Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 13, 2026

1. Who We Are & Data Controllers

Elevate & Connect is a collaborative educational initiative and professional community dedicated to education, networking and development within the wedding and events industry.

Elevate & Connect operates through the professional activities of its co-founders, Fotini Gkiniou and Penny Zachou, who maintain separate, independently registered sole proprietorships in Greece.

Participating Businesses:

1. Fotini Gkiniou

2. Penny Zachou

For personal data processing activities relating to the shared Elevate & Connect website and its contact form, the participating businesses [jointly determine the purposes and essential means of processing, where applicable and as confirmed by their actual arrangements].

Each business may separately act as an independent data controller for processing activities relating exclusively to its own contracts, invoicing, accounting and legal obligations.

2. Information We Collect

When you submit an inquiry through our contact form, we may collect:

  • First and last name

  • Email address

  • Profession or company name

  • Educational event or programme of interest

  • Information you voluntarily include in your message

When you browse our website, certain technical information may also be processed, including your IP address, browser information, device information and website usage data.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

  • Respond to inquiries and requests.

  • Provide information about educational experiences, conferences and professional events.

  • Communicate about an event or programme you have expressed interest in.

  • Manage participation requests and potential professional collaborations.

  • Maintain website functionality and security.

  • Improve our website and visitors' experience.

We use personal information only for appropriate purposes and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Depending on the purpose, we process personal information on the basis of:

  • Legitimate interests: To respond to relevant professional inquiries and maintain secure website operations, where those interests are not overridden by your rights.

  • Pre-contractual measures: When you request information relating to potential participation or a professional service.

  • Consent: Where consent is required, including for optional cookies or promotional email communications.

  • Legal obligations: Where processing is necessary to comply with applicable law.

5. Website Hosting and Third-Party Services

Our website is hosted by Squarespace, which provides website hosting, form functionality and related technical services.

We use Google Gmail to receive and manage inquiries submitted through our website.

These providers may process personal information as part of delivering their services, subject to their applicable privacy terms and data protection arrangements.

We do not sell personal information to advertisers.

6. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support its functionality, maintain security, remember visitor preferences and, where enabled, understand website usage.

Essential cookies may be necessary for the website to function properly.

Optional analytics or marketing cookies, where used, are subject to the consent requirements applicable to visitors.

You can review or change available cookie choices using the Cookie Preferences control on our website.

Details of specific cookies, third-party tracking services and retention periods should reflect the technologies actually enabled on the website.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, taking into account the nature of the inquiry, relevant communication needs and applicable legal obligations.

Specific retention period or criteria: [Insert the verified retention policy for contact form submissions and related emails.]

When personal information is no longer required, we take appropriate steps to delete it or otherwise protect it in accordance with applicable law.

8. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may process or store personal information outside the European Economic Area.

Where international transfers occur, we seek to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, as required by applicable data protection law.

Transfer details and safeguards: [Confirm the arrangements applicable to Squarespace, Google and any additional service providers.]

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Under applicable data protection law, you may have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information.

  • Request correction of inaccurate information.

  • Request deletion of your personal information.

  • Request restriction of certain processing activities.

  • Object to processing in certain circumstances.

  • Request data portability where applicable.

  • Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.

You may exercise your rights by contacting elevateconnect2024@gmail.com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a competent data protection supervisory authority, including the Hellenic Data Protection Authority where applicable.

10. Data Security

We take reasonable organizational and technical measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, loss and misuse.

However, no online transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms and professional partners.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of websites operated by independent third parties. We encourage visitors to review their respective privacy policies.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our website, services, data processing activities or applicable legal requirements.

The latest version will be published on this page, together with its updated revision date.

13. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or requests concerning your personal information, please contact:

Elevate & Connect

Email: elevateconnect2024@gmail.com

Website: www.elevateandconnect.eu