Now in its seventh year, the 2002 Annual Global Forum of the Euro-American Women's Council (EAWC) gathered international leaders in business, education, politics and culture into the center of a Greece bustling to be ready for the 2004 Olympics. Themed "Technology Environment and E-Trade in the Cradle of Civilization," the conference, organized by Loula Loi-Alafogiannis, founder and president, EAWC and Phyllis Hill Slater, executive global chair, EAWC, president, Hill Slater Inc., USA, offered the opportunity to network with leaders of the global community while enjoying the many wonders of Greece.
The first part of the forum was held on the picturesque island of Myconos at the Royal Myconian Resort and Hotel, where guests enjoyed panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and were pampered by hotel owner Panos Dachtylidis and his family. At a sumptuous luncheon hosted by Mayor of Myconos Christo Veronis, Phyllis Hill Slater was named a "Lady of Myconos" and Loula Loi-Alafogiannis was given an award in special recognition of her many contributions to the island.
During the second day, participants explored the sacred island of Delos, slated as "the birthplace of the Goddess Artemis and her brother Apollo," which is dotted with ancient dwellings amidst fields of poppies and houses nine of the famous Naxos Lions (7th Cent. B.C.) That night, the guests visited the famous Lalaunis Gallery, and found themselves dancing to traditional Greek music in the charming, narrow streets of Myconos.
On day three, keynote speaker and international executive coach Dr. Barbara Mackoff lectured about the importance of creating counterbalance and a sense of purpose in one's life in order to replenish challenging work schedules, setting the tone for the following day of relaxation.
The conference then continued to the city of Athens at the St. George Lycabetous Hotel, where executives, educators and dignitaries from Greece, Romania, Belgium, Canada, Mexico and the United States discussed issues influencing their economy, businesses, cultures and educational practices.
During the next two days, guests heard from over 50 guest lecturers including, among many others, Shelley Hymes, director, Office of 21st Century Workforce, U.S. Department of Labor; Barbara Kasoff, co-founder of Grassroots Impact and vice president, Women Impacting Public Policy; Terrel Cass, president and general manager, WLIW Channel 21, New York; Leyla Khaiat, world president, FCEM; Antonio Lopez Silanes, president of the Mexican Foundation for Health and Simigen Hospitals; Gina Slater Parker, president of BWE; Dr. Emil Constantinescu, former president of Romania and Eleni Bakopanou, assistant deputy speaker, House of Commons, member of Parliament, Canada.
Among other Greek dignitaries, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Public Works of Greece Hon. Rodoula Zisi emphasized the need for a gentler world and respect for the environment. Athens former Deputy Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia focused upon the Olympics of 2004 and what the world has come to expect from Greece.
After the forum and an elaborate awards night, guests were hosted by Apostlos Kaklamanis, president of Greek Parliament, and went on to enjoy a respite on the enchanting volcanic island of Santorini.
The principal conference sponsors included Olympic Airways, AT&T Boundless, United Telecom, Envie health spa, Women Impacting Public Policy, Alliance/ USA, Rizos, Nutrimetics, Dameia Palace Hotel, St. George Lycabetous Hotel and communication sponsors WLIW21, ERA and Networking magazine.
