The Greek Conference 2004
Professional Responsibilities - Where to now ?
Ethics, Etiquette and Culture
Rethymnon, Crete - 23 to 29 May 2004
Our inaugural Greek Conference 2004 was held in Rethymnon in Crete. Under the auspices of The Association of Greek and Affiliated Panhellenic Interests, the event addressed issues in professional responsibilities with particular reference to issues in ethics, etiquette and culture.
Our 2004 venue was the magnificent Rithymna Beach Hotel, a luxury beachside resort hotel on the north-western coast of Crete, offering excellent Conference facilities, a wide range of recreational settings in a typically Cretan setting. Rethymnon, and nearby Chania, are a wonderful mix of the ancient Minoans and Greeks, influenced by the many other cultures, including the Venetians, the Ottoman Empire and Egyptians.
Delegates enjoyed a stimulating and diverse program under the guidance of the Chair of our Papers Committee, Professor The Hon. George Hampel QC with assistance from Professor Spyros Marketos. Also on offer was a fascinating range of optional tours and events for delegates and accompanying persons.
Crete has a long and proud cultural history and its music and its arts are deeply steeped in Crete’s cosmopolitan history.
Our cultural program was designed in conjunction with well known composer and musician, Tassos Ioannides with assistance from George Drygianakis from the Municipality of Rethymnon. Tassos Ioannides arranged the musical highlights of the Conference’s social program and was responsible for organising the Xylouris Group to play at the Conference’s Dinner. The Xylouris Group, under George Xylouris, are leading performers of the Cretan style of folk music of rembetika.
Our Cultural Evening also provided the opportunity to hear contemporary Greek classical musicians (Ioannis Lambou and Joulia Karalli) in the former Ottoman mosque (or, in Greek, Tzami) in the old town of Rethymnon.
As part of our cultural program participants were also able to view an exhibition which took place at the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture, a venue occupying the former Venetian Arsenal on the waterfront at Chania.
The 2004 Conference coincided with the 63rd commemorations of the Battle of Crete and with the help from the Australian Embassy in Greece delegates were able to participate in the remembrance events held to commemorate the event.