Home > Articles by: georgia sim

Author: georgia sim

By georgia sim

Forward Green and Renewable EnergyTech: A Key Hub for Circular Economy and Green Energy

Enhanced Quality Indicators for the Exhibition Duo Held from March 13-15 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center

The Forward Green and Renewable EnergyTech exhibitions have established themselves as a premier platform for presenting innovative solutions in the fields of circular economy and green energy. The event concluded with significantly improved quality indicators, both in terms of exhibitor participation and targeted parallel events, as well as strong attendance from domestic and international trade visitors. Hundreds of successful B2B meetings took place, with exhibitors expressing their satisfaction with the highly targeted nature of the visitor profile.

The successful completion of the exhibitions, held from March 13-15 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, highlights their role as a key reference point for professionals and organizations engaged in green transition and smart energy solutions.

Visitors from Albania, Austria, Belgium, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Italy, China, Kosovo, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, and Turkey attended the two exhibitions.

A dynamic business matchmaking program was also implemented under the organizational leadership of TIF-HELEXPO and the Federation of Industries of Greece (SBE), facilitating 400 B2B meetings with participants from Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey.

The two exhibitions attracted 200 exhibitors (direct and indirect) from 21 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, the United States, Denmark, Greece, Switzerland, Israel, Italy, China, Cyprus, Norway, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Finland, Scotland, Singapore, Luxembourg, Spain, Romania, and the Netherlands. Among them, 110 were direct exhibitors, and 25% of the total exhibitors were international.

Attendance was also high at the 56 parallel events organized as part of the exhibitions (HELEXPO Dialogues Forum and Open Stages), which were attended by more than 3,500 participants.

A strong presence was also felt from the CirculArt Thessaloniki initiative, which featured the “RE-CYCLING” exhibition, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and wall-mounted artworks created from recyclable materials by artists Antonio Fenili, Barry Feldman, Michalis Garoudis, Ersi Chatzargyris, and Sotiris Chatzipouflis.

Renewable EnergyTech was organized in collaboration with the energy portal Energypress.gr.

The exhibitions were officially supported by the Green Fund (Prasino Tameio) and Optimus Energy, while official partners included Hellenic Hydrogen, Faria Renewables, Greenvolt Next Greece, Combatt, and Bureau Veritas.

Forward Green and Renewable EnergyTech have already set their next dates for March 19-21, 2026.

By georgia sim

48,560 visitors on the 14th Agrothessaly

36% more commercial visitors compared to the previous event

43% increase in group delegations

The number of visitors at the 14th Pan-Hellenic Exhibition for Agriculture and Livestock, Agrothessaly, reached 48,560, an increase compared to the previous event. This year’s exhibition, held in Larissa at the Neapolis Covered Market, from March 6 to 9, saw a 36% increase in commercial visitors, while group delegations grew by 43%.

Agrothessaly, which for four days showcased the pulse of the agricultural sector and presented the latest systems in agriculture and livestock, was visited by international commercial visitors from 15 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Israel, Italy, Cyprus, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Turkey, the Netherlands, India, Albania, North Macedonia, China, and the United Kingdom.

Once again, the collaboration between TIF-HELEXPO and the Municipality of Larissa was excellent, leading to the largest Agrothessaly ever organized, with more than 800 exhibitors from 34 countries and full exhibition coverage (25,000 m²), numbers that highlighted the agricultural community’s need for a stable reference point in the region focused on primary production. Moreover, this year the exhibition’s role as a platform for communication and networking within the primary sector was showcased in the best possible way.

There was also a strong turnout at the parallel events of Agrothessaly, which addressed current issues for the agricultural community. These events were organized, among others, by the Region of Thessaly, the University of Thessaly, the Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Saving, the European Parliament Office – European Commission Representation in Greece, the European Communities Committee, the Information and Communication Technologies Institute of CERTH, GEOTE, ELGO DIMITRA, and the Thessaly Cooperative Bank, both within the exhibition space and at the Larissa Municipal Art Gallery.

