ATHENS – Energy, imagination, and dedication are the crucial elements required to build the future of the Greek-American community, and one of its most emblematic new endeavors is back after a one-year hiatus. The National Heritage Weekend and Classic of the National Hellenic Society will be held at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas October 7-10.

In addition to its various programs, once a year the NHS celebrates Greek heritage and culture, spotlights global Hellenic talent, and presents renowned Greeks and non-Greeks who provoke thought and inspire.

Each year a venue is chosen that is ideal for relaxation and where highly motivated Hellenes can get together, exchange ideas, and enjoy themselves with four days of great ‘parea’, enjoyable and fun activities and, more importantly, inspiring sessions with world-class guests and workshops to promote Hellenism and Greek culture.

The ‘Classic’ refers to the ever-popular Telly Savalas and Dr. George Korkos Golf Classic.

Drake Behrakis, NHS Board Chairman and  President of Marwick Associates told The National Herald, “we are thrilled to have our conference back this year. It’s always a great opportunity for members’ families and guests together to learn more about the organization’s plans for the future as well as a chance to gather and enjoy our ‘kefi’ and ‘parea’. In addition to celebrating the 200th anniversary of Greek independence we will be discussing robust plans for 2022 as we slowly get out of the pandemic and get back to normal.”

Foremost among the hosts welcoming the guests is the dynamic George M. Marcus Chairman Emeritus of NHS and Chairman, Marcus & Millichap, Essex Property Trust. The festivities begin Thursday, October 7 with the Opening Cocktail Reception at the M Pool. The panel discussions begin the next morning, when shuttles will also be departing for the first optional activity, a Red Rock Canyon hike. After Cocktails from 7-8 guests will enjoy the Taverna Night & Dinner at the M Pool and then the After Party at the LUX.

Saturday morning shuttles will depart for the Classic at the Rio Secco Golf Club while speaking programs continue at the hotel.

At 12:30 PM shuttles depart for the Luncheon at the UNLV Campus, and at 05:30 PM there will be a New Member and Prospect Reception. The Weekend’s climax is the Awards, Dinner & Glendi in the Milan Ballroom. There will also be a Bouzouki After-Party at the LUX.

Additional optional activities include NFL Watch Party – Las Vegas Raiders vs Chicago Bears, Exotic Car Racing, Sun Buggy Baja Chase, Pink Jeep Red Rock Canyon Tour, The Old West Shoot-Out, Hoover Dam Tour, and a Helicopter Tour.

The Weekend concludes October 10 with theBrunch and Key Note Speaker at Anthony’s Prime Steak & Seafood.

USAID Emeritus Andrew Natsios and wife attending a class on archeology.

The event’s sponsors include: Calamos Investments, Michael Galanakis, Timothy Joannides, John Karamanos, Kenny Kondraros, Jim Logothetis, Manatos & Manatos, Jonathan Nicozisis and Family, Poles Tublin, Michael & Robin Psaros, Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, Lea Soupata, and Evyania Tsarnas.

According to its website, “The National Hellenic Society has been incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware as a non-profit, non-stock, tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code… The National Hellenic Society (NHS) is a proud association of Greek American leaders, visionaries, and philanthropists who perpetuate and celebrate our rich heritage. The NHS was established to create a lasting network of Greek Americans to preserve our heritage through the sponsorship and initiation of programs that support Hellenic culture, benefit our members and their families, and honor our ancestors. NHS members represent accomplished men and women in the Greek American community, and membership is solely by invitation.”

The website also notes that, “as is our tradition, fellowship and enrichment are a prominent part of this society… The members of The National Hellenic Society have demonstrated the values and ideals that the National Hellenic Society espouses: service to our fellow citizens, the communities we live in and our nation.”

Ambassador and first Director of National Intelligence, John Negroponte, addressing attendees at a luncheon.

Hellenism is at the core of the organization. “Through the support of programs that foster the preservation of the Hellenic heritage in the United States, The National Hellenic Society strives to be a beacon for the promotion, understanding and appreciation of the Hellenic heritage in the United States, and pass on the stewardship of Greek heritage and shared democratic values and ideals to the next generation.”

One of the various NHS programs which is a big success is the Heritage Greece Program (HG), “a two-week cultural and educational immersion odyssey for accomplished Greek American college students who share their experience with a peer group of exceptional students from the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens, Greece.”

For more information and booking, go to the NHS website: https://www.nationalhellenicsociety.org.