Melting pot of the Mediterranean

HOT, stuffy and congested. For the traveller, passing through enroute to the islands, there doesn't appear to be an abundance of reasons to visit Athens. For the shipping fraternity, however, there is one very large, very busy and very important reason - Posidonia.

Possibly the biggest networking event in the shipping calendar, the stage looks set for Posidonia 2002 to break all previous records. Being biennial, the last Posidonia event took place in 2000, when more than 1,400 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors flocked to Piraeus for the biggest bash of the year. So what does Posidonia 2002 have, and why should you brave the heat and humidity to attend?

This year, Posidonia takes place from May 31 to June 7. It kicks off in true nautical style with The Posidonia Cup, a sailing race in the Bay of Faliron. This is followed on June 3 by The Posidonia Congress, to be held this year at the Megaron at Athens Concert Hall.

Chaired by John Lyras, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, the congress gives delegates the chance to debate and discuss all areas of the Greek and international shipping industry. Among those addressing the congress this year are Loyola de Palacio, vice-president of the European Commission, and Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, director-general designate of the World Trade Organisation.

With the debating out of the way, the exhibition can begin in earnest. From June 4 to 7, exhibitors from all corners of the shipping industry will pack the Piraeus Port Authority Exhibition Centre. But, as anyone who has ever attended before will know, Posidonia is much more than just an exhibition.

When you're not busy visiting the stands and making new contacts, you're partying until dawn. Posidonia boasts an impressive array of social events that will have you taxiing from one side of Athens to the other and then back again, all in the same night - assuming you can find a taxi in the first place. Some of the biggest and glitziest hotels in Athens are taken over by countless parties each night of Posidonia week, so don't forget to pack your gladrags.

Talking of packing, where are you going to stay? Finding accommodation in Athens during Posidonia week is an age-old problem. And it's going to get worse. With Athens hosting the Olympic Games the year after next, many hotels have already put their refurbishment plans into action to ensure they look their best by 2004. So if you haven't already booked - good luck.

Just in case you were worried about all that excess food and drink, thankfully Posidonia is also well-known for its sporting events. And the best of the bunch is undoubtedly the tennis tournament jointly hosted by Holmes Hardingham and The Maritime Advocate.

But not only do you need to remember your gladrags and your sports kit - you also need plenty of shirts. Athens in June is hot, and walking around an exhibition centre with thousands of equally hot people can be a sweaty business. Thankfully, 2002 also marks the introduction of the eagerly awaited air-conditioning at the exhibition hall - a welcome addition for visitors and exhibitors alike.

Of the many events which take place in the shipping industry, Posidonia is undoubtedly one of the best-attended. It's not just about the exhibition or the parties, it's about catching up with old friends, making new ones and enjoying a well-earned ouzo while watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. It's hard work, but someone's got to do it.