About us

TEDxPatras is the leading platform for ideas, creativity and innovation in Western Greece. It aims to highlight and promote the idea of TED to the regions’s audience. TEDxPatras is organized by a team of volunteers whose aim is to create experiences that can alter, improve and enhance the way of thinking of both their peers and the society they live in.

TEDxPatras is a self-organized standard TEDx event and is is operated under license from TED since 2014.

TEDxPatras focuses on sharing thoughts and valuable experience from the fields of Science, Technology, Education, Entrepreneurship, Sports and Arts. The Talks will be held by people, who realize their dreams, overcome obstacles, surpass themselves, and evolve. Apart from the ideas worth spreading, TEDxPatras intends to trigger discussion and networking through Workshops and Live Broadcasting, that will be conducted in parallel with the main event.

Throughout the whole process of setting up the event, the value of volunteering and team spirit will be promoted, giving an opportunity for locals to be part of the experience of organizing and carrying out a TEDx event.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations)

The Team

A team of volunteers whose aim is to create experiences that can alter, improve and enhance the way of thinking of both their peers and the society they live in. People who are open to innovative ideas, people who in order to deal with or rise above the challenges they face, dwell their strength from new knowledge and ideas.

Co-Founder & Curator

Giannis Altanopoulos

Venue Coordinator

Kostas Andreou

SoMe & Blog Coordinator

Stamatia Androna

Design Team

Lemonia Karlou

Hospitality Manager

Elena Chronopoulou

Design Team

Lena Dagouli

Logistics Coordinator & Sustainability

Fotis Dallas

Floor Manager

George Daniil

Alternative Stage Coordinator

Magdalene Demartinou

Photographer

Gabriel Drakatos

IT Team - Web Developer

Iason Georgiadis

Head of Venue and Logistics

Eleni Gioti

Speakers Communication Manager

Alexandra Goudis

Experience Team

Giannis Grigoratos

Blog Coordinator

Maria Kantani

Experience Team and Sustainability

Ilias Karachalios

Head of Volunteers

Antonia Katrimpouza

IT Manager - Web Developer

Panagiotis Kavadias

Experience Team

Eleni Kondyli

Photographer

Dimitra Koukidi

Speakers Coach

Adriana Koulieri

Experience Team

Dimitris Kouniakis

Executive Director

Giannis Koutoulogenis

SoMe Coordinator & Media

Aspasia Kralli

Sustainability Coordinator

Anthie Krili

Registration Coordinator

Olis Lagopanagiotopoulou

Logistics Manager

Kostas Lampropoulos

Attendee Success

Garyfallia Liappi

Experience Team

Eleftheria Marinou

IT Team - Mobile App Developer

Panagiotis Mavrommatis

Blog Coordinator

Phoebe Panagiotou

Registration Manager

Eleni Papadima

Side Events Coordinator

Anna – Maria Papastergiou

Photographer

John Paraskevas

Community Developer

Marina Perivolari

Community Developer

Evangelia Petta

Photography Team

Marina Skembetzi

Community Developer

Konstantina Somalakidi

Innovation Community Developer

Vassilis Tountopoulos

Iasonas Tsolis

Community Developer

Maria Vgeni -Panagiotopoulou

Photographer

Diagoras Marios Vougas

Experience Team

Thanos Zitouniatis

Co-Founder & Curator

Giannis Altanopoulos

Giannis serves as Curator and Co-Founder of TEDxPatras since 2014. A TED enthusiast as he has attended several TEDx events and the TEDFest 2018 in New York (an annual gathering of TEDx organizers from all over the world). He is currently a member of the Communication and Innovation Support team at Athena Research Center. Giannis holds a MSc degree in Marketing and Communication from Athens University of Economics & Business and BCs in Business Administration from the University of Patras. He has also worked as a marketing manager, digital marketing specialist and marketing advisor. Giannis, also, is the Executive Director of Patras Science Festival which aims to create a communication platform between science and the general public while contributing to the dissemination of new scientific researches. Giannis has built up competencies in project planning, marketing strategy, media content, community management and digital marketing. Furthermore, he has participated in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit of the University of Patras and he has attended an online program about Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies from University of Maryland. His research interests include Science Communication, Social Entrepreneurship and Brand Management. Giannis is actively engaged in volunteering and participates in initiatives to communicate innovative ideas and science. He loves playing piano and composing music.

Venue Coordinator

Kostas Andreou

I was born and raised in Aracova Viotias. My educational background is chemical engineer with an MBA. I have been working the last 14 years in various managerial positions in construction industries such as concrete, cement and lately, alumina. I am also a co-founder, along with my younger brother, of a small company of organic food and alternative accommodation in our hometown.

