ACG in Conversation
“The Human Advantage: Learning, Creating and Leading in the Age of AI”

Venue:
Sandbox 1, 39th floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 5AB, United Kingdom

When:
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Organized by:
The American College of Greece

Event Agenda

Welcome Remarks

Part I – Fireside Chat (approximately 15 minutes)
A focused conversation between the President of The American College of Greece, Dr. Edward Wingenbach, and the Dean of Alba Graduate Business School, Dr. Danae Manika.

Ed Wingenbach
President, The American College of Greece

Edward Wingenbach became the eighth President of The American College of Greece in 2025 following more than three decades of academic leadership at innovative liberal arts institutions. Previously, he served as President of Hampshire College (2019–2025), where he led a major institutional transformation, driving significant enrollment growth, strengthening financial sustainability through record fundraising, launching a new academic model, and achieving full carbon neutrality. Earlier leadership roles include Vice President and Dean of Faculty, Acting President, and Professor at Ripon College, as well as senior academic and administrative positions at the University of Redlands, where he advanced curriculum innovation, internationalization, research, and institutional development.
A scholar of democratic theory and political philosophy, Wingenbach is the author of Institutionalizing Agonistic Democracy and has published extensively in leading academic journals. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and master’s and PhD degrees in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. His career reflects a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and education that prepares students to address complex global challenges.

Danae Manika

Danae is Executive Dean of ALBA Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece, where she also serves as Professor of Marketing. She provides strategic leadership across academic excellence, research, executive education, international partnerships, and organisational development. Before joining ALBA, she held senior leadership and academic roles at Brunel University of London, Newcastle University, Queen Mary University of London, Durham University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to academia, she gained industry experience in strategic advertising and brand planning with Latinworks and DDB. Danae’s research integrates marketing, behavioural science, psychology, and strategic communication to examine trust, decision-making, digital transformation, sustainability, and responsible leadership. Her work has secured over €560,000 in competitive research funding and has been published in leading international journals. She has served in editorial leadership roles for top academic journals and collaborates closely with businesses, public-sector organisations, and policymakers to translate research into practical, evidence-based strategies that drive organisational performance and positive societal impact.

Part II – Panel Discussion (approximately 30 minutes)
The panel will explore the scale of the AI skills gap, how employers, governments, and educational institutions are responding, and the role of institutions such as The American College of Greece in preparing students and alumni for an AI-driven future.

Speakers

Alexandros Fragkos, Senior Business Strategy & Analytics Lead, Gemini EMEA Marketing, GOOGLE , Alba Alumnus

Theo Michalopoulos
General Manager, Enterprise Commercial, Microsoft UK & Ireland, Alba Alumnus

Theo Michalopoulos is the Enterprise Commercial Lead for Microsoft UK, a role he took on in July 2025. In this position, he leads Microsoft’s engagement with some of the UK’s largest organisations across multiple industries, helping them transform through technology, drive sustainable growth, empower their people and unlock long-term value.

Before taking on this role, Theo was the Financial Services Lead for Microsoft UK, where he partnered with major banks, insurers and capital market firms to accelerate digital transformation and innovation. Prior to that, he served as General Manager for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, delivering significant achievements including securing investment in a new Microsoft data centre region, launching an ambitious digital skills training programme and leading the digital restoration of Ancient Olympia, a pioneering cultural heritage project. Theo is an Alba alumnus.

Ioulia Bessa
Associate Professor at Leeds University Business School and a visiting professor at Alba Graduate Business School

Her research focuses on non-standard forms of employment and their connection to precarity, underemployment/unemployment, as well as the use of quantitative instruments and methods to measure and understand precarity across different recessionary contexts, including the post-BREXIT and post-COVID-19 periods, and in the platform economy. Ioulia is very interested in looking at how precarious and uncertain periods affect mental health, wellbeing, life and job satisfaction. She has used a range of secondary datasets (UK national and international) and has published in a number of different journals in the area of Industrial Relations and Sociology of work, such as Work, Employment and Society, British Journal of Industrial Relations and Human Relations Management. She is currently Editor at Work, Employment and Society.

