Modern communication media: the Cyprus University of Technology welcomed well-known communication professionals to a round table discussion on Tuesday 2nd of May, in Limassol to discuss the way forward for traditional and new forms of communication. FamigliaEight was the main Communication Partner to the event.
The Department of Public Communication of the School of Communication and Media of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), in collaboration with the University’s Communication, Promotion and International Relations Service, organized an event on “Communication: Updated Version V2023 – Roundtable Discussion with Professionals” on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
More than 90 attendees, from local businesses, companies and organizations active in the field of Communication, academic staff, students and citizens with an interest in the field of communication, attended the interesting event.
The main speaker, internationally renowned Communication Consultant and Entrepreneur, Matthew Zorpas, presented the trends and developments in communication, analyzing in particular the production and promotion of content through digital communication media, with special reference to the demographic analysis of internet users. He also presented his own personal journey, which started with “Gentleman Blogger” 10 years ago, and the evolution of the Matthew Zorpas brand which has brought him collaborations with fashion, lifestyle and luxury brands of global calibre.
This was followed by an excellent round table discussion with representatives from all modern media and companies active in the sector. The panel consisted of leading communication representatives from the fields of TV, radio and digital. The moderator of the discussion was Dr. Yioula Melanthiou, Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Communication.
Each member of the panel had the opportunity to share their experience of their own medium of communication both in relation to advertisers and in relation to the ways it is used to positively influence audience preferences.
FamigliaEight’s CEO, Irene Demetriou, mentioned that there is a gap between producing content that translates into sales and content that translates into likes as well as the increased need for better contract negotiation between brands and content creators. In addition, she stated that the truly effective actions fall into the realm of the physical, while she also mentioned the use of AI as a necessary tool, which, however, does not negate the human factor for those who have really useful abilities.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum: expanding horizons
The first Cyprus Diaspora Forum, held in March 2024 in Limassol, brought together Cypriots from around the world for a four-day celebration of achievement and connection. Famiglia Eight was a Partner to the event, contributing significantly with insights, participation and PR. The event aimed to:
- Recognise the Significance of the Diaspora: The forum highlighted the important role Cypriots living abroad play in promoting the island nation’s culture, economy, and innovation.
- Foster Stronger Relations: Through networking events, panel discussions, and cultural activities, the forum fostered stronger ties between Cypriots in Cyprus and the global diaspora.
- Explore Collaboration: Discussions focused on areas of collaboration, such as entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and investment, with the goal of leveraging the diaspora’s expertise and resources for Cyprus’s benefit.
The forum featured roughly 200 speakers including prominent figures from business, government, academia, and civil society. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:
- The Successes of the Diaspora: Entrepreneurs and leaders from the global Cypriot community shared their stories and insights, inspiring attendees and showcasing the diaspora’s potential.
- The Role of the Diaspora as Brand Ambassadors: Discussions explored how Cypriots abroad can promote Cyprus as a tourist destination, a business hub, and a center for cultural exchange.
- Entrepreneurship: The role of entrepreneurship in fostering global relations, key lessons for success and the importance of brand building. Our CEO participated in this Panel providing key insights on brand equity and building business.
The first-ever Cyprus Diaspora Forum proved to be a resounding success. By bringing together a global network of talented and passionate individuals, the forum laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and a brighter future for Cyprus.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum kicked off with an exclusive breakfast gathering, featuring Limassol Mayor Mr. Nicos Nicolaides. He emphasized the critical role of the diaspora in building bridges and uniting efforts to support Cyprus across political, business, and cultural spheres.
Prominent figures like entrepreneur and philanthropist John Christodoulou, Invest Cyprus President Marios Tanousis, Dynamic Works CEO and co-founder Angelos Gregoriou, and RIK General Manager Thanasis Tsokkos, all addressed the breakfast, underlining the diaspora’s significance and offering valuable perspectives on Cyprus’s future and global image.
At the opening ceremony, graced by the American Ambassador and the Australian High Commissioner, Paul Lambis, the forum’s founder, delivered a welcome address. He highlighted Cyprus’s transformation into a vibrant business hub brimming with investment and employment opportunities for both locals and international talents.
The following 4 days included panels on interesting topics such as hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship, the future of business, media and culture and many more. Entrepreneurs, policy-makers, stakeholders and the business world from Cyprus and abroad, shared valuable insights on their respective topics, generating lively dialogue and excellent thought leadership.
The event concluded with an impressive gala dinner attended by more than 350 people, with a rich entertainment programme, referencing the Cyprus traditions and notable local artists who are making waves in Europe. The gala also included the 1st CYDIA Awards, given to individuals who have made their mark on the global stage. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mrs Tasoula Hadjitofi, “The Icon Hunter,” who is renowned worldwide for her work combatting art trafficking. In 1997, she coordinated “The Munich Case,” one of the largest art trafficking sting operations in European history since WWII. More than 5000 artifacts were found hidden in the double ceilings and hollow floors of the Munich apartments of Aydin Dikmen, a Turkish dealer known as “The Archaeologist.” Tasoula’s work as a campaigner to protect the world’s cultural heritage spans over 30 years.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum generated a wave of positive buzz, captivating participants and garnering significant attention from local and global media outlets. Fueled by this success, the Forum’s founders are already charting a course for year two, promising an even grander event in 2025.