Leading companies in machinery, supplies, and equipment for agriculture and livestock presented the latest technological trends during the event and provided updates on developments in international markets. Agricultural machinery and tractors, soil cultivation tools, supplies, propagation materials, nurseries, horticultural machinery, forestry equipment, machinery for livestock and poultry farming, animal feed, services, organizations, and specialized equipment, among others, made up the content of the 14th Agrothessaly.

By georgia sim

The 37th Athens International Jewellery Show boasts an enhanced international profile

This year’s edition was deemed highly successful by participants.

The exhibition maintained its momentum in terms of exhibitors and exhibition space.

The 37th Athens International Jewellery Show, held from February 21 to 24 at the Metropolitan Expo Exhibition Center in Attica, attracted significant international interest. The event welcomed trade visitors from the United States, Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria, Denmark, Switzerland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Italy, China, and Romania. The exhibition, which was recognized as highly successful by its participants, managed to maintain its strong presence both in exhibitor numbers and exhibition space, once again leaving a lasting impact on the jewelry industry.

Specifically, Athens International Jewellery Show, the sector’s leading exhibition for jewelry, watches, precious stones, machinery, and silversmithing equipment, covered a total of 12,000 sq.m. and hosted 399 exhibitors (direct and indirect), including the industry’s top companies, while presenting all the latest trends in jewelry and watch design. The direct exhibitors numbered 232 and came from Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Turkey, India, Germany, Belgium, and Estonia, while the indirect exhibitors totaled 167. During the Athens International Jewellery Show, the Hosted Buyers Program was implemented with the support of Enterprise Greece and the Panhellenic Federation of Silversmiths, Jewelers, and Watch Sellers (POVAKO) and included invited trade visitors from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Estonia, Israel, Latvia, and Ukraine. More than 200 business meetings were held.

This year’s edition also featured the DESIGN SECTION, the established sector dedicated to design, which showcased the creativity and innovation of Greek and international jewelry designers through unique creations.

Additionally, the event featured a rich program of parallel activities, including informative sessions for businesses in the jewelry sector on the processes, benefits, and opportunities for integrating industry products into the geographical indication protection framework, as well as updates on new ESPA financial tools. Workshops on synthetic diamonds, screenings of short films by POVAKO on Greek jewelry craftsmanship, and presentations on watches aimed at improving professionals’ understanding of the timepiece industry were also part of the program.

By georgia sim

The three awards of the logo design competition for the 100th Anniversary of TIF-HELEXPO have been presented

The first-place logo will accompany all company activities throughout the anniversary year

The management of TIF-HELEXPO presented the three awards of the Logo Design Competition for the 100th Anniversary of TIF-HELEXPO to the winners during a special event. The event was attended by members of both the Organizing and Judging Committees of the competition.
The first prize was accompanied by a monetary award of €2,000, while the second and third prizes were each awarded €1,000. The winning logo will be used in all company activities throughout the anniversary year.

Specifically, the first prize was awarded to Sozon Kalfas and Agapi-Angeliki Stavrochristou, students of the School of Architecture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), along with graphic design student Stavroula Pakataridou. The second prize was awarded to graphic designer Aikaterini Aznaourova, while the third prize went to engineer Maria Zafeirkou.

The management of TIF-HELEXPO expressed its great satisfaction not only with the three distinguished proposals but also with the overall competition participation. The entries were recognized for their quality, nationwide representation, and the significant number of young participants, including both professionals and students who share the vision of the exhibition organization.

During the event, the three winning logos were presented, and the awarded participants had the opportunity to discuss the competition process and results while networking with each other.

In 2025, TIF-HELEXPO celebrates its 100th anniversary since its founding. Through the creation of the anniversary logo, the organization aimed to highlight both its historical significance and its contemporary role. The goal was to capture the company’s long-standing contribution to the social, business, and cultural development of Greece.

