by Peg DeGrassa
Delco News Network
Delaware County and Greater Philadelphia business men and women gathered together recently to network, attend seminars, and exhibit their products at the 24th Annual Hermes Expo at the Concordville Inn. Targeting the restaurant, hospitality and health care industries, the annual trade show, which was open with no admission to the public, featured dozens of vendors, a venue for networking, keynote speakers at lunch and dinner and an awards ceremony.
Founded by local businessman, Paul Kotrotsios, the premier networking event used to be held in Atlantic City until 2014 when it came to Delaware County at the Concordville Inn. This year, the theme was “Greeks and Philhellenes Working Together.”
Hermes Expo International is a leading B2B trade show and exhibition networking company in America that promotes commerce, communications and culture. The Hermes Expo is a forum that facilitates business development among parties in the Greater Philadelphia Area Region, North America, Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
This year’s expo featured a panel discussion on three key areas affecting the economy: healthcare, tourism, and restaurant and hospitality industries. Dr. Nicholas Hadgis, Dean of the Hospitality Management School of Widener University moderated a panel discussion on trends in the hospitality industry. Dr. Konstadinos Plestis, System Chief, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Lankenau Heart Institute, part of Main Line Health was the keynote speaker at the Hermes Expo dinner.
This year’s Expo launched the Ted Spyropoulos Seminar Series. The seminar featured business and political leaders discussing synergy between the US and Greece and South Eastern Europe. The inaugural topic, “Tourism and Trade on Both Sides of the Atlantic,” was discussed by a panel of experts.
Over 60 exhibitors attended this year, including Performance/Roma Food Service, Lankenau Heart Institute, The power connect group of Steve Sala, BC Technologies, Comcast, Green Lab Financial, Direct AD, Ajungo, Tom Peta, AssuranceMB, Affiliated Insurance Service Corporation, Interglobe Press, New York Life, Sea Minerals, Sirob Imports, AHI, American Hellenic Institute, VIP International/ Richmond Pharmacies, Ameriprise Financial Services, Delco News Network, Keares Electrical Contracting, Baltimore Pireaus Sister City Committee, Lancaster Brewing Co, The Lake Group LLC, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, Allied Specialty Foods, Merchant Lynx Services, Kisses for Kyle, Bring Hope Home, Commercial Utility Consultants, SIB Fixed Cost Reduction, and more.
Dignitaries honored at the Awards Dinner included the Honorable Diane Titus (D-NV) US Congresswoman, Dr. Nicholas Hadgis, Dean of Hospitality School at Widener University, Dean Laskaris, Laskaris and Laskaris CPA Firm and President of the Saint Sophia’s Greek Community, Philip Frangos, Esq, Supreme Lodge AHEPA along with Districts #4 and #5, Dr. Angelo Karakasis APEX Medical & Rehab and Korologos Brothers success story of Double T Diners.
Hermes Expo events attract business leaders from diverse industries and professional services. It provides a unique platform for companies to showcase their products and services in front of potential customers from the United States and Europe.
For further information or to find out about being a part of next year’s Expo, visitwww.hermesexpo.com or call 610-446-1463.
