100 years is only the beginning

With 1,100 exhibitors, 33,000 sq.m. of exhibition space, and 19 international participations, the anniversary 89th TIF is inaugurated, honoring 100 years of the exhibition organization.

From September 6 to 14 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center

“100 years is only the beginning.” With this optimistic message for the future of the exhibition organization, which this year celebrates 100 years of existence, the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) was presented today. The event will be held from September 6 to 14 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center. This year’s edition is of an anniversary nature, as it coincides with the completion of a century of history for TIF-HELEXPO and will reflect the past, present, and future of the company.

With 11 thematic tributes and approximately 1,100 exhibitors across 33,000 m2 of exhibition space, the 89th TIF will be a unique multi-event this year. Moreover, the historic 100-year anniversary will be honored with an extensive audiovisual tribute in Pavilion 16, which will showcase the rich past and journey of TIF from 1925 to the present day. As part of the anniversary, this year’s Treasure Hunt is also dedicated to the 100 years of TIF-HELEXPO. Visitors of the 89th TIF are invited to take a journey through time, scan the QR codes located at ten key tribute stations, learn about the organization’s history, and participate in the draw to win prizes.

At its core lies the tribute “Greece and Entrepreneurship,” which highlights the dynamism of Greek businesses through the participation of chambers of commerce and hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises from all over the country.

A total of 44 Chambers, under the umbrella of the Central Union of Chambers of Greece, with 351 businesses, will present products and services in Pavilions 2 and 3, while the Thessaloniki Chamber of Tradesmen will participate in TIF with 51 member businesses.

In the business field, the scheduled B2B meetings between Greek and international exhibitors and trade visitors of TIF will take place from September 7–10 on the upper

level of Pavilion 15, with 150 participants from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, the Netherlands, and Greece, and a total of 400 meetings already scheduled.

At the same time, the “International Participations,” coming from 19 countries, confirm the outward-looking character of TIF, bringing to Thessaloniki institutions, delegations, and businesses from abroad (Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.) who view Greece as a market full of potential. Similarly, the section “Greece of the Regions – Tastes of Greece” highlights the richness of primary production and local gastronomy, giving voice to products that authentically express the Greek land.

Technology and innovation are another distinct feature of this year’s fair. “AUTO THESSALONIKI” launches a new dynamic platform for the automotive sector, presenting for the first time in Greece new models from major automotive manufacturers. Among the exhibitors at AUTO THESSALONIKI are the brands: BYD, CHERRY, CITROËN, DACIA, DONGFENG, DS Automobiles, FMS, FORD, GEELY, JAECOO, KGM, MAXUS, MAZDA, MERCEDES–BENZ, MG, NISSAN, OMODA, OPEL, PEUGEOT, RENAULT, SMART, SKODA, XEV YOYO, and ZEEKR.

The “Technology-Research-Innovation” tribute aims to connect the research community with the market through the presentation of new achievements and practical applications. Notably, this year at the 89th TIF, visitors will be welcomed by four pioneering robots, developed by Professor Konstantinos Mantes and his team, which will be located at key points of the exhibition, offering information, smiles, and a taste of the future of innovation. In addition, the section “Energy – Circular Economy” highlights the importance of green development, with emphasis on energy-saving technologies and eco-design.

TIF, however, is not limited to the economy. As an institution with a broad social footprint, it includes major tributes such as “Akademia,” which presents the entire educational community, the section on “Public Bodies and Services for Citizens,” as well as the tributes to “Furniture–Home Equipment” and “Gastronomy and Nutrition.”

A special place among this year’s tributes is held by JuniorLand, which is aimed at children and families, transforming the exhibition into a space of play and creativity, with theatrical performances, science experiments, bubble shows, stilt walkers, and many more surprises. Additionally, once again, TIF hosts the Hobby Festival, which is a unique celebration dedicated to all forms of hobbies, skills, and creative pursuits.

