YES to Shipping Forum 2024

The most successful Posidonia exhibition in history concluded with the emotional touch, with the YES to Shipping Forum 2024, which marked its 10th anniversary on Friday, June 7, 2024. The event was graced by notable figures, including the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Mrs. Melina Travlou; the Founder and President of the Posidonia Exhibition, Mr. Themis Vokos; the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianides; the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Ioanna Lytrivi; the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, George Pateras; the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michail Sfakianakis; the Vice President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, George Alexandratos; the Honorary President of ICC Hellas, Nikos Vernicos; the President of Hellenic Short Sea Shipowners Association, Charalambos Simantonis; the President of WISTA International, Elpi Petraki; the President of the International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus), Kostis Frangoulis; the Founder & Managing Director of Technomar Shipping Inc., George Youroukos; the COO of Dorian LPG, Alexandros Hatzipateras; the Managing Director of Alassia NewShips Management, Vasilis Sakellis; the CEO of Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd., Fotis Dalmyras; the General Manager and Head of Shipping at Eurobank, Christina Margelou; and the Managing Director of SEA LINK NAVIGATION Ltd., Nikolaos Kosmatos.

More than 600 students and young people aged 10 to 29 from 61 academic and educational institutions attended the forum, embracing the concept of open dialogue between youth, industry professionals, and institutional representatives. The conference program was carefully designed to maximize benefits for the participants, connecting them directly with companies and experts from the shipping industry.

The event had a unique opening as 8-, 10-, and 12-year-old students presented the book “Destination Sea” by Danae Bezantakou and the YES Forum in a theatrical performance that captivated the audience, who actively participated.

Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianides, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the YES Forum, noting its pivotal role in the Ministry’s Year of Maritime Education. Similarly, Deputy Minister of Education, Ioanna Lytrivi, highlighted the significant impact of the Forum’s decade-long actions and the distribution of the Maritime Guide, which was given to all attendees.

Christos Stylianides Minister of Shipping and Island Policy

George Pateras, President HCS

Michael Sfakianakis, Rector University of Piraeus

Danae Bezantakou , Concept-Founder YES Forum & CEO Navigator Shipping Consultants

Twenty young volunteers took the stage to pose questions to 30 industry professionals, exploring topics such as the skills required to enter the shipping industry, the sectors experiencing growth, the potential of shipbuilding zone revitalization, and the mutual search by companies and young professionals for employment opportunities.

A standout moment was when George Youroukos extended an invitation to two young female naval architects from the YES Forum to intern at his company, underscoring both the prospects of their field and the importance of women’s presence in the industry. Similarly, the UGS President offered the same opportunity to two female students from the National Technical University of Athens.

YES Forum Volunteers

Melina Travlos, President UGS

George Youroukos, Founder & Managing Director Technomar Shipping In

Throughout the event, participants visited more than 30 exhibition booths, guided by 100 volunteers from the YES Forum, and engaged with over 40 industry professionals in discussion circles. This enabled them to learn about various companies, their operations, and submit their resumes directly to representatives, significantly increasing their chances of entering the maritime job market.

Danae Bezantakou, the Founder of YES Forum, presented the organization’s pillars and committed to continuing its initiatives while expanding them internationally:

YES TOUR TO SCHOOLS: With the official approval of the Institute of Educational Policy and the Ministry of Education, the forum has introduced over 100,000 students to maritime and sea tourism, aiming to inspire them to consider maritime careers or studies.
Mentoring Groups: Almost 70 mentor-mentee pairs of shipping professionals and young students or graduates have been formed, achieving remarkable results and enthusiasm from both sides.
Open Days: Visits to shipping company offices, with over 70 companies welcoming young people to learn about their operations.
YES to Shipping Forum: Organizing Youth Day as part of the Posidonia Exhibition since 2016.

The event concluded with Mr. Themis Vokos thanking Danae Bezantakou for revitalizing Posidonia Fridays through the YES Forum, and the next Youth Day was scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.