How you decided as an organiser of big cultural events around the world to arrange a business conference last year?
After my recognition in Cyprus and being awarded the Russian Business Women of the Year Award in Cyprus, an important award established by Janice Ruffle, I felt it would be only correct to organise an event especially for the successful business ladies on the island. The conference has a cultural programme but the focus is bu­siness and creativity in business, this way culture and business are connected and for me it is an important connection.

How do you see the progress of this second conference from the last year?
The first conference was already a success but this year we definitely progressed in all the areas. We have more distinguished international speakers who shown great interest in taking part, we have developed the programme adding more workshops including one-to-one workshops and well-being sessions which are essential for the lives of fast living business ladies, we are also expecting more attendees from abroad and Cyprus.

Why you decided to organise a conference in Paphos?
Apart from being one of the most special places in Cyprus, it is close to the birthday of the world’s most fa­mous lady, the Goddess of Love, Aphro­dite and it is a tribute to her who keeps inspiring millions of ladies around the world by her special powers. Paphos 2017 is a European Cultural Capital and Creative Women 2017 will be a nice addition to its programme.

What is the difference of this con­ference from many other business conferences dedicated to the success of business ladies?
I wanted to create a conference “with a difference” where the speakers and atten­­dees could feel completely open minded, freely exchange their ideas, benefit from extensive networking, an excellent entertainment programme and focus on wellbeing session with yoga and meditation on the beach.

What were the criterias for the speaker’s selection?
It had to be as wide as possible involving ladies from different countries — this year our speakers are from Cyprus, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Latvia, Israel, Egypt, Bahrain, UK, USA and India — how much further can you go? And with the expertise in as many different kind of areas as possible — finances, technology, real estate, education, food, media, phycology among the others and the speakers are certainly the ladies who deserve our attention and could share their creativity in business and in­fluence us.

There is a gala dinner on the con­ference’s programme — can you tell us more what to expect?
The cultural programme will consist of different elements, some of them will present the traditional and ancient Greek heritage of the island — it is impor­tant for the international guests of the conference. The Gala is the hig­hlight and will feature a fashion show by top local fashion designers and per­formances by the prima ballerina of the Vienna State Opera, Luidmila Ko­novalova, sensational violinist Kristina Ba­lanas and the Eurovision star Elena Maria Kyriacou with her band.