The 2026 Hermes Expo was held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey, for a great turnout. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
It wasn’t just another business event, it felt like stepping into a high-energy microcosm where ambition, culture, and opportunity collided in the best possible way.
Founder Paul Kotrotsios and his daughter, Aphrodite Kotrotios (publisher of the Hellenic News of America), gave enthralling speeches that got people stimulated about Greek culture and the Diaspora.
From the moment the doors opened on April 29, the atmosphere buzzed with purpose. This wasn’t passive networking; it was dynamic, intentional, and genuinely productive.
Entrepreneurs, executives, vendors, and innovators didn’t just exchange business cards, they exchanged ideas, formed partnerships, and sparked collaborations that felt like they could outlast the event itself.
What truly set the Expo apart was its perennial relevant and range.
The Business & Leadership Conference delivered sharp, relevant insights on everything from AI and energy to entrepreneurship and resilience, making it feel less like a lecture series and more like a masterclass in modern business strategy. Meanwhile, the vendor showcase created a vibrant marketplace where industries—from finance to food and tech—intertwined seamlessly.
And then there was the celebration factor. Marking its 35th anniversary, the event struck a rare balance between polished professionalism, social, and cultural warmth.
The evening awards GALA —complete with music, dining, and a palpable sense of pride—elevated the entire experience into something memorable, even meaningful.
This year’s honorees included Iphigenia Kanara with the Diplomatic Service Award, Evellyn Tsiadis and Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis with the Athena Award, Rev. Protopresbyter Paul Pappas with the Spiritual Leadership Award, Manny Niotis with the Business Excellence Award, Leonidas Papoulias and Despoina Apostolidou with the Paideia Award, Helen and John Psaras with the Aristotelian Award, and Mariyana Spyropoulos with the Public Service Award.
What makes the Hermes Expo stand out most is its identity. It’s not just a trade show—it’s a living bridge between communities, particularly highlighting Greek American enterprise while welcoming a broader business world. That blend of heritage and forward-thinking ambition gives the event a unique character you simply don’t find at typical expos.
By the end of the day, one thing was clear: the 2026 Hermes Expo didn’t just meet expectations, it surpassed them. It proved that in this digital age, there is still nothing quite like being in a room full of driven, ambitious people, shaking hands, sharing ideas, and building something real together.
This year marked its 35th anniversary and we should look forward to the next 35 years of the Hermes Expo.
To learn more about the Hermes Expo, visit its official website.
