Development Conference at Ionian Academy, October 17–19

The Conference is being organised by the Ionian Islands Regional Development Fund, the Ionian Islands Special Management Authority, the Ionian Islands Waste Management Authority, and the Ionian Islands Regional Development Organisation, with the participation of institutional, scientific, and social bodies such as the Ionian Islands Chambers of Commerce, universities, collective organisations, and business associations.

It will take place on October 17–19, at the Ionian Academy.

Thematic Sections

• Sustainable Tourism (visitor management, product diversification, extension of the tourist season, promotion, etc.)

• Primary Sector Development (linkages with tourism, product branding, support and adaptation to the climate crisis, etc.)

• Climate Change and Environment (coastal protection, water management, soil quality, etc.)

• Infrastructure and Connectivity (transport, energy networks, infrastructure resilience, etc.)

• Digital Upgrade and Innovation (business innovation, digital infrastructure, etc.)

• Social Cohesion and Human Resources (social infrastructure, digital transition skills for vulnerable groups, attraction and training of human capital, etc.)

• Development Coordination and Financing (ESPA, Regional Programmes, Recovery Fund, participation of local bodies, etc.)

Speakers Include:

Evriviadis Sklavos, Cephalonia Association of Winemakers
Prokopis Magiatis, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, National and Capodistrian University of Athens
Michalis Skordas, General Director of Kavala Development Agency, Economist
Apostolos Porsanidis, Olive Producer – Owner of Dr. Kavvadia Farm
Valia Aranitou, Associate Professor, Panteion University
Efthymis Lekkas, Professor, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP)
Nikos Aravantinos, Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Ionian University
Theofanis Karampas, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Damianos Bourkas, Environmental Engineer MSc, President of EPTA S.A.
Giorgos Petrakos, Professor, Panteion University, General Director of the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP)
Haralambos Hatziveroglou, Lawyer – Maritime Tourism Entrepreneur
Konstantinos Deriziotis, Publisher – Journalist
Maria Argyropoulou, Professor, Chair of the Department of Tourism, Ionian University
Konstantinos Biblis, General Manager, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
Dimitris Apergis, CEO, Corfu Port Authority (OLKE)
Panagiotis Baltas, Surveying Engineer
Stathis Anagnostou, Director of Strategic and Operational Planning, DEDDIE
Nikolaos Kotsovinos, Emeritus Professor of Hydraulics
Yiannis Alamanos, Former Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of Patras
Spyridon Zoumpoulidis, Director, “Melissa” Day Care and Support Centre for People with Disabilities (KDIF) 
Sophia Maropoulou, “Hyperion” (Supported Living Facility for People with Disabilities – Lixouri)
Giorgos Kostakis, Training Director, Vocational Training Centre of the Ionian Islands Region
Giorgos Nounesis, President of the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (ESETEK), Partner at EY
Evangelos Sfakianakis, Visiting Professor of Finance, University of Athens
Manos Maggos, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Lifelong Learning, Ionian University
Kostas Aspiotis, Head of the Special Management Authority of the Ionian Islands
Sotiris Varelas, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Studies, Director of the Laboratory of Tourism Excellence, University of Piraeus

Opening Greetings:

• Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy

• Nikos Farantouris, Member of the European Parliament

• Michail Sfakianakis, Dean, University of Piraeus

• Aggeliki Varela, President, Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)

GIORGOS KATSAITIS