted in Daejeon, Korea, will officially be announced within the following year.
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Management of supply networks and Logistics, a driving force for Greece and Southeast Europe
ARTION at the ΕΙΒΤM in Barcelona
ARTION took part in the 23rd EIBTM (European Incentive Business Travel and Meetings) 2011, one of the largest international conference tourism exhibitions, that has been hosted in Barcelona, Spain, for the last 8 years. The Exhibition took place at Gran Fira Via on 29 November – 1 December 2011 and attracted over 14,200 professionals from the sector. ARTION participated as an exhibitor, while company executives were included in organised delegations through the Hosted Buyers (invited trade visitors to the Exhibition) program, among a total of 3,800 professionals from all over the world, who constitute the driving force of the Exhibition, and carry in their portfolios future conferences of a high budget. The pre-arranged meetings with DMC’s (Destination Management Companies), along with the presentation of new destinations, opened up new horizons for ARTION, placing it at the heart of the conference world.
ARTION at the ICCA & EIBTM Forum for Young Professionals
The absence of any national strategy for the development of intermodal freight transport and for the whole range of related infrastructure, such as ports, along with the competitive delay of Greece in the field of Logistics on an international level, were among the issues highlighted at the 15th Panhellenic Logistics Conference organised alongside the 1st Southeast European Congress on Supply Chain Management, in Thessaloniki on 11–12 November 2011. The organising body for both conferences held at the MET hotel in Thessaloniki was the Greek Association of Supply Chain Management. The two events served as a platform highlighting and addressing the vital issues affecting the management of supply networks and Logistics, so that they can become a driving force for the country and Southeast Europe as a whole. ARTION was responsible for organising and promoting both events.
7th Black Sea Neurosurgical Congress
Greece made a great impact through its participation at the 7th Black Sea Neurosurgical Congress. Τhe biannual Congress has been the ultimate meeting point for the sector since 1999, for the Black Sea region. This year, the event took place on 17–19 November 2011 at the incredibly beautiful lakeside area of the Riu Pravets Complex in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Hellenic Neurosurgical Society was represented, inter alia, on the Organising Committee, and its members were also invited speakers. ARTION was responsible for the coordination of the Greek delegation. 6 ARTION: NEWSLET TER 2011
For the second year running, ARTION was represented at the Forum for Young Professionals, organized by ICCA and EIBTM on 26–29 November 2011 in Barcelona. Within the framework of the Forum, 20 keen young professionals from the Events sector were chosen out of a large number of candidates, to take part in its proceedings, and meet peers from several different countries and continents. The objectives of the Forum, inter alia, included the exchange of experiences, sharing new ideas, receiving training on the management of events and the sector in general, and enhancing the professional skills of the participants.
ARTION interpretation service sponsorship at HAPCO Conference
Loyal to its strategy to continuously promote conference tourism by providing practical support to the activities of official bodies from the sector, ARTION sponsored the interpretation services of the 7th Panhellenic Conference & Workshops of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers – HAPCO. The Conference was held with great success on 8–9 December at Aegli Zappiou in Athens, with the title: ‘Greek Conference Tourism: Contribution to Development’, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH).
Attracting Conferences & Events: Facing the present – preparing for the future
The General Manager of ARTION, Ms Valentini Amarantidou, participated in the 7th Panhellenic HAPCO Conference & Workshops with the presentation ‘Attracting conferences & events: dealing with the present – preparing for the future’; Ms Amarantidou referred to issues related to bids for international conferences & events by professional congress organizers (PCO), and highlighted the benefits that arise from attracting international events for all interested sectors, as well as the importance of making every possible effort to cooperate with the competent public authorities. Ms Amarantidou, inter alia, analysed the steps required for a successful bid, underlining the points that cities need to be aware of, when planning to become a candidate city and to submit a bid for an international event.
The Communication Strategy of a Conference
Ms Despina Amarantidou, Communication Manager of ARTION, pointed out the importance of formulating a specific communication strategy within the framework the 7th Panhellenic Conference & Workshops of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers – HAPCO. During her presentation with the title ‘The Communication Strategy of a Conference’, Ms Amarantidou referred to the main elements of a Conference which transform it into a powerful medium for the communication of objectives, for research, and for the dissemination and exchange of ideas, in the shift from the era of unilateral information and communication to a two-way participative communication; Ms Amarantidou also talked about the need to exploit technology and social networking media and the opportunities that arise from the link between traditional media and modern new means of communication.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Recognising the importance of social, environmental and voluntary actions in the effort to develop a healthy relationship between companies and the society in which they are active, ARTION always tries to operate in an environmentally-friendly way and to support social actions. In the spirit of corporate social responsibility, ARTION feels the need to contribute to social institutions, NGOs and people with special needs and therefore donates a wide range of conference material (bags, notepads, pens, gifts etc) once a conference proceedings are completed.
Address: 9th km Thessaloniki – Thermi, Thomas Building, P.O. Box 60705, GR 570 01 Thessaloniki T: +30 2310 272275, 2310 252330 F: +30 2310 272276 E: welcome@artion.com.gr W: www.artion.com.gr http://www.linkedin.com/company/artion-conferences-&-events www.facebook.com/Artion.Conferences.Events @Artion_Events
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