From Congress to Community: CONVIN and IGARSS 2024’s Legacy Continues with Donation to ELEPAP

At CONVIN, the principle of giving back to society is more than just a value—it’s embedded in their DNA. With every congress they organize, their mission extends beyond delivering an exceptional experience to delegates; they aim to create a lasting legacy that leaves a positive, long-term impact on the world.

The theme of IGARSS 2024, the prestigious International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium hosted by IEEE, underscores the transformative power of events in tackling critical social and environmental challenges. This year, for the first time, the symposium took place in the heart of Athens, Greece, from July 7-12, 2024, at the iconic Megaron Athens International Conference Center.

Understanding the diverse needs of the delegates, CONVIN, as the official local PCO, organized two family rooms and a lactation room—ensuring that attendees traveling with children could enjoy a stress-free experience. Every detail was carefully planned to create spaces that felt as comforting as a playground or as peaceful as home, allowing parents and children to relax and focus on the event.

But their commitment didn’t stop at just providing these facilities. They asked a vital question: What will happen to all these resources after the congress concludes?

At CONVIN, they believe in giving back, and they knew the answer lay in supporting a cause that resonates with their values. That’s why they proposed to the IGARSS 2024 organizing committee that all items from the family and lactation rooms be donated to ELEPAP—Rehabilitation for The Disabled. This historic non-profit organization, the oldest in Greece, has been a beacon of hope for children in need of rehabilitation services since 1937, with facilities across the country dedicated to their care.

The proposal was met with heartfelt approval. The emotional handover was marked by a special meeting between the Scientific Director of ELEPAP, Ms. Maria Pyrgeli, and the Co-Chairs of IGARSS 2024, Dr. Charalambos Kontoes (National Observatory of Athens) and Professor Vito Pascazio (Università degli Studi di Napoli - Parthenope). It was a moment filled with gratitude and purpose—a reminder that the work being done has the power to make a real difference.

For CONVIN, this initiative is not just about fulfilling their professional obligations; it’s about blending excellence with a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. Together, they are not only shaping remarkable events but also nurturing the well-being of society, one thoughtful gesture at a time.