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Join us for an engaging series of fireside chats at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026, where distinguished leaders, innovators and industry experts share their insights, experiences and success stories. These intimate, conversational sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how trailblazers navigate challenges, seize opportunities and make an impact in their fields. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions, practical takeaways and the chance to connect directly with inspiring figures shaping business, culture and innovation worldwide.
8 MAY 2026 | 10:10 – 10:30
CONFERENCE ROOM B
Dimitri Leonidas is a British Cypriot actor who has worked extensively across television and film. With a career spanning independent productions and major studio projects, he has shared the screen with renowned figures such as Anthony Hopkins, George Clooney, and Cate Blanchett, and has worked under the direction of Jon Stewart, Roland Emmerich, and Luc Besson.
Showcasing his versatility, Dimitri’s roles have ranged from portraying a German–Jewish soldier in the Second World War tasked with recovering stolen artworks across Europe in the Sony film The Monuments Men, to playing Scorpus, the greatest chariot racer in history, in Amazon’s Roman epic Those About to Die.
His stage credits include performing at London’s prestigious Almeida Theatre in a production of Ingmar Bergman’s Through a Glass Darkly, directed by Michael Attenborough.
8 MAY 2026 | 15:35 – 15:55
CONFERENCE ROOM A
On 8 May 2026, the global thalassaemia community will mark International Thalassaemia Day under the theme: “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients.”
Join international speaker Maria Hadjidemetriou and other industry professionals for an exclusive lightning talk, as she raises awareness and support for those living with thalassaemia.
Maria is an Executive Board Member of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF) and an Expert Patient Advisor for the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF). She has spoken at global medical conferences and addressed the 72nd World Health Assembly on Patient Rights. Recognised for her advocacy, Maria received the CAF President’s Award in 2016 and the Patient Recognition Award in 2019.
Don’t miss this inspiring and impactful conversation.
8 MAY 2026 | 15:40 – 16:20
CONFERENCE ROOM B
Matt Fiddes is one of Britain’s most respected and successful entrepreneurs. At the age of 17, with just £100 in savings, Matt launched his first martial arts school in Devon. He has since built Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Schools into the largest franchise of its kind in the world, with over 2,000 locations – and many more on the way.
Having earned his black belt at the age of 12 and now holding an 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, Matt has inspired millions to take up martial arts and experience its benefits for both physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
But that was only the beginning of Matt’s extraordinary business journey. The MF brand has since expanded to include MF Dance, MF Nurseries, and MF Properties, among others. He has also launched MF Club and MF Prestige; initiatives designed to mentor and support aspiring entrepreneurs as they take their first steps into business.
A two-time Entrepreneur of the Year and Franchiser of the Year award winner, Matt is in high demand as a global speaker, sharing his insights on how to scale, invest, and grow successful enterprises.
Millions also know Matt through his international media profile, particularly for his decade-long role as personal bodyguard to his close friend, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
A regular guest on major television and radio networks including the BBC, ITV, and Sky, Matt is frequently featured in leading publications such as The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, and The Daily Express. He and his family also appeared on the hit Netflix and Channel 5 reality show Rich House, Poor House, with their episode breaking viewing records and continuing to air globally.
Matt has featured on more than 90 of the world’s leading podcasts, where he regularly shares his insights on entrepreneurship and leadership. Beyond business, he is a passionate anti-bullying ambassador, frequently visiting schools to deliver motivational talks on resilience, confidence, and self-belief. His viral video, “Self-Defence Every Parent Should Teach Their Child,” has been viewed over one million times.
Above all, Matt is a devoted father of six. Alongside his wife, Monique, he continues to lead the global expansion of the MF brand into new international markets, including Portugal and Cyprus. His mission is simple: to change lives, build leaders, and leave a lasting legacy.