By georgia sim

13th Zootechnia – 29% Increase in visitor attendance

51% More Trade Visitors

The 13th International Fair for Livestock and Poultry, Zootechnia,which took place from January 30 to February 2, 2025 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, concluded with an overall increase of 29% in visitor attendance and a 51% rise in trade visitors compared to the previous edition in 2023. Particularly impressive was the 78% increase in foreign trade visitors, who came from 28 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Armenia, Moldova, Croatia, Kosovo, Tunisia, Mauritania, Ukraine, Belgium, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Israel, the UK, Czech Republic, the Philippines, Georgia, Spain, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Turkey, Ireland, and Finland.

The entire livestock and agricultural sector gathered at this year’s exhibition, seeking information on the latest technologies and innovative solutions in an industry facing major challenges. Advanced technology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence took center stage at Zootechnia, with the participation of leading companies in the sector. During the event, over 500 B2B meetings took place between hosted buyers and exhibitors, in addition to numerous business discussions involving other trade visitors.

Zootechnia expanded its exhibition area to 15,085 sqm of indoor and outdoor space, compared to 14,115 sqm in 2023. The number of exhibitors grew to 954 (direct and indirect), up from 834 in the previous edition. Direct exhibitors represented Greece, Bulgaria, France, Italy, China, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey, while indirect exhibitors hailed from 38 different countries.

As part of the parallel events at Zootechnia, the 8th Panhellenic Conference on Meat and Meat Products—a joint initiative by TIF-HELEXPO and MEAT NEWS—gathered renowned speakers to discuss the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Additionally, the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and the Laboratory of Animal Science at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s Veterinary Department collaborated with the exhibition organizers to present innovative applications in animal production.

The Horse Salon and Pet Festival—both integral parts of Zootechnia—attracted a large number of visitors who marveled at the majestic horses and companion animals. This year, in addition to dogs and cats, the event showcased reptiles, aquariums, and canaries, offering a more diverse experience for attendees.

TIF-HELEXPO’s next major event for the agricultural sector is set for March 6-9 in Larissa, as part of AgroThessaly, followed by Agrotica from January 29 to February 1, 2026, and Zootechnia from January 28 to 31, 2027.

By georgia sim

The Final Countdown to the Annual General Assembly of CEFA οn June 3 in Thessaloniki

The CEFA Executive Committee meeting in Skopje set the priorities for the strategic plan of the Central European Fair Alliance for the period 2025-2030.

The strategic priorities of the exhibition industry and the initiatives of the Central European Fair Alliance (CEFA), which will hold its annual General Assembly in Thessaloniki on June 3, 2025, were the key topics discussed at the recent CEFA Executive Committee meeting in Skopje.

The two-day meeting in Skopje brought together leading figures from the exhibition sector across the Balkans and Central Europe. Representing TIF-HELEXPO was CEO Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis.

The CEFA Executive Committee primarily focused on renewing the organization’s corporate identity, establishing new frameworks for collaboration, and shaping the strategic plan for 2025-2030. Participants also reviewed preparations for the upcoming CEFA General Assembly in Thessaloniki, which will coincide with the 30th-anniversary celebrations of its founding.

TIF-HELEXPO’s CEO emphasized that, “We are thrilled to be preparing for the CEFA General Assembly in Thessaloniki—an event that will not only highlight our 30 years of achievements but also set the priorities for our future path. This is a pivotal moment for CEFA as we work together to ensure a dynamic and sustainable future for the exhibition industry.”

It is worth noting that from June 3-6, 2025, Thessaloniki and TIF-HELEXPO will also host the major global exhibition industry event of the year—the UFI European Conference, organized by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). The conference will welcome 350 senior executives from the international exhibition industry from Europe and beyond.

CEFA, of which TIF-HELEXPO has been a member since 2013, is a key network of exhibition organizers in Central and Southeastern Europe. Founded in 1995, its goal has been to establish the region as a powerful international exhibition gateway that transcends national borders. CEFA’s mission is to support its members in offering businesses high-quality access to the emerging markets of Central and Southeastern Europe.

