A non-profit association named “Friends of TIF” founded with 100 founding members

On the occasion of this year’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of TIF-HELEXPO, those who love and support the exhibition organization decided to create a non-profit association under the name “Friends of the Thessaloniki International Fair” and the distinctive title “Friends of TIF”. Already, 100 people from the city, representing all sectors and social spheres, have signed for the founding of the association, while during its founding assembly, a five-member provisional board of directors was elected, with Emeritus Professor and former Rector of the University of Macedonia, Mr. Ioannis Chatzidimitriou, as President; economist Mr. Alexandros Tsaxirlis as Vice-President; lawyer Mrs. Aikaterini Githkopoulou as Secretary; civil engineer Dr. Dimitrios Kourkouridis as Treasurer; and University of Macedonia Professor Mrs. Rodoula Tsiotsou as a member.
The purpose of the “Friends of TIF” Association is to serve as a link between the local community of Thessaloniki and TIF-HELEXPO, enhancing cooperation, interaction, and mutual support between the two sides.

The objectives of the Association are:

• To encourage and facilitate the participation of citizens, associations, businesses, and institutions of Thessaloniki in the events, activities, and programs of TIF-HELEXPO.

• To promote two-way information and communication between TIF-HELEXPO and the local community, conveying the needs, proposals, and expectations of residents to the Exhibition’s administration.

• To undertake initiatives for the organization of cultural, social, and educational activities that strengthen the city’s relationship with TIF-HELEXPO.

• To contribute to the promotion of Thessaloniki and its cultural identity through cooperation with TIF-HELEXPO at local, national, and international levels.

• To support corporate social responsibility and sustainable development initiatives that benefit both TIF-HELEXPO and the local community.

• To enhance transparency, cooperation, and the creation of trust among all stakeholders.

The achievement of the above objectives of the “Friends of TIF” Association will be carried out:

• Through the recording, study, highlighting, and promotion of the history of the Thessaloniki International Fair as an institution of cultural, social, and economic significance, as well as its connection to the economic and social history of the city and the country. In this direction, it will undertake initiatives to preserve the historical memory of TIF and implement activities that involve citizens in highlighting Thessaloniki as an international exhibition and conference hub.

• By creating structured communication channels (e.g., meetings, forums, online platforms) to convey the proposals and needs of the local community to the administration of TIF-HELEXPO and vice versa.

• By undertaking initiatives for cultural, social, and educational events that link Thessaloniki with TIF-HELEXPO. Among its activities will be the organization of cultural, artistic, and educational events (exhibitions, conferences, seminars, festivals, theatrical and musical performances, etc.) on the occasion of or within the framework of the Thessaloniki International Fair, as well as the creation and management of publications, a digital archive, and audiovisual material related to the history and future of the institution.

• Through cooperation with TIF-HELEXPO bodies for the promotion of cultural heritage locally, nationally, and internationally, e.g., by organizing thematic events and exhibitions. The “Friends of TIF” Association will seek cooperation with cultural bodies, organizations, universities, and local government to promote Thessaloniki’s exhibition, conference, and cultural identity.

• By participating in or initiating corporate social responsibility and sustainability actions that benefit the local community and TIF-HELEXPO, integrating sustainability concepts into events and programs.

• Through institutionalized cooperation frameworks, open and honest communication, and constant exchange of information among all stakeholders, in order to develop an atmosphere of trust and mutual support.

Immediately after the election of the administration, new members will be able to register.