SoMe & Blog Coordinator

Stamatia Androna

I was born and raised in Patras. From an early age, I loved literature, the rich, full of twists and turbulent Greek history and ancient mythology so in 2011, I’ve decided to combine my two loves and during the endless classes in the Department of Philology of the University of Patras I found my passion, the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature and Anthropology. In 2016, I’ve graduated with distinction and I’ve immediately enrolled with honorary scholarship in the department’s master program. Since then, I’ve made much research and some publications on the religion and anthropology of the ancient world. Currently, I am focusing on the philosophical aspect of the erotic literature during the Second Sophistic movement which is going to be the field of my future PhD. In 2015, I had the privilege to be an intern in the National Hellenic Research Foundation, to be also an alumna of the Center for Hellenic Studies of Harvard University and to participate in many of its activities. I have work experience on lexicography, blog and magazine editing, secretary assistance, coordination of conferences and summer schools. In 2017 teaching came as a surprise and since then, being a tutor and associating with kids and young students became a blessing and a fascinating adventure in my life! My greatest dreams are to have the perfect soundtrack in every moment of my life, to travel and taste the world while capturing it with my camera.

Design Team

Lemonia Karlou

My name is Lemonia Karlou and I am a designer.
Starting from Interior Architecture, discovering paths of graphic design, lately my route meets comic creation.
Design inspires me because of the ability to make any idea come to life, even if it is about lines drawn on a paper or materials and forms in space. Anything is possible!
I also love volunteering, it has given me plenty of opportunities to work on interesting projects, meet and collaborate with people for a common goal and have fun!

Hospitality Manager

Elena Chronopoulou

After several years as an engineer in the Telecommunication industry, Elena made a pivot by joining a global flight-centric Online Travel Agency, as a Development Manager. Elena is a people leader at heart committed to creating high-performing teams that feel empowered and valued while sharing meaningful collaboration and connections.
Positively focusing on the possibilities, rather than the constraints, she is curiosity-driven with a constant interest in personal development.
Excited and proud of being on the core team since the first TEDxPatras back in 2015, she aims to provide state-of-the-art hospitality to TEDxPatras Speakers.
In love with the outdoors, she enjoys active time skiing, hiking, running, and stand-up paddling. She also loves music, piano, and dancing.
Her dog is called Juckie and is a part of the TEDxPatras family!

Design Team

Lena Dagouli

Lena is a recent graduate of Patras school of Architecture. She has worked as an architect at ”React Architects” since January 2022. There, she is gaining experience on designing & building vacation homes which she really loves. She is fascinated by books which explore social issues, the human existence and coexistence. This has been her inspiration. As an architect, she aims to be able to design in a way that will have a positive impact in people’s everyday life.
She has been part of the TEDx organization team since 2018. She co-designs and she is responsible of the final stage. Her partitipation in the team fulfils her with what she loves the most, which is getting inspired & creating.

Logistics Coordinator & Sustainability

Fotis Dallas

Born and raised in Athens back in 1987, Fotis is Maintenance Manager in the cement industry, holding a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NTUA) and a MSc in Energy Production and Management. He has also worked in the oil and gas sector as Reliability Engineer in an oil refinery while has supervised many installations of photovoltaic plants. Passions and hobbies? Of course travelling and sports. Dreams about the future? Travel across the universe and investigate new cultures. As a foodie he loves nice food, drinking coffees with friends and socializing by meeting new people. Excited to be part of TEDx Patra’s Family.

Floor Manager

George Daniil

George Daniil was born in Athens in 1997. He is an undergraduate student of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Patras. He works as a researcher in the Network Architectures and Management group of the University of Patras. Beyond his academic interests, he is actively engaged in volunteering. He has been president of the European student association EESTEC for the Local Committee of Patras. Ηe was qualified as a soft skills trainer through seminars in Sarajevo by eestec training team. At the same time, he is a volunteer coordinator at PatrasIQ for three consecutive years and he is the Venue Leader in the TEDxPatras.

Alternative Stage Coordinator

Magdalene Demartinou

Born, grew up and living in Patras.Studied law at Kapodistrian University of Athens.Work as a freelancer lawyer.Collaborations with Groupama Insurance Company , Social Insurance Institution , EFG Eurobank-Ergasias,Deposits and Loans Fund.Accredited Mediator of Ministry of Justice.Coordinator in out-of-court mechanism.Certificate in GDPR.Deputy member of Central Mediation Commitee.
Have a daughter.
Love new things,movies,books,travel,friends,teams.Always learning.

