More than 50 speakers, over 30 discussions and workshops, and a free public event on October 27 will bring together business leaders, technology experts and professionals at the fifth annual Skill Up Forum in Athens. Organized by Envolve Entrepreneurship and linq, the event focuses on the skills managers need to lead teams, navigate change and put artificial intelligence into practice.
As technology, artificial intelligence and workplace expectations continue to reshape the business environment, the role of the modern manager is becoming increasingly complex. Developing people, navigating difficult conversations, building trust and integrating new technologies have become essential leadership skills.
These challenges will take center stage at Skill Up Forum 2026, returning for its fifth year under the theme “You’re Not Born a Manager. You Become One.”
Organized by Envolve Entrepreneurship and linq, the forum is held under the auspices of Greece’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It brings together professionals from multinational companies, public institutions, technology organizations and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to explore practical approaches to leadership and professional development.
This year’s program is designed particularly for middle managers and emerging leaders who work between strategic decision-making and day-to-day team execution.
The forum features two complementary experiences: an Executive Training program on October 23 and a free Open Day on October 27 at Technopolis City of Athens.
Open Day: More Than 30 Sessions on Leadership, AI and Entrepreneurship
The main event will take place on Tuesday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Technopolis City of Athens, offering free participation upon registration.
The program includes more than 30 talks, discussions and interactive workshops covering leadership, artificial intelligence and digital skills, entrepreneurship, public policy and the future of work.
Topics include motivating teams, building trust, managing workplace conflict, developing leadership presence and incorporating AI into everyday business operations. Participants will also have opportunities to explore practical applications of AI tools and consider how technology can improve productivity and decision-making.
The event aims to move beyond theory, giving participants practical knowledge they can apply in their professional lives.
Among the featured speakers are Niki Kerameus, Greece’s Minister of Labour and Social Security; Joe Navarro, former FBI special agent, author and expert in nonverbal communication; Yannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight at the Presidency of the Greek Government; Peter Economides, founder and brand strategist at FELIX BNI; and Yanna Andronopoulou, General Manager for Greece, Cyprus, Malta and the Adriatics at Microsoft.
Other participants include Panagiotis Kamposos, president of the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation; Georgia Paraschou, founder and CEO of Humanity Greece; Konstantinos Geormas, director general of Labour Force Policies at DYPA; Nick Gonios of TalentLMS by Epignosis; and Kostas Xiradakis, chief commercial officer of Snappi.
The program will also feature discussions on workforce skills, the relationship between leadership and personal development, and the role of innovation in helping businesses adapt to economic and technological change.
English and Greek interpretation will be available during the event.
Participation in the Open Day is free, but registration is required through the official website: skillup.gr.
Executive Training: Turning Leadership Theory Into Practice
The Executive Training program takes place on October 23 and focuses on the practical challenges professionals encounter as they move into management roles.
Through targeted workshops and hands-on sessions, participants work on subjects including difficult conversations, workplace coaching, personal and corporate branding, and the practical use of AI in everyday work.
The program is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, improve team performance and use new technologies more effectively.
Unlike the Open Day, Executive Training requires a separate ticket, and places are limited.
The full program is available at skillup.gr/#agenda.
Partners Supporting Skill Up Forum 2026
Skill Up Forum is supported by companies and organizations investing in workforce development, education, technology and the future of employment.
Its premium partners include TalentLMS by Epignosis, The People’s Trust / Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, the Public Employment Service (DYPA) and the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation.
Other partners include Microsoft, Uber, Instacar and Mellon Group of Companies. BCA College is the educational partner, while supporters include Conferience, Coca-Cola HBC, Feeju, thePeoplePartner, Pizza Fun, Healthy Treats, Cordella and FitKit.
The event is organized by Envolve Entrepreneurship and linq, organizations working across entrepreneurship, innovation, talent development and employment opportunities.
The forum’s continued development reflects the growing importance of practical professional education as businesses adapt to technological change and evolving workforce needs.
Preparing Managers for a Changing Workplace
The central message of Skill Up Forum 2026 is that leadership is a skill developed through experience, learning and practice rather than something people are simply born with.
By bringing together professionals from business, technology, education and public institutions, the event aims to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking and collaboration.
From managing difficult conversations to understanding how AI can support everyday decisions, the program addresses challenges faced by managers at different stages of their careers.
With a free public event, practical workshops and a diverse lineup of speakers, Skill Up Forum 2026 offers professionals an opportunity to strengthen their skills and prepare for the changing demands of the modern workplace.
Event information and registration: www.skillup.gr