By georgia sim

TIF-HELEXPO: Celebrating 100 Years in 2025, Stronger Than Ever

Three young talents win the first prize in TIF-HELEXPO’s logo design competition to mark its centennial anniversary.

The year 2025 begins on a high note for TIF-HELEXPO as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary, riding the momentum of 2024, a year that marked record-breaking profitability. During today’s New Year’s celebration, beyond reviewing last year’s successes and unveiling plans for 2025, the centennial celebration was highlighted with the announcement of the winners of the logo design competition.

The top prize was awarded to three young talents: Sozon Kalfas, a third-year student in the Department of Architecture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) from Thessaloniki; Agapi-Angeliki Stavrochristou, also a third-year architecture student at AUTH from Athens; and Stavroula Pakataridou, a graphic design student at IEK DELTA from Kavala.

Their winning design encapsulates TIF-HELEXPO’s historical journey and its significant contributions to Thessaloniki’s economic, cultural, and social fabric. “We aimed to connect TIF with time itself,” said Sozon Kalfas, explaining that the design incorporates five simple lines representing both the institution’s timeline and its legacy, with a dynamic diagonal symbolizing its progression.

The competition drew submissions from across Greece, involving professionals, students, and enthusiasts. The first prize included a €2,000 cash award, while the second and third prizes came with €1,000 each.

2025: A Dynamic Start

During the New Year’s celebration, TIF-HELEXPO President Mr. Tasos Tzikas highlighted a 2024 EBITDA of €3.5 million—the highest since the 1970s—and shared updates on the exhibition center’s redevelopment project. “The goal is to finalize the project by the end of 2026,” he stated, outlining a series of centennial activities, including a documentary about TIF’s history, an anniversary publication, and a social initiative spanning Greece’s 13 regions.

The CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, provided a brief but positive review of the past year, highlighting a 33% increase in visitors to exhibition events in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching a total of 648,646. He also noted a 13.5% rise in conference events, with the total reaching 269. Special mention was made of the UFI European Conference to be hosted in early June at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, the Central European Fair Alliance (CEFA) General Assembly marking its 30th anniversary, and the Greek Exhibition Industry Association (SOKEE) General Assembly, both taking place during the exhibition. “The global exhibition industry converges in Thessaloniki,” he emphasized.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, described TIF’s redevelopment as a transformative project for Thessaloniki, akin to the city’s metro and airport expansions. “The redevelopment of TIF-HELEXPO will be one of the most significant projects ever undertaken in Greece in the field of exhibitions. For Thessaloniki, it will be a project comparable to the metro. I am confident that once completed, we will be talking about a new Thessaloniki, a new Northern Greece. A Thessaloniki that, having upgraded its airport, port, delivered the metro, and in the coming years the FlyOver, will have an exhibition center that places the city at the ‘heart’ of global exhibitions,”.

Also, expressing his gratitude to the TIF-HELEXPO administration for their collaboration during his tenure as Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, he added that he would continue to support TIF in his new role. “The best for Thessaloniki, Macedonia, and our country lies ahead,” he concluded.

Deputy Minister of the Interior, sector of Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Kostas Gioulekas, hailed the exhibition as a trailblazer, stating, “Thessaloniki and Greece stand firmly behind the redevelopment project.”

Deputy Regional Governor for Health & Social Solidarity, Ms. Maria (Melina) Dermentzopoulou, affirmed ongoing support from the Central Macedonia Region, while Mr. Panagiotis Chatziioannou, President of TIF-HELEXPO’s Employees Association, emphasized the team’s commitment to success, calling the achievements a testament to teamwork and dedication.

Representatives from political parties also extended their greetings, including Mr. Stavros Kalafatis (ND), Mr. Christos Giannoulis (SYRIZA), Mr. Dimitris Sarigiannis (PASOK), Mr. Giannis Dellis (KKE), and Mr. Nikos Papadopoulos (NIKI).