Photographer

Gabriel Drakatos

Gabriel was born back at 2000 in Patras city, Greece. He studied graphic design and digital media at the Patras public experimental vocational training institute. Since then, he’s working as a graphic designer. Gabriel has a passion for photography. He started experimenting with it as a hobby and since 2018 he has successfully turned his hobby into his profession.

IT Team - Web Developer

Iason Georgiadis

Junior software engineer and pursuing a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Patras. Involved as both a volunteer and core team member/IT for TEDxPatras since 2018. Active trainer of digital literacy in Erasmsus+ projects. Loves good comedy and shooting hoops.

Head of Venue and Logistics

Eleni Gioti

Eleni has worked in several sales departments and has done secretarial work for many local companies, based in Patras. She has been Volunteer in many activities, in and outside Patras, through groups and companies of mainly cultural interest. This experience brought her in contact and then led her on the path of co-operating with organizations of events and performances. She has worked on a variety of theatrical productions, in cooperation with professionals and amateurs, from all over Greece, as co-ordinating producer, assistant director in adult and children’s performances and as a school coordinator. During the Christmas period 2016-2017 she worked for the organization, staffing and coordination departments of the Patras Christmas thematical park “Magical Village”. Since 2017 she coordinates the demanding field of logistics in events such as Patras Science Festival and TEDxPatras.

Speakers Communication Manager

Alexandra Goudis

Alexandra was born in Manchester. She holds an MSc in Financial and Business Economics from the University of Essex and currently lives in Patras and works at the Library and Information Center of the University of Patras. She conducts research on Regional Economics and Clustering aiming at obtaining a postgraduate doctoral degree from the University of Patras. Furthermore, she is engaged in a European research project on Citizen -enhanced open science in Southeastern Europe Higher Education knowledge hubs (CEOs SE). In 2015, she co-curated the first TEDxPatras ‘Sea of Voices’ and since then she is proud to be part of the TEDxPatras team. Her personality is based on her artistic aptitude and the gene of shyness. She loves nature, travelling, painting, choosing oldies music for her radio show, reading books at her favorite café, Italian cuisine, hats and her precious dog. Over the 2 years of quarantine and isolation, she made the most of her time by writing a book-guide for the city of Patras.

Experience Team

Giannis Grigoratos

28 years old accountant, loves bicycling, book reading & socializing. Second year in ted-x core team as financial expert, ready to live the dream!

Blog Coordinator

Maria Kantani

I am a primary school teacher, graduated from University of Patras and huge ESA fan and astronomy enthusiast. I have been involved in various projects regarding Space Awareness and Space Education. I consider myself a devoted bookworm, coffeeholic and sea addict. Exploring all kind of mysteries with my students is best part of my day. I attended my first TEDx event at TEDxPatras 2017, then I got too excited to let go. So, here I am…

Experience Team and Sustainability

Ilias Karachalios

My passion for constantly changing the world in order to be a better place, was discovered while I was discovering myself. I never stop studying, because I want to discover more. I consider myself as an Environmental Educator (BSc Environmental Management, intMEng Environmental Engineer, MSc Environmental Conservation, MEd Special Education and currently PhD candidate in Environmental Education). I love getting people excited about the things I’m excited about. Right now, that’s how we can change the world through education.

Outside of work, I’m committed to education and activities with social impact. I’m fluent in English (and speak a little french), and am always looking to brush up my language skills over coffee or drinks. If you challenge me , you ‘ll motivate me. I live a “normal” life but I’m always ready to travel and escape. I already lived in 3 countries and traveled to 46.

Head of Volunteers

Antonia Katrimpouza

Born in Athens but with her heart shared between Patras and Paris. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Department of Primary Education of the University of Patras. She introduces herself as a teacher who keeps world’s future in her classroom. Her two great loves are nature and travels. Finding “people” the most original source of motivation, she never misses the opportunity to participate in the organization of events aimed at ideas worth spreading.

IT Manager - Web Developer

Panagiotis Kavadias

Panagiotis Kavadias is a graduate of Computer Engineering and Informatics Department of the University of Patras, currently working as Telecom Software Engineer. Panagiotis has participated as a volunteer in local events and since 2019 he is member of TEDxPatras Core Team as IT manager. He loves trips, reading, hanging out, having new experiences and making new friends.

Experience Team

Eleni Kondyli

Eleni spends her working days as a quality engineer in the fieldwork of bridge maintenance. When not working, you can usually find her exploring the little inspiring happenings in town or planning the next trip.

