Defendory 2008 Specialized Exhibition Conventional Systems National Defence Land Sea Air information.

The first "DEFENDORY" was organized in 1980 and since its inception the event has grown rapidly to the point that it is now one of the world's leading tri-service Defence Exhibitions. Besides the country's historical tradition of good international relations, "DEFENDORY" also has a geo-strategic significance derived from Greece's location in the Southeastern region of Europe, at the crossroads of three continents.

The "DEFENDORY" concept has been designed to provide upgraded means of communication between exhibitors and official visitors for more productive and fruitful contacts, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of exhibitors' time and promotional budget. Over the years 2.810 defence industries from 55 nations participated in "DEFENDORY" as exhibitors.

GOVERNMENTAL & ARMED FORCES DELEGATIONS
«DEFENDORY INTERNATIONAL», universally recognized as the meeting place of the International Defence Community, is attended by high-level official Governmental and Armed Forces Delegations. During the 5-day period of this truly International event, Delegations arrive in Athens from all parts of the world; from Western and Eastern Europe, Middle and Near East, Africa, Asia, Australia, South and North America. In total, highranking
official Governmental & Armed Forces Delegations from 51 countries visited «DEFENDORY 2006».

Official invitations
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence directly extends official invitations to the Ministries of Defence of 92 countries for the visit of high-ranking Armed Forces Delegations to the Exhibition. The list of the invited countries is now finalized and available for the exhibitors only. DEFENDORY’S hospitality includes deluxe hotel accommodation and transportation.

Delegation Visiting System & National Pavilion Welcoming Committees
An official 5-day visiting programme is prepared for each of the Governmental and Armed Forces Delegations. Escorted by Hellenic Armed Forces officers, the official Hellenic and foreign Delegations follow a daily stand by stand visiting programme over the 5-day period, which enables them to visit all the National Pavilions and individual participations throughout the Exhibition.
The “visiting programme” was first introduced in 1982, and was successfully developed to constitute the trademark of «DEFENDORY». It requires a sophisticated organization and complex planning due to the large number of exhibiting companies as well as attending Official Delegations. It is worth mentioning that a team of 250 persons operates for the successful execution of the visiting programmes, which include the arrangement of thousands of briefings and meetings between Delegations, exhibitors and officials.
Its proven results are based on the innovative concept of the «DEFENDORY» Organization, which requires all National Pavilions to form Delegation Welcoming Committees comprised of members from their Ministries of Defence and/or Industry Associations, in order to selfadminister the visits of the Hellenic and foreign Delegations within their National Area.

WORLD-WIDE DEFENCE MEDIA COVERAGE
Over 250 publishers and top editorial staff from 74 specialized Defence magazines and journals from all over the world were present to cover «DEFENDORY INTERNATIONAL 2006». This extensive world-wide coverage by the International Defence Media on the Exhibition, through preview and review reports, feature articles and special issues, reflects the key role of «DEFENDORY INTERNATIONAL» within the field of Defence and provides exhibitors with valuable publicity.

Facts and Figures of «DEFENDORY 2006»
- 440 industries from 30 countries exhibited their products and services.
- 98 Official Governmental and Armed Forces Delegations from 51 countries of the Middle and Near East, Africa,
Asia, North and South America, Australasia and Europe visited the Exhibition.
- A total of 24 Ministers/Deputy Ministers of Defence, and National Armaments Directors led the Delegations of their country.
- 32.000 professional visitors from 84 countries attended the Exhibition.
- One day Conference titled «Armaments–Cooperation– Economy», organized by the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Material Association in cooperation with «DEFENDORY».
-The publication of the «Defendory Show Daily» responding to the need for more efficient communication and information means between exhibitors, officials and visitors.
- Successful social events, such as the official receptions of the Organizers’ and Hellenic MOD.
- World-wide press media coverage by over 250 publishers and top editorial staff from 74 specialized defence magazines and journals enhancing the visibility of exhibitors.

Mr. Amer Tabbah, Managing Director of SOFEX stated:
'Defendory International 2008 is the first exhibition we will participate in since the conclusion of the 7th edition in the SOFEX series that took place in April of this year.' He added that, 'The Defendory 2008 exhibition will provide us with a good opportunity to begin our initial process of marketing for prospective exhibitors and delegates for SOFEX 2010 as well as receiving confirmations from those who have already committed for SOFEX 2010.'