Part III – Networking Reception (approximately 1 hour)

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HEIDI BUCHER CENTENNIAL EVENTS
A two-part exhibition program in Athens celebrates the centenary of Swiss artist Heidi Bucher

The American College of Greece in collaboration with Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art
Curated by Dr Ziba Ardalan

Heidi Bucher: An Encounter with Maro Fasouli, Ismini Samanidou, Kleopatra Tsali and Paky Vlassopoulou
The ACG Art Gallery
6 Gravias Street, Aghia Paraskevi, GR 15342
Opening reception:
Saturday September 26, 11:00-15:00
Bodyshells performance at 12:00

Opening hours in Aghia Paraskevi:
Wednesday-Friday: 15:00-19:00
Saturdays: 12:00-16:00

Titled “Heidi Bucher: An Encounter with Maro Fasouli; Ismini Samanidou; Kleopatra Tsali and Paky Vlassopoulou”, the exhibition at The ACG Art Gallery presents larger works by Bucher, including Häutungen (skinnings), Bodyshells and their performance videos, alongside works by four contemporary Greek women artists responding to key themes in Bucher’s oeuvre. Drawing on lived traditions from the island of Tinos, Maro Fasouli brings together three textile works that explore dwelling and the memory of domestic space and anonymous custom art. Responding to Bucher’s exploration of the home as a temporal condition and a site of transformation, as well as to the color blue (indigo) prominent in her watercolors, Ismini Samanidou creates an installation across multiple media, informed by memories of childhood spent on various Cycladic islands. Kleopatra Tsali’s soft fabric structure, dyed by hand with Naxian emery, evoke Bucher’s skinnings, while her other works explore shelter, embodied forms of protection, and moments of transformation. Paky Vlassopoulou also employs her memories from the island of Tinos, in a magnetising minimalist Cycladic inverted figure, made of clay and straw, which references the female body as space, skin, nature and finally as home.

Participating artists: Maro Fasouli, Ismini Samanidou, Kleopatra Tsali,Paky Vlassopoulou

The ACG Αrt Collection & Gallery team: Dr. Ana S. González Rueda, Katerina Milesi

Music performance during the opening: Korina Samourkasidou (Pianist – Soloist) and Stella Arabatzoglou (Saxophone)

Dance performance during the openings: ACG students

Choreography: Dr. Daphne Mourelou (Program Coordinator, Dance Area, Deree – The American College of Greece)

Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art Team

Founding Director and Curator: Dr Ziba Ardalan
Assistant to the Director and PR Coordinator: Judith Lignières
Exhibition Assistant and Editorial Coordinator: Lynn Ha
Specialist Technician: Jonathan Kelly

Special thanks to Dean Helena Maragou, Dr Mary Cardaras, Ioanna Papapavlou, Ms. Niki Kladakis, Dr. Daphne Mourelou of the Dance Area. Thanks to Vivian Giannopoulou, Nicky Theodorou and Georgia Dassyra from the Events team, Marinos Klouras, Nasia Ntinopoulou, George Papastogiannoudis, Nikolas Fronimos, Nefeli Alexandraki for the Marketing and PR of the exhibition, Michalis Orontis and the security team, George Kyrodimos, Nassos Sopilis, John Fetalidis, Victor Zafeiropoulos and Christos Papadopoulos as well as Georgia, Fevranoglou, Rene Fragkou, Antonis Kontopoulos, Haris Gialelis, Stavros Theofilou, Dimitris Fakinos, Christos Matzios, Manolis Sideris, Stelios Teloniatis, Giannis Gerakellis, John Poulakis, Stavros Karadimitriou, Alekos Potamianos, Giannis Kontopoulos and Takis Moschidis for the technical assistance.

About The Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

The Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers a dynamic curriculum designed to cultivate the student’s critical mind and creative potential, while preparing them for success in the social and professional arenas. At a time of global unrest, marked by economic inequalities, the rise of artificial intelligence, and climate change, arts, humanities and social sciences education takes center stage in any higher education institution that caters to the present while looking to the future. In line with our vision and mission, our humanities and social sciences programs offer a broad as well as in-depth exposure to knowledge that fosters refined understanding, global consciousness, and ability to deploy creative synthesis, which is the foundation of critical, innovative thought. Our arts programs, run by distinguished academics and practitioners, offer a well-rounded arts education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical training and rich opportunities for creative self-expression.

