Athens is set to host one of the most significant events for the meetings and events industry, as the HAPCO & DES Annual Meeting 2026 will take place on April 29–30, bringing together key stakeholders from Greece and abroad at a time of major transformation for the sector.
Athens is preparing to welcome one of the most important gatherings for the conferences and professional events industry, as the HAPCO & DES Annual Meeting 2026 will be held on April 29 and 30.
Under the central theme “Sync. Shift. Shape.”, the conference aims to serve as a meaningful platform for dialogue, collaboration and strategic thinking on the future of the meetings industry, at a time when the sector is undergoing profound changes on a global scale.
A hub conference for the industry
In an international environment that is redefining the role and value of professional meetings, the HAPCO & DES Annual Meeting 2026 highlights the new priorities and challenges shaping the industry.
The conference is designed to function as:
- a point of alignment (SYNC), bringing the industry in line with global developments
- a point of transition (SHIFT), towards new business and operational models
- a platform for shaping (SHAPE) the future of conferences and events
Key themes and content
Through a modern and multidimensional programme, the conference will focus on key issues affecting the sector, including:
- Greece’s international positioning and strategic extroversion
- stakeholder connectivity and the strengthening of partnerships
- sustainability and ESG practices in event planning
- innovation and emerging technologies
- the participant experience as a critical success factor
With a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing, experience exchange and the creation of new synergies, the event aims to provide practical insights and actionable tools for industry professionals.
High-level participation
The conference will bring together leading representatives from government, the international and domestic market, as well as key figures from across the industry.
The presence of decision-makers, professionals and stakeholders from the entire meetings and events ecosystem further reinforces the role of the event as a key reference point for the sector.
Greece at the centre of developments
Hosting the conference in Athens underlines Greece’s strategic importance as a destination for conferences and professional events, strengthening its international positioning.
At the same time, it highlights the growing maturity and resilience of the Greek meetings ecosystem and its ability to meet the evolving demands of the global market.
More than just a conference
Commenting on the event, HAPCO & DES President Antonia Alexandrou stated: “In a period of intense international developments and challenges, the meetings and events industry continues to demonstrate its resilience and ability to adapt and innovate. Despite the postponement of the event in Ioannina, this year’s HAPCO & DES Conference returns stronger than ever in Athens, at the landmark Grand Hyatt hotel.
Our message is clear: we are present, we are active and we continue to shape the future of the meetings industry in Greece. We invite our members, new members of our community, industry professionals, institutions, destinations, academia, students and emerging talents to take part in a conference that goes beyond presentations, focusing on meaningful dialogue, collaboration and creation.
With the central message ‘Sync. Shift. Shape.’, we aim not only to highlight trends, but to actively contribute to shaping a more mature, resilient and outward-looking industry in Greece. This year’s conference is more than a gathering. It is a statement of presence. It is strength. It is our collective response to today’s challenges. We want you all there — active, present and part of the next day.”
Event details
- Dates: April 29–30, 2026
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Athens
- Website: https://hapcodescongress.gr
Conclusion
With its focus on strategy, innovation and collaboration, the HAPCO & DES Annual Meeting 2026 positions Athens at the centre of international developments in the meetings industry, reaffirming Greece’s growing role as a competitive and dynamic destination for conferences and professional events.
