Over 3,000 Social Media Posts Promoted Thessaloniki Globally by 400 Delegates from 37 Countries

TIF-HELEXPO and Thessaloniki gained an unprecedented vote of confidence and major international exposure thanks to the highly successful organization of the European Conference of UFI, held from June 3 to 7 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center.

This landmark event, the largest regional conference in the hundred-year history of UFI—was more than just a convention. It represented a strategic success for Thessaloniki, with its positive effects visible in every aspect of the local economy and the city’s global image.

Direct Economic Boost and Support for the Local Market

The presence of 400 top executives from the exhibition industry, representing 37 countries, acted as a major economic injection for the city. The immediate financial impact of the event is estimated to have exceeded €1,000,000 in just a few days. These funds directly supported the local market, significantly benefiting hotels, restaurants, retail stores, transportation companies, tourism services, and more demonstrating the true power of conference tourism as a growth driver. Alongside the UFI conference, Thessaloniki also hosted the General Assemblies of CEFA (Central European Fair Alliance) and SOKEE (Hellenic Association of Exhibition Organizers and Constructors).

Global Promotional Campaign for Thessaloniki

Perhaps the most valuable legacy of the event is the priceless exposure Thessaloniki received. Impressed by the city’s hospitality, beauty, and vibrancy, the delegates became their most enthusiastic ambassadors. Through social media, they generated an unprecedented wave of positive impressions, posting over 3,000 pieces of content from Thessaloniki that circulated worldwide. This online buzz, combined with extensive coverage by international media (TV channels, radio stations, specialized websites, trade magazines), placed Thessaloniki at the center of the exhibition and conference industry spotlight. It is estimated that more than 5 million people across over 37 countries saw at least one social media post related to the event, TIF-HELEXPO, and Thessaloniki.

Additionally, the cultural and historical richness of the wider region was showcased, as delegates took part in organized excursions to Mount Athos and Meteora, as well as visits to selected points of interest within Thessaloniki.
The flawless execution of the UFI conference—and its certification according to the international sustainability standard ISO 20121—proved that Thessaloniki has both know-how and infrastructure to host world-class events.

This success is not just an isolated occurrence, but a foundation on which the city’s future as a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) destination is being built, attracting new and even larger-scale events of both national and international significance.

• Largest regional event in UFI’s history gathers around 400 industry leaders from 37 countries

• Event hosted by TIF-HELEXPO in Thessaloniki, Greece

• Marked the 100-year anniversary of both UFI and TIF-HELEXPO

UFI European Events Week brought a record number of delegates to Thessaloniki, Greece, from 3 to 7 June 2025. Hosted by TIF-HELEXPO, around 400 industry leaders from 37 countries gathered for an insightful week of learning, networking, and memorable experiences.

Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, commented: “Thessaloniki didn’t just host the UFI European Events Week 2025 — it energized it. With around 400 participants, the city became a live stage for bold ideas, future-thinking dialogue, and powerful networking moments. From buzzing panels to spontaneous hallway conversations, every corner of the event pulsed with energy and purpose.

The week was marked by two major milestones — the General Assemblies of CEFA and SOKEE — anchoring Thessaloniki’s role as not just a participant, but a driving force in the exhibition and conference industry of Southeast Europe.

This wasn’t just another gathering. It was a strong statement: Thessaloniki is rising as a vital hub for innovation, collaboration, and the next chapter of our industry.”

Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director of Europe, added: “What an incredible few days in the beautiful city of Thessaloniki. Together with our friends from SOKEE and CEFA, we managed to bring around 400 delegates together last week.

The conversations that took place both onstage and throughout the week, conducted in a spirit of collaboration and sharing, will help keep improving standards and open new opportunities for our businesses.

UFI is a family, strengthened by the friendships and connections we make when we meet in person. My sincere thanks to the TIF-HELEXPO and UFI teams who delivered a professional and memorable event – a fitting tribute to honour the 100-year legacy of both our organisations.”

Political support

The event received widespread political support, including a powerful message of support from the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The Deputy Minister of the Interior & Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Konstantinos Gioulekas, and the Mayor of Thessaloniki also joined the event in person.

Special 100-year celebration for TIF-HELEXPO and UFI

The event marked the 100-year anniversaries of both UFI & TIF-HELEXPO. UFI launched the first part of their exhibition with archived content and artefacts from 1925 to 1999. The full exhibition will be on display 19-22 November at the Global Congress in Hong Kong SAR. UFI also honoured their founding members who were in attendance. TIFHELEXPO organised a memorable evening, hosted by the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, which featured a drone display which required the closing of Thessaloniki Airport.

Latest content & new formats

The topics under discussion include trade tarics / geopolitical issues, strategy, digital, sustainability, talent/DEI, exhibitor ROI, new venue concepts, and a deep dive into the US market in a SISO-led workshop. The content was delivered in multiple formats, including mainstage, 3-hour workshops, breakouts, and the new Bate-Papo Corner. All UFI members have access to session recordings, speaker presentations, AI summaries, and photos now.

