The public supported the anniversary event,
which honored the 100 years of the exhibition institution

The Thessaloniki International Fair once again raised the bar, attracting 228,974 visitors to its 89th edition, held from September 6 to 14. The combination of this year’s anniversary character—marking 100 years since the founding of the exhibition organization—the strong business presence both from leading companies in their sectors and from small and medium-sized enterprises, the focus on technology, education, and the automotive industry as a major attraction, all earned the trust of thousands of visitors. Moreover, this year’s edition, with the addition of the JuniorLand thematic section, particularly appealed to families with children, who embraced the Fair more than ever before. At the same time, the 89th TIF stood at the center of all the country’s economic and political developments, a “dowry” that the event has carried throughout the 100-year history of the exhibition institution.

The anniversary element of the 89th TIF ran throughout the entire event, taking visitors on a journey through the main milestones of the organization’s history. In particular, Pavilion 16 hosted a tribute to this century, where the historic documentary “TIF. 100 Years From Ground Zero” by Time Machine was screened for the first time, attracting significant interest. In fact, this year’s Treasure Hunt was also dedicated to the 100 years of TIF-HELEXPO, with the top three winners already announced.

With 1,100 exhibitors, 33,000 sq.m. of exhibition space, and 11 thematic sections—Greece and Entrepreneurship, Technology-Research-Innovation, Akademia, Energy-Circular Economy, Regions-Flavors of Greece, AutoThessaloniki, Cosmos-International Participation, Public Sector-Organizations, Gastronomy-Nutrition, Hobby Festival, and Furniture-Home Equipment—the 89th TIF became for nine days a meeting point for many different sectors. Notably, AutoThessaloniki was organized for the first time and exceeded all expectations.

For the first time, the Youth Band Battle–Stage Z was organized, a music competition in collaboration with the record label Fine Records and with ERT3 as media sponsor, giving the stage to 28 youth bands from across Greece. The top 3 winners, to be announced by the jury on September 22, will receive: a record contract with the label (1st prize), the production of a music video for one song (2nd prize), a live recording at the new 95.8 FM studio (2nd and 3rd prize), and a live interview on ERT3 (all 3 prizes). All participants also had the chance to enjoy daily exposure.

Among the exhibits that stole the show- causing queues throughout the Fair – was the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s racing car, brought to the 89th TIF by OPAP, a member of Allwyn. Visitors not only had the chance to take photos with the car but also tested their skills in Formula 1 simulators, posed for keepsake photos in a unique photobooth where they virtually wore the McLaren drivers’ suit, and tried papaya-colored face painting.

Alongside celebrating its own 100-year anniversary, TIF-HELEXPO also honored the centenary of Mikis Theodorakis’ birth during the 89th TIF with a major tribute concert on the Music Events Live stage. The Mikis Theodorakis Orchestra performed the immortal songs of the great, internationally renowned composer, accompanied by the voices of Dimitris Basis, Rita Antonopoulou, Sofia Papazoglou, and Angelos Theodorakis. In addition, at Pavilion 6, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the composer’s exile in 1968–69 in Zatouna, Gortynia, during the junta, his struggles against the dictatorship, and the significant works he composed there, inspired by the emblematic mountains of Arcadia. This was presented through a historical documentary about Theodorakis and Zatouna, as well as screenings from the Zatouna Digital Virtual Museum, the first digital museum dedicated to Mikis Theodorakis in Greece.

The Music Events Live stage also hosted some of the biggest names in the Greek music scene, who energized the thousands of visitors with their performances and rhythms during the 89th TIF.

During the 89th TIF, and within the framework of TIF-HELEXPO’s collaboration with Cigaret Cycle, 172,000 cigarette butts were collected from the 31 special bins placed around the exhibition grounds. Their recycling will produce: 9.5 kg of fertilizer, 30 kg of raw plastic material, while the environmental impact amounts to saving 86,000 cubic meters of fresh or salt water from pollution.

The 89th TIF also fostered close cooperation with the European Commission. The National Bank of Greece was the Official Bank of the event, PPC (Public Power Corporation) the Official Energy Provider, Aegean Airlines the Official Carrier, NOVA the Official Telecommunications Provider, LANCOM the Official Data Center/Internet Provider, the Green Fund an Official Partner of the 89th TIF, Auto Hertz the Official Mobility Provider, Papastratos an Official Supporter of the Fair, while “Nymfi” by Athinaiki Brewery was the Official Beer of the 89th TIF, and the Official Cars of the exhibition were Škoda and Volkswagen by Kosmocar.