About Demos Center

The Demos Center of The American College of Greece is a place where we strengthen democracy by encouraging active citizenship. This is reflected in its mission, partnerships and programing. Located in the heart of Plaka, the Center hosts exhibitions, debates, and cultural programs that strengthen democratic values and active citizenship. Through diverse programming and community partnerships, Demos creates space for cross-cultural exchange and civic participation. The Demos’s motto is “devote the rest of your life to making progress” and in that sentiment encourage the youth of Athens to come to The Demos Center to be inspired and energized.

About Parasol unit

Founded in 2004 by art historian and curator Dr Ziba Ardalan, Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art is a non-profit organisation that operates purely for the public benefit. Central to the Parasol unit philosophy is its pledge to support artists and their creative endeavours, an attitude which leads to lasting relationships between each exhibiting artist and the foundation.

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Organized by: Office of Student Affairs

About the event

Join us at the Fall Activities Fair to discover a wide variety of student clubs, academic societies and student organizations. This is your chance to make new friends, meet diverse groups of people, and immerse yourself in student life. Get involved, explore your passions, and maximize your college experience. Whether you’re interested in music, debating, fashion, surfing, or community service, there’s something for everyone. Come and see what campus life has to offer!

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When:
Friday, September 18, 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where:
ACG Events Hall (main venue)
The American College of Greece (6 Gravias str., Aghia Paraskevi, GR 15342)

Organized by:
EODF European Organisation Design Forum (EODF)

For more information, please visit the conference’s official webpage here or follow EODF on LinkedIn to learn more about the Conference’s Speakers and their themes.

For any questions and if you are interested in volunteering or attending, please reach out to EODF at info@eodf.eu

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When:
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 17:00-19:00
Where:
Alba Amphitheater, Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece
(6-8 Xenias str., Athens, Mavili sq.)

Organized by:
ITS Hellas

The post Operational AI in Logistics & Transportation: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t) appeared first on The American College of Greece.

The Hellenic Initiative Careers & Employability Fair 2026

When:
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 8:30-16:00
Where:
ACG Events Hall, The American College of Greece, Aghia Paraskevi, GR 153 42

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Panelists

Niki Kerameus Minister of Labour and Social Security of Greece	Nicholas W. Alexos Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Univar Solutions Executive Committee Member of The Hellenic Initiative
Dora Economou Director of Human Capital Affairs, SEV – Hellenic Federation of Enterprises	Tom Ellis Editor-in-Chief, Kathimerini English Edition
Nikos Koumettis Former President, Europe Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company Executive Committee Member of The Hellenic Initiative	Kostas Loukas Regional General Manager of Public Sector, Microsoft South Europe
Mike Manatos Executive Director, The Hellenic Initiative	Jai Mexis Founder & CEO, Odyssea
Maria Moragianis General Manager, ReGeneration	Stavros Mourelatos General Manager, Coca-Cola Hellas
Michael Printzos Greece Country Head, The Hellenic Initiative	John Saracakis President, American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saracakis Group of Companies
Simos Simeonidis Managing Partner, Kos Biotechnology Partners	George P. Stamas Partner, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP Co-Founder & President, The Hellenic Initiative
Ed Wingenbach President, The American College of Greece	Dean Dakolias The Hellenic Initiative Executive Committee Vice Chair President of Asset Management at Rithm Capital
Christina Alogogianni TITAN, Group Corporate HR Director	Katerina Malouchou ReGeneration Alumna, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Ignite Intern at The Coca-Cola Company

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Bunraku Lecture & Demonstration
Traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre

When:
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 19:00
Where:
Black Box Theater,
The American College of Greece (6 Gravias str., Aghia Paraskevi, GR 15342)

Staged by Coten-Goten Co., Ltd.

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Where: Deree Track and Field – Aghia Paraskevi Campus

The American College of Greece is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 at the Nineteenth Graduate School Commencement Ceremony. This milestone event marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and academic accomplishment as graduate students receive their degrees and join the global ACG alumni community.

Faculty, staff, family members, friends, alumni, and distinguished guests will gather to honor the graduates and celebrate their academic journey. The ceremony will recognize academic achievement and commemorate the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the lives and careers of ACG graduates.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 20:30. Graduates participating in the ceremony are required to attend a mandatory commencement rehearsal on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 18:00 at the Deree Track and Field.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held on the Deree Lawn for graduates and their guests.

