“Pireas 2017”, the traditional gathering of the Global Maritime Community in Greece, was organized by the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association on the 15^th and 16^th of June 2017.

It is common ground for those who attended the “Global Shipbrokers’ Forum” on Thursday 15^th  June at the Metropolitan Hotel, that it has set new standards for conferences if its kind worldwide, having received only enthusiastic comments.

The permanent presence of a minimum of 350 delegates in the conference room from the beginning to the end of its works can bear witness to its great success, which was corroborated by the innovative decision of the B.o.D. for the discussion panels to consist exclusively of field professional practitioners.

The B.o.D. introduced further initiatives for “Pireas". Starting with "Pireas 2017”, excellence awards shall be presented to leading industry professionals, who distinguished themselves for their commitment to excellence, dedication, inspiration, impeccable ethics and outstanding accomplishments. Capt. NIKOS PENTEROUDAKIS, Mr. TAKIS CHRISTOFIDIS and Capt. CHRISTOS MELIGONIS have been honored during the Dinner.

SKAI channel covered the events, and Ms. CHRISTINA VIDOU hosted the ceremony during the Dinner, which was attended among others by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. PANAGIOTIS KOUROUMPLIS, the former President of New Democracy, Mr. YANNIS PLAKIOTAKIS, and numerous other distinguished guests.

In addition, the H.S.A. offered for the very first time a significant amount to the program “OLOI MAZI MPOROUME”, the philanthropic initiative of the people of SKAI channel. Following an agreement with the Super Markets “SKLAVENITIS”, this offer shall be "topped-up" by a further important amount, enabling the purchase of a considerable quantity of goods for the needs of the program.

About 1,800 guests joined the Shipbrokers Gala Dinner on Friday 16^th June at Glyfada Golf Gardens, despite the storm, the floods and the extreme weather conditions. Beyond any expectation, a considerable number remained on site commingling until 3:30 am, thus evidencing the importance of and need for the event and warranting its future success.

“Pireas 2017” has revived, it is once again with us, and no effort will be spared to ensure it shall take the place it deserves as the pinnacle of the shipbrokers gatherings worldwide.

The B.o.D. of the H.S.A. would like to thank all its members, sponsors, participants and guests for their sincere and warm support of the event, as well as for their adaptability, flexibility, co-operation and positive energy, and renews the "rendez-vous" for “Pireas 2019” on 20^th and 21^st of June 2019, for what we promise to be the best "Pireas" ever.