By georgia sim

TIF-HELEXPO’s commitment to sustainable development

TIF-HELEXPO’s Commitment to Sustainable Development and Reducing Environmental Footprint

The sustainable development strategy consistently implemented by TIF-HELEXPO is clearly reflected in the latest Sustainability Report prepared and completed by the national exhibition organization for the year 2023.

The TIF-HELEXPO Sustainability Report 2023 highlights the company’s initiatives and achievements in sustainable development and its application of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. The report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards 2021 and is further aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

In 2023, TIF-HELEXPO reinforced its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, contributing to society, and enhancing corporate governance through new projects and initiatives ensuring sustainable growth and progress. Notably, the organization expanded the Zero Waste initiative, launched in 2022, to all its exhibitions. For the upcoming year, the aim is a 7% reduction in waste, complemented by active participation in the European program Waste Minimization in Large Events (MINEV) (https://www.interregeurope.eu/minev), further contributing to environmental protection.

The organization’s efforts towards accessibility and social inclusion are evident in the improvement of infrastructure for individuals with disabilities and the adoption of modern tools to support all visitors. Additionally, TIF-HELEXPO’s recognition as a “Great Place to Work” for the second consecutive year reaffirms its commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment.

TIF-HELEXPO’s developmental trajectory, sustainability goals, and adaptability to global trends in the exhibition industry are intrinsically tied to the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center. The new venue will be fully bioclimatic, designed to minimize its environmental footprint. The redevelopment also includes a modern Metropolitan Park, featuring over 3,000 newly planted trees and 100,000 square meters of green spaces.

You can download the TIF-HELEXPO Sustainability Report 2023 in Greek [here].

By georgia sim

The UFI European Conference 2025 will take place in Thessaloniki from June 3-6

350 senior executives from the international exhibition industry to shape the sector’s future

The UFI European Conference 2025, the major gathering for the global exhibition industry, will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece from June 3-6, 2025. The announcement was recently made at the UFI Global Congress in Cologne.

This groundbreaking and innovative conference will bring together 350 senior executives from the exhibition industry across Europe and beyond.

For the first time, UFI will also organize the European Event Week during these dates, featuring a series of events dedicated to the global exhibition industry, with the European Conference in Thessaloniki as the highlight.

The UFI European Conference was presented in Cologne by Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, CEO of TIF-HELEXPO and member of the UFI Board of Directors. Dr. Pozrikidis emphasized Thessaloniki’s growing role as an exhibition and conference destination, bolstered by its infrastructure development, economic progress, and increasing appeal as a tourism hub.

The year 2025 marks a milestone for TIF-HELEXPO, as it celebrates 100 years since its founding. Likewise, UFI will commemorate its centennial in 2025, launching its anniversary celebrations from Thessaloniki.

TIF-HELEXPO has consistently invested in its international network and actively participates in the institutional bodies of the global exhibition community, being a member of UFI since 1927.

UFI represents 865 members from 88 countries worldwide, with its primary mission to advocate for, promote, and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry globally.

By georgia sim

One Step Away from a Sold-Out Event: The Panhellenic Exhibition for Agriculture and Livestock, Agrothessaly

March 6-9, 2025, Neapoli Covered Market, Larissa

The Panhellenic Exhibition for Agriculture and Livestock, Agrothessaly, is just one step away from full capacity—three months ahead of its scheduled dates, from March 6 to 9, 2025. Demand for exhibition space has exceeded all expectations.
Agrothessaly, a regional exhibition with national reach, is the result of a strategic partnership between TIF-HELEXPO and the Municipality of Larissa. Held biennially at the Neapoli Covered Market in Larissa, the exhibition focuses on:

  • Showcasing domestic and international agricultural and livestock products.
  • Highlighting the latest advancements in agricultural technology.
  • Promoting commercial networking for exhibitors both within Greece and abroad.

The new Municipal Administration of Larissa has embraced the Agrothessaly institution from the outset, investing in its strategic collaboration with TIF-HELEXPO. This partnership underscores the importance of the agricultural sector and agri-food industry as invaluable assets for Larissa and the broader Thessaly region.