Culture is also at the heart of TIF. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mikis Theodorakis, the Fair honors the great composer with a major concert on September 9, featuring Dimitris Basis, Rita Antonopoulou, Sofia Papazoglou, and Angelos Theodorakis. On the same stage, under the iconic TIF Arch, the traditional Music Events Live will be held every night, with major names from the Greek music scene, from Pyx Lax and Sakis Rouvas to Lena Zevgara, Anastasia, Paola, Petros

Iakovidis, and Panos Vlachos, which visitors can attend for free with their TIF admission ticket.

Youth also holds a special place at TIF this year through the debut competition “Stage Z – Youth Band Battle”, which offers new bands the opportunity to present their work live to thousands of visitors. The winner will secure a recording contract, while the finalists will also win significant prizes and visibility opportunities.

The program of parallel events at TIF is particularly rich, with events from ministries, institutions, businesses, associations, etc., taking place throughout the duration of the Fair (including events in the Ministry of National Defense’s pavilion and many activities from the Ministry of Education). Notably, there will be a strong presence of institutions from Bulgaria, such as the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is organizing a major program of events on the occasion of the neighboring country’s entry into the Eurozone as of January 1, 2026.

The anniversary 89th TIF is also accompanied by the 57th TIF Rally, which will take place on September 13–14, organized by the Thessaloniki Automobile Club.

Today’s Press Conference

The 89th TIF is of great importance to TIF-HELEXPO, stated the President of the exhibition organization, Mr. Tasos Tzikas, emphasizing its anniversary nature and referring to visionary Nikolaos Germanos, who in 1925 had the idea of creating an innovative company, which managed to become the city’s most competitive advantage by international standards. He made special mention of the participation of the Regions in this year’s edition, as well as the tribute to the 100 years since the birth of Mikis Theodorakis, which, as he said, is integrated into the centenary celebration of TIF-HELEXPO.

The 89th TIF is the most family-friendly edition, as highlighted by the Managing Director of TIF-HELEXPO, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, referring to the rich parallel program of this year’s event. Speaking about the innovative initiatives, technology, and new exhibits, he characteristically stated that “although the infrastructure is old, the soul is new.” He made special reference to the fact that all 17 pavilions of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center are fully occupied, while noting that in the 6,000 m2. of the AUTO THESSALONIKI tribute, five national premieres of car models will take place.

The 100 years of TIF-HELEXPO represent a milestone for the institution’s trajectory, said the Deputy Regional Governor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Gioutikas, emphasizing that the contribution of the exhibition organization, not only to the economy of Northern Greece but also to the country’s development, is a given. He also noted that TIF-HELEXPO has consistently promoted domestic production and achieved the international networking of businesses. “TIF is multidimensional and valuable,” he emphasized, adding that the 89th edition will be emblematic, showcasing the past, present, and future of the organization.

“The Thessaloniki International Fair has always been a living space for dialogue and progress. For the 8th consecutive year, Papastratos is participating in TIF as its Official Supporter, continuing its consistent presence with the message ‘HERE IN PRACTICE.’ This year we reaffirm this commitment with new actions and initiatives that have a real impact on the economy, society, the new generation, and the environment, from thematic discussions at our pavilion to partnerships that foster positive change,” noted Mr. Themis Chassiotis, General Manager of Communication and Sustainability at Papastratos.

Nymfi beer by Athenian Brewery is inextricably linked to TIF, as with its launch in 2019, it became the official beer of the Fair, according to Mr. Lazaros Vogiatzoglou, Sponsorships & Events Area Manager of Athenian Brewery. He also noted that once again this year there will be a special edition Nymfi Dark, which is produced exclusively for TIF.

“Nine days, a city within the city, but also a city that welcomes the world.” With this phrase, the General Director of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Alexis Tsaxirlis, described the Fair. Referring to the company, he spoke about the achievements of the last 12 years, emphasizing that if we looked before that period, we would see a very different, