Memorandum of cooperation between HAPCO & DES and SOKEE

A powerful alliance to bolster the growth of the conferences, exhibitions, and events sector in Greece was signed today by the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers and Destination Events Specialists (HAPCO & DES) and the Greek Exhibition Industry Organization (SOKEE).

This agreement, among other provisions, establishes a close and strategic collaboration between the two bodies in the fields of conference, exhibition, and business tourism. It also sets in motion a plan for implementing initiatives in that direction.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Sissy Lignou, President of HAPCO & DES, and Mr. Theodore Vokos, President of SOKEE, along with Mr. Evangelos Charalambous, Secretary General of SOKEE.

Both associations jointly recognize that their strategy in the field of exhibition, conference, and professional tourism lies in the necessity of alignment, synergies, and the strengthening of joint initiatives that will contribute to the development of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector in Greece, the enhancement of the national tourism product, and the promotion of Greece’s modern brand as a leading destination for conferences, events, and exhibitions.

Within this shared vision, the two parties agree to collaborate systematically to promote Greece as a top-tier exhibition, conference, and business destination, while jointly commit to the following actions:

• Participation in international and domestic exhibitions and events of conference and exhibition interest.
• Organization of thematic seminars and workshops.
• Formation of joint proposals and interventions toward institutional bodies.
• Conducting studies highlighting the economic and social significance of the MICE sector in Greece.
• Cooperation with educational institutions to incorporate the conference and exhibition industry into their academic programs.
• Organization of joint educational initiatives for members and professionals in the sector.
• Promotion of sustainability and digital transformation in the MICE sector.
• Joint outreach initiatives to promote the sector.
• Exploration of opportunities to participate in co-financed or European programs related to professional and conference tourism.

The President of SOKEE, Mr. Theodoros Vokos, stated: “Exhibitions and conferences make a significant contribution to the national economy by enhancing the international exposure of Greek businesses, creating jobs, and attracting business tourism which has a much higher per capita spending than leisure tourism. Our collaboration with HAPCO-DES will help highlight the importance of the MICE sector and attract more exhibitions and conferences to our country, while also promoting Greek exhibitions abroad to attract international exhibitors and buyers. Exhibitions and conferences contribute over 1 billion euros to the national economy, and our goal should be to significantly increase that figure in the near future.”

The President of HAPCO & DES, Mrs. Sissy Lignou, stated: “Today we take a decisive step forward – it is a particularly important day in the history of HAPCO & DES. With the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation with the leading player in the exhibition organization and construction sector, SOKEE, we joining forces, multiplying our impact, and opening new pathways for the conference, event, and exhibition industry in Greece, showcasing the strength of Greek MICE. On behalf of the Board of HAPCO & DES, I would like to thank President Mr. Vokos and the Board members of SOKEE for initiating this partnership, their trust, and their positive intention to cooperate. With a shared vision, strategic collaboration, and targeted actions, we are building the future of our sector and strengthening Greece’s position on the global conference and exhibition map. Together, we claim the future we deserve!”

It is worth noting that the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers and Destination Events Specialists (HAPCO & DES) aims to enhance Greek professional and conference tourism, promote the services of its members, contribute to the national economy and development, enhance Greece’s international competitiveness as a conference destination, and offer institutional support to the sector.

At the same time, the Greek Exhibition Industry Organization (SOKEE) represents both exhibition organizers and constructors, as well as exhibition centers, with the aim of promoting the exhibition sector in both domestic and international markets, highlighting the sector’s contribution to the national economy and development, boosting Greece’s international competitiveness as an exhibition destination, and providing institutional support for the industry.