Photographer

Dimitra Koukidi

Speakers Coach

Adriana Koulieri

Adriana was born in Athens in 1992. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications, Advertising and Public Relations (Services Management) at Athens Universtity of Economic and Business. She splits her time between Athens and Patras, where she is working for a concert promotion and production company. From 2012 to 2016 she was a volunteer radio producer and music columnist. Also, she has been actively involved in Public Speaking events as a core team member and speaker too.”

Experience Team

Dimitris Kouniakis

Dimitris has been a TEFL educator and school owner for over 20 years. He has introduced, implemented and promoted many innovative approaches, methodologies and interventions in the Greek ELT market. In 2015, he published “No Homework Framework”, a visionary programme emphasizing classroom learning over excessive home workload. Dimitris has also delivered teacher training on language school management and gamification across the country. His commitment to life long-learning finds currently being a postgraduate MA in TESOL student. He has also been a volunteer & core team member of TEDxPatras since 2015.

Executive Director

Giannis Koutoulogenis

Giannis has been member of TEDxPatras team from 2016. Volunteering is like his second nature and he finds purpose in what he’s doing by helping the team in any organizational issue. Having positive impact is what drives his motivation. When not volunteering, he’s working as Software Engineer and he loves exploring new places around the world. Currently, his role includes the coordination of the team at the production level and the communication with our partners.

SoMe Coordinator & Media

Aspasia Kralli

“Aspasia is nearly a graduate of the School of Management and Economics of the Department of Business Administration of the ATEI of Western Greece with a major in Marketing.
She is currently working as Communication Officer at InterMediaKT.
In addition to her studies, she has worked in promotion, marketing and sales.

Discovering the world of Erasmus + and European programs, she has been attending plenty of training courses and workshops.

As an enthusiastic person she is always looking for new unique experiences, she loves traveling, and she wants to explore new places and meet people, but her great passion is volunteering.

She has participated in local volunteer and international volunteer activities, such as “Pink the City”, “TEDx Patras”, “Lesvos trail” and dozens of volunteer activities to promote educational opportunities for young people.”

Sustainability Coordinator

Anthie Krili

I am an Electrical and Computer Engineer and currently i am working in Cambridge, UK. Since my first year of studies, i have participated as a volunteer in University events and local cultural teams. I have been a volunteer at TEDxPatras since 2015. The idea of such a culturally beneficial event happening in our town is so exciting to me and i am glad i can help bring it to life once more. In my free time, i enjoy swimming and water-polo.

Registration Coordinator

Olis Lagopanagiotopoulou

Olis Lagopanagiotopoulou was born in 1997. She is a student of the chemistry department of the University of Patras. She expects to give her best in order to contribute to the effective  organisation and integration of TEDx Patras. In this year’s TEDx will be at the Registration.

Logistics Manager

Kostas Lampropoulos

I am Kostas Lampropoulos and I have been living in Patras, Greece for all my life. I studied Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Patras and I received my Diploma degree in 2003 and my PhD in 2012. I am currently member of the Network Architectures and Management Group of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of University of Patras and project manager for EU projects with special focus in Cyber-security and eHealth. In my free time I play basketball, watch movies, listen to music and travel with my family.

Attendee Success

Garyfallia Liappi


Garyfallia is a Civil Engineer (MSc) and currently a PhD Student in the Department of Civil Engineering at University of Patras. Her research interests focus on Smart Infrastructures and Applications in the built environment. She currently participates in projects funded by the European Union, giving ongoin engineering support and problem solving to systems engineering as well as supporting academic work. Her adaptability and enthousiasm are some of her assets and she gets inspired by innovatory ideas and visionary people. “

Experience Team

Eleftheria Marinou

Εleftheria Marinou is a Software Engineer with a Master of Engineering from University of Patras. Currently, she is doing her second Master in Business Administration at Hellenic Open University. She loves negotiating the world through poetry and painting.
In her free time, you probably find her sketching cartoons at coffee shops or cycling among the streets. She strongly believes that being a volunteer is like going back to childhood; a lot of magic can happen just by acting wholeheartedly! So far, she has been a volunteer at SISTECH (2022), TEDx Patras (2017), Center of Creative Occupation of Movement “PROTASI” (2016-2018) and this year back to TEDx Patras!

IT Team - Mobile App Developer

Panagiotis Mavrommatis

Panagiotis Mavrommatis is an undergraduate student at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Patras. Panagiotis has participated as a volunteer in various events and since 2020 he is member of TEDxPatras Core Team as part of the IT team. He loves having new experiences, traveling around the world and making new friends.

Blog Coordinator

Phoebe Panagiotou

Phoebe Panagiotou is currently studying Civil Engineering at the University of Patras. She has previously worked as a columnist at “PollsandPolitics”, a news and media website, with more than two years of experience. At the moment, she is working as a content creator, at @WomenlyOfficial, a page about women empowerment and support. Lastly, she is an active Young Representative of the House of Young Representatives of Cyprus, at the Commission of Human Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women.