First UFI event to receive ISO20121 certification

TIF-HELEXPO underwent the ISO20121 certification process for this event, meaning that this event was the first UFI event to receive this international certification for sustainable event management. The Certificate was presented onstage to Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis by Mrs Maria Chachali from the Bureau Veritas, Athens.

New research on exhibitor satisfaction & sentiment

“2025 Channel Insights” -the latest report from UFI Research Partner Explori – which is supported by SISO – was presented by Explori CEO Mark Brewster onstage in Thessaloniki. The report is available exclusively to UFI & SISO members currently, and will be released to the public soon.

Launch of “Better Stands by NZCE” initiative with cross-industry support

Better Stands by NZCE is a project designed to drive the transition from single-use to reusable exhibition stands. Initiated by Informa and piloted for two years with a collection of organisers, it was launched to the global exhibition industry onstage in Thessaloniki. It is hosted by Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) and supported by the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES).

50 Event Directors have Ignition

Exhibition & Portfolio Directors from 30 organisations across Europe joined for a special 2-part workshop, created & delivered by Global President MCI Oscar Cerezales, with contributions from CEO RX Global Hugh Jones and CEO dmg events Geoc Dickinson. This is the third edition of the Event Director Summit in Europe, which has also taken place in Asia.

Global Exhibitions Day celebrated around the world (and in Thessaloniki)

The tenth edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) took place on 4 June 2025 and reached audiences in over 100 countries and markets, with the theme “Exhibitions Unleash Potential”. Examples of the activations which took place in Thessaloniki and all around the world can be found at www.globalexhibitionsday.org.

Join the conversations at upcoming events

UFI organises annual events around the world for members and non-members. Our next event is the members-only 100th anniversary UFI Global Congress, which will be held from 19 to 22 November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR.

The 2026 Europe event will be held from 3-5 June in Izmir, Turkey, hosted by IZFAS.

For more information about UFI’s upcoming events, visit: www.ufi.org/our-events.

TIF-HELEXPO has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), continuing its strategy for international networking and outward-looking development. The cooperation agreement was signed by the CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, and the CEO of OCEC, Mr. Said Salim Al Shanfari, in the presence of the President of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Tasos Tzikas, and Senior Consultant, Mr. Michail Michail.

The management of TIF-HELEXPO informed the CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre about the redevelopment plan currently underway, which Mr. Said Salim Al Shanfari showed great interest in, inviting the company’s executives to present it in his country.

The signed cooperation agreement sets a general framework between the two parties in the fields of exhibitions, trade promotion, business networking, and institutional cooperation, as TIF-HELEXPO and OCEC recognize the historical ties between Greece and Oman, their shared commitment to commercial and economic development, the value of cooperation in enhancing competitiveness, and the importance of developing international relations in order to leverage opportunities in both countries.

Specifically, under the cooperation agreement, TIF-HELEXPO will be able to organize and lead business and institutional missions to events under the auspices of OCEC, while OCEC will have the equivalent opportunity in sectoral exhibitions organized by TIF-HELEXPO.

At the same time, each party will support the participation of national exhibitors and official delegations in each other’s exhibitions. TIF-HELEXPO and OCEC will exchange know-how and best practices, as well as information, knowledge, and experience related to the organization and development of exhibitions and other business events. They will jointly organize business meetings, B2B networking events, and thematic seminars in order to highlight the market opportunities of each country.

The two parties will also facilitate meetings among government bodies, chambers of commerce, professional associations, and private sector entities, while also exploring investment opportunities through events and matchmaking programs.

International Recognition for TIF-HELEXPO and the Greek Exhibition Industry

For the third time, the CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, has been unanimously elected as President of the Central European Fair Alliance (CEFA), following the elections held during today’s annual general assembly of CEFA, which is taking place in Thessaloniki and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

Dr. Pozrikidis’s re-election to the leadership of CEFA, one of Europe’s most significant exhibition organization networks, is a clear sign of strong confidence in him and a reaffirmation of the leading role that TIF-HELEXPO plays in shaping exhibition policy in Europe. It also signals international recognition of the Greek exhibition industry, which in recent years has consistently pursued the place it deserves within the European and global exhibition ecosystem.

Founded in 1995, CEFA includes 21 members from 12 European countries. Its mission is to foster cross-border cooperation and promote business access to the region’s dynamic markets. TIF-HELEXPO has been an active member since 2013, playing a vital role in shaping CEFA’s strategic direction.

Dr. Pozrikidis’s election comes at a milestone moment for both the city and TIF-HELEXPO itself, as from June 3 to 7, Thessaloniki and its International Exhibition Centre host the Greek, European, and global exhibition industry on the occasion of the Pan-European Congress of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), held as part of UFI European Events Week, currently underway.
TIF-HELEXPO continues to strategically invest in internationalization, strengthening Greece’s role as a development hub for the broader region, with Thessaloniki at the center of Europe’s exhibition developments.