Attendance is by invitation only. Invitations will be issued electronically through the Eventora platform and assigned individually to graduates.

Graduating students can find detailed information regarding commencement procedures, rehearsal requirements, academic regalia, guest invitations, and parking arrangements in the Graduate Commencement Guide.

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Where: Deree Track and Field – Aghia Paraskevi Campus

The American College of Greece is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Undergraduate Class of 2026 at the Sixtieth Deree Commencement Ceremony. This milestone event marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and academic accomplishment as graduating students receive their degrees and join the global ACG alumni community.

Faculty, staff, family members, friends, alumni, and distinguished guests will gather to honor the graduates and celebrate their academic journey. The ceremony will recognize student achievement and commemorate the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the lives of ACG graduates.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held on the Deree Lawn for graduates and their guests.

Attendance is by invitation only.

Graduating students can find detailed information regarding commencement procedures, academic regalia, guest invitations, and ceremony logistics in the Commencement Guide.

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When:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 19:00–21:00
Where:
ACG Plaka Building, Ipitou 17b, Plaka, Athens
Organized by:
The BRIDGE Project Team, Deree – The American College of Greece, in collaboration with Alba Graduate Business School

About the event

The BRIDGE Project Team invites you to the second roundtable of BRIDGE (Building Responsible Institutional Dialogue for Governance and Empowerment), focusing on gender-based violence and the contemporary challenges related to its prevention, protection, and institutional response.

As gender-based violence continues to constitute a major social problem with profound personal, social, and institutional implications, the discussion seeks to foster dialogue and collaboration among civil society organizations, institutional actors, and the academic community. At a time when gender-based violence remains highly prominent in public discourse and continues to raise pressing social and political concerns, the need for effective policies of prevention, protection, and support, as well as stronger cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations, is more important than ever.

The BRIDGE project aims to strengthen the meaningful participation of Civil Society Organizations in public policy-making processes. Through a dynamic digital platform of Open Educational Resources (OER), six thematic roundtables focusing on migration and refugee issues, gender-based violence, sexual identity and equality, child protection, homelessness, and public space and democracy, as well as a series of podcasts, the project creates spaces for exchange and engagement among civil society, public institutions, and the academic community. The project’s outcomes will include concrete policy recommendations and a Best Practices Handbook aimed at strengthening collaboration and democratic participation.

Speakers

• Katerina Patsogianni, Secretary General for Equality and Human Rights, Hellenic Ministry of Social Cohesion & Family
• Maria Stratigaki, Professor Emerita of Social Policy, Panteion University, Deputy Mayor for Equality, Municipality of Athens
• Mika Ioannidou, Head of the Greek Coordination of the European Women’s Lobby
• Laura Alipranti, Emeritus Research Director, National Centre for Social Research (EKKE), Member of the Board of Directors of the International Alliance of Women (IAW)
• Anna Vouyiouka, Representative of DIOTIMA, social scientist- expert on gender issues
• Emmanuela Mousama, Founder of the DYNAME Project

Moderator

Chryssa Zachou, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences, Deree – The American College of Greece

The event is free and open to the public, and will be held in Greek.

For more information email us at bridge@alba.acg.edu

BRIDGE Project Manager: Aristotelis Alexopoulos (Alba Graduate Business School)
BRIDGE Project Team members: Lilika Trikalinou, Chryssa Zachou, Nikos Lampas, Chara Chioni-Chotouman, Effie Fokas (Deree- Department of Social Sciences)

Το έργο BRIDGE / ΓΕΦΥΡΑ – ΦΟΡΟΥΜ ΘΕΣΜΙΚΟΥ ΔΙΑΛΟΓΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΙΚΗΣ ΔΙΑΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΣΗΣ υλοποιείται στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος PLATO, με φορέα υλοποίησης το Alba Graduate Business School. Το PLATO συγχρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, μέσω του προγράμματος Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV), το Ίδρυμα Μποδοσάκη και το Κέντρο Στήριξης ΜΚΟ με συνολικό ποσό επιχορήγησης €3,1 εκ.

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