3rd International Olive Conference and Festival
The ELIA Lesvos Confest returns in 2026 with renewed momentum and a strong focus on expanding its international presence. The 3rd International Olive Conference and Festival, titled “Elaion Panton Valsamon,” will take place on the island of Lesvos, Greece, from May 27 to 30, 2026, bringing together leading olive oil experts, scientists, producers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from around the world.
More than an international conference, ELIA Lesvos Confest 2026 serves as a global platform for dialogue on olive oil quality, sustainability, health, gastronomy, olive tourism, and innovation, combining scientific knowledge with culture and tradition.
Olive tourism
Olive tourism is presented as a modern driver of growth, while gastronomy acts as the strongest global ambassador of Greek olive oil. The conference unfolds as a holistic experience that brings together culture, taste and ideas, highlighting the power of the olive as a shared heritage and an international meeting point.
Do not miss booking a visit to olive oil producers on the Island during your stay
International Recognition and Academic Support
The conference is officially endorsed by the International Olive Council (IOC), confirming its high standards, quality, and global significance within the olive oil sector. Additional academic support from Yale University and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) further strengthens the event’s scientific credibility and international reach.
Program Highlights and Key Topics
The 3rd ELIA Lesvos Confest 2026 will feature approximately 50 distinguished professors and scientists from Greece and abroad. Through expert panels, keynote sessions, and thematic discussions, the conference will explore critical topics shaping modern olive cultivation and olive oil production, including:
- Olive oil quality and sensory characteristics
- Sustainability and biodiversity
- Health, nutrition, and the Mediterranean diet
- Innovation and research in olive oil
- Gastronomy and olive oil applications
- Olive tourism and the olive oil value chain
Experiential Workshops and Sensory Education
A core element of ELIA Lesvos Confest is its educational and experiential workshops, designed to offer hands-on learning experiences. Highlights include sensory training sessions, where participants explore the unique character of Lesvos “through a glass” and engage in guided olive oil tastings featuring premium local oils.
Venue and Location
The conference will be hosted at the Municipal Theatre of Mytilene and selected locations across Lesvos, connecting academic research with local production, the olive oil market, and the wider community. Building on the success of previous editions, ELIA Lesvos Confest 2026 further positions Lesvos as a key destination for international olive oil conferences and festivals.
Organization and Vision
The event is organised by the Cultural Association “Elaeas Nisos Lesvos,” chaired by its founder Foteini Tirpintiri, who describes the conference as “a unique experience of knowledge and growth.” The Association promotes the olive-growing identity and olive culture of Lesvos, Greece, and internationally, highlighting olive oil not only as a product but also as a cultural, economic, and developmental asset.
Registration and More Information
For registration, press here.
For the full conference program, speakers, and session details, visit the official website: https://elialesvosconfest.com