100 years of contribution for TIF-HELEXPO and UFI

A key milestone for the exhibition industry, the UFI European Conference will be held from 3 to 7 June at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center.

This landmark event focused on innovation, sustainability, and the future of the sector coincides with the centennial anniversaries of both TIF-HELEXPO and UFI. The UFI’s centenary celebrations will begin in Thessaloniki, which will also host the UFI European Events Week, including a series of initiatives dedicated to the international exhibition industry.

Hosting this event marks significant recognition of Thessaloniki’s and TIF-HELEXPO’s strategic role on the European exhibition and conference map, while also highlighting the organizer’s unwavering commitment to responsible, innovative, and sustainable development.

Approximately 350 senior executives from the exhibition industry across 37 countries, the highest attendance ever for this particular conference are expected to participate. The main thematic axes will include the current geopolitical landscape, sustainability, digital innovation, and talent/HR management. The program will also feature the relaunch of the “Better Stands” initiative for sustainable stand construction, the presentation of the new UFI/Explori research on visitor and exhibitor satisfaction post-pandemic, as well as key institutional meetings, such as the UFI Board of Directors.

“Thessaloniki is a vibrant city, welcoming, with rich cultural heritage and a dynamic business environment an ideal setting for bringing together representatives from more than 37 countries. We are proud and delighted to be celebrating our 100th anniversary together with TIF-HELEXPO and to have the opportunity to showcase the city’s growing appeal as a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions,” notes Nick Dugdale-Moore, Head of Regions & Regional Director Europe at UFI.

In parallel with the UFI Conference, the General Assemblies of CEFA (Central European Fair Alliance) and SOKEE (Greek Exhibition Industry Association) will also take place, with SOKEE holding its Annual General Assembly on 3 June at the “Ioannis Vellidis” Conference Center.

ISO 20121 Sustainability Certification for the UFI European Conference

The conference is being held in full compliance with the ISO 20121 international standard, which sets the requirements for sustainable event management.

This standard integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects throughout the life cycle of an event, aiming to identify and reduce environmental impact, enhance social inclusion and accessibility, support the local economy through partnerships with responsible suppliers, and foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

To meet these goals, TIF-HELEXPO has adopted a comprehensive Sustainable Management System that includes the establishment of measurable objectives, the implementation of Health & Safety regulations, training and active engagement of all stakeholders, the application of circular economy practices, and systematic monitoring of results.

The culmination of this effort will be the joint awarding of the ISO Certificate for sustainable event management to UFI and TIF-HELEXPO an important acknowledgment of their commitment to sustainability principles.

The national exhibition body’s objective is for TIF-HELEXPO’s activities to serve as a model for the sustainable organization of exhibitions and conferences at both European and international levels.

The international profile of the exhibition is growing

Strong participation in the parallel events of the exhibition

With trade visitors from 40 countries, a strong international orientation, and a targeted programme of parallel events that highlighted critical issues in the agri-food sector, the International Trade Event for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Freskon, was held from 10 to 12 April at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center.

This year’s event confirmed and further strengthened Freskon’s role as a key meeting point for the fresh fruits and vegetables industry in Southeastern Europe.
With the participation of 275 exhibitors from 22 countries, Freskon hosted more than 2,000 business meetings, significantly expanding collaboration opportunities for Greek companies in the sector.

At the same time, for the ninth consecutive year, TIF-HELEXPO, in collaboration with FROUTONEA magazine, successfully organized FreshCon Market 2025 within the framework of Freskon. The event connected professionals from the fresh fruits and vegetables industry with buyers from 13 supermarket chains from Greece, the Balkans, and Southeastern Europe.

A major attraction for exhibition visitors was the rich programme of parallel events, held at Pavilion 13 (Special Events Area).

The International Pear Congress, the workshops on figs, persimmons, and yellow kiwifruit, as well as the sessions on fruit and vegetable exports, Thracian zeolite, and the initiatives of the Thessaloniki Central Market, featured focused presentations and sparked productive dialogue on current issues affecting Greek and global agri-food production.

Running concurrently with Freskon was the LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTS THESSALONIKI EXPO, the exhibition event dedicated to the logistics and transport sector. The co-organization of Freskon and LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTS THESSALONIKI EXPO created important synergies, holistically covering the value chain from production to the transportation and distribution of goods.

TIF-HELEXPO renews its commitment to the fresh fruit and vegetable sector with the next edition of Freskon, to be held from 23 to 25 April 2026. Until then, it will continue to focus on the internationalization of Greek agri-food production through the “Freskon Greece” programme, which will next participate in the top-tier Fruit Attraction exhibition in Madrid, from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

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.

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.

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.