Registration Manager

Eleni Papadima

Hi! I am Eleni. Currently, I am doing my master’s in Natural Science Education and I am working as a tutor. I have been a volunteer of TEDxPatras since 2017. I love being part of this team, it has been a blast and I am excited for what is to come.

Side Events Coordinator

Anna – Maria Papastergiou

Anna-Maria Papastergiou is an undergraduate student at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Patras. Her interests are in science, art and philosophy, logic and aesthetics. Her first contact with TEDxPatras was in 2018, as a volunteer.

Photographer

John Paraskevas

I am a physics student with a passion for photography and videography. Even though this passion started as a hobby, I feel lucky enough to doit professionally. My role in TedxPatras 2018 is making videos about the event.

Community Developer

Marina Perivolari

I adore travelling, getting to know people and learning new things. I like walking in the city and discovering corners and hidden spots that I hadn’t noticed before.
I believe that knowledge is power.
I am a librarian and I work in the library of a research center. I love my work. I have a degree in librarianship and a Masters in cultural management.
I attended TEDx Patras four years ago and I was enthused by the sense of value of knowledge and innovation I felt. That’s why I wanted to see how this event is built. I am a member of the Community team of TEDx Patras. We are trying to bring TEDx closer to the city of Patras.

Community Developer

Evangelia Petta

Evangelia Petta is a graduate of the Department of History and Archeology of the University of Athens and a postgraduate student in the field of Cultural Management. She is also involved in the design of educational programs in Museums and loves theater. About TEDxPatras, she believes that it is the ideal environment to tell stories in a context of free expression, creativity and originality.

Photography Team

Marina Skembetzi

Marina Skembetzi is a student of Architecture. Her occupations are photography and creating new design ideas. Her aim is to highlight this year’s TEDxPatras by properly designing the venue and imprinting it on the lens!

Community Developer

Konstantina Somalakidi

Konstantina Somalakidi is skilled in Content Marketing, Project Management, B2B & B2C Sales, SoMe & Personal Relations. She is currently working for STEM Education & ICON Fitness, companies associated with innovative education and wellness-fitness management. She is also a TV Hostess & editor-in-chief for IONIAN Channel. She studied MSc. Environmental Geology and graduated from the University of Patras. She enjoys nature & loves traveling. TEDx Patras gave her the opportunity to communicate and interact with many different people. Her motto is “Carpe Diem”

Innovation Community Developer

Vassilis Tountopoulos

I am the founder and managing partner of MPDO, a boutique consulting business hub, located in Patra, Greece, where I live. I have a 28 years working experience most of which in banking and management consulting. I have an MBA, an MSc in Tourism Management and currently pursuing a PhD degree in business data analytics. My biggest achievement is my 3 kids family which inspire me to volunteer for ideas worth spreading… That’s why I feel like a …native born TEDxster!

Iasonas Tsolis

Civil Engineering undergraduate. Radio Producer and Head of Communications in UP FM – University of Patras Radio since 2014. News editor for some of Patras’ print media and radios. Radio presenter and program editor in Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (E.R.T), journalist and TV host in IONIAN Channel. Born in the city of Epidaurus, he could not but love theatre.

Community Developer

Maria Vgeni -Panagiotopoulou

Charmed by the beauty of numbers was the reason Maria studied Mathematics. Being a curious person she didn’t restrict herself in the specific scientific field but she tried to broaden her horizon. So, she has acquired an MSc in Information Systems and she is currently studying to acquire an MBA in management.

In the same time, she started working in the ΙCT industry and today she has 20 years of experience spanning from SW engineering to Project Management.

Always keen on volunteering Maria is supporting various initiatives aiming to help people to expand their knowledge and views. Under that prism, she is contributing in TEDxPatras.

Photographer

Diagoras Marios Vougas

Diagoras believes that talking in the 3rd person about yourself, it can be a valid sign of a personality disorder. So, I am a Computer Engineer and I admire the computer revolution since I was very young. I specialize in the Electronic Payment Industry with 5 years of experience and currently I am working in a Payment Scheme, consulting and working alongside with the executive team of the biggest bank in Greece. I am a proud member of TEDxPatras photography core team since 2017. I love outdoors, camping in nature and hiking with friends.

Experience Team

Thanos Zitouniatis

Four things I am grateful for: (1) My son is a better version of me and then some, (2) My best friend is my wife, (3) My friends know me better than I know myself (4) My job is actually my hobby. Most other things are trivial.