220 WISTA Hellas members and friends gathered at the Intercontinental Hotel on 30 March for our annual Gala Dinner. Guests of honour were:
Rear Admiral Theofanopoulos; Giannis Plakiotakis, Nea Dimokratia Head of Sector at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; Her Excellency Ambassador Pia Busta of Chile in Greece; George Pateras, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping; George Alexandratos, Vice-President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping; Charalambos Simantonis President of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association; George Xiradakis, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus; Irene Daifa, Vice Mayor for Culture of Piraeus Municipality and President of Piraeus Marine Club; representatives from organizations and as press officers from the maritime industry.
Angie Hartmann, President of WISTA Hellas, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Board of Directors and highlighted the fact that 2019 has been assigned as the year of women’s contribution to the shipping market. This reflects the IMO’s theme for this year’s Global Shipping Day: “Empowering women in the maritime industry” to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality and highlight the significant contribution of women worldwide in the maritime sector. She added that since 5th July 2018, WISTA International has consultative role with IMO. She concluded her speech with a video of WISTA Hellas’ highlights over the last year.
A lucky raffle draw was held with gifts donated by the Association’s supporters. The evening ended on the dance floor where guests enjoyed themselves until the early morning hours.
The Board thanks all members and friends who attended and once again helped make the event a great success.