Behind the scenes of ICM Thessaloniki: organising an unforgettable event
Two decades after the ICM Glyfada in 2003, ELSA members came together again in Greece for one of the biggest gatherings of recent years. The 85th International Council Meeting was held in the city of Thessaloniki in April 2024, bringing to life an ambitious, long-time dream of past and present Boards of ELSA Greece, to once again hold an international event of such magnitude in Greece.
The Birth of an idea
A concrete vision of ICM Thessaloniki began to materialise in 2022, when members of the Greek Network attended one of the first in-person internal meetings after the pandemic, in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Makis Barbounis, the President of ELSA Greece at the time, planted the seed of hosting the next ICM in Greece. The idea grew further, with Danai Varna and Vasilis Kaitsas joining as co-heads, and following a period of internal preparation and careful consideration within the Greek Network, the proposal to host the spring 2024 ICM in Thessaloniki gained unanimous support upon a vote during the 83rd ICM Malta. Enthusiasm coursed through the whole Network, and the wheels began turning.
Thessaloniki was chosen as the host city, thanks to its rich history and multicultural environment, which, paired with a vivid student life and hospitable local communities, created a unique combination of tradition and modernity. For many members of the Organising Committee, Thessaloniki was also their home during university years and the home of ELSA Thessaloniki, one of the three Local Groups of ELSA Greece. Thus, the team recognised the city’s potential to be the ideal place to inject new energy into the network while showcasing the famous Greek hospitality.
Confronting the challenges head-on
The project was not without challenges. The financial risks involved were significant and required the attention of the team and strategic handling from the very beginning. An aggressive fundraising campaign led by Dimitris Dimoulios, the next President of ELSA Greece, the efforts to secure institutional support from local stakeholders, and the groundwork to achieve network expansion was kicked off. It turned out to be the most prolific fundraising cycle for ELSA Greece to date, leading a sustainable financial plan for the event, and establishing a robust network of existing and new partners that will benefit the Greek network as a whole in the coming years.
As the event drew near, the challenges grew bigger. More than 300 delegates from all over Europe were expected to attend, and the organisers were faced with the demanding task of ensuring that everything was up to standard. Every minute detail, from finalising logistics and transports, through settling the social and cultural programmes, to preparing contingency plans, needed attention. In this regard, the active involvement and contribution of members from past national boards and the board of ELSA Greece at the time was indispensable.
Groundbreaking, yet inclusive
A novelty during ICM Thessaloniki was the innovative Sponsors' Fair. A mixture of academic knowledge dissemination and networking opportunities resulted in value added for both participants and sponsors and provided a new level of experience and partnerships in view of future events.
Another priority was inclusivity; making sure all participants would feel welcome, safe, and respected in a collaborative setting. This applied also to the organising team of 40 people, many of whom were first-timers in the organisation. The goal was to become a cohesive unit, learning and growing together, and equip the next generation of the Greek ELSA Network with the necessary capabilities to manage similar projects.
Impactful & fun
Once the opening speeches began, the team realised the impact of a year’s worth of hard work, bringing together ELSA members for a week of officers’ development and fruitful discussions. Concurrently, Greek hospitality shined through the event in the form of social events, featuring a great amount of music, dancing, and ELSA spirit.
Feedback given by the participants was extremely positive, and ELSA Greece was awarded the title of Most Distinguished Board for a second consecutive year, serving as proof that ICM Thessaloniki was an overall success. Nevertheless, apart from all the awards and recognition, what mattered the most at the end of the day was the people. Indeed, a new generation of Greek ELSA members had been inspired and given hands-on experience and confidence to undertake international events in the future.
The Legacy of ICM Thessaloniki presented new opportunities and perspectives for the Greek Network and, at the same time, established its prestige inside and outside the ELSA community. The commitment, innovation, and resilience of the team showcased that when determination and teamwork come together, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.
The story of ICM Thessaloniki reminds ELSA members of the achievements of collaboration and the importance of investing in the next generation. The Greek Network is already prepared to support future organisers by sharing the lessons learned and sustaining the inspirational legacy of ICM Thessaloniki.
by Dimitris Dimoulios, Danai Varna, Makis Barmpounis, Vasilis Kaitsas
Special thanks to:
Marianthi Rapti, Panagiotis Roumpatis, Nicolas Pantelopoulos, Tasos Vavvas, Niki Syrogianni, Konstantina Sidiropoulou, Marilena Batou, Sotiris Karagiannis, Elena Apostolou, Georgia Mpeka, Giorgos Kitis, Sophia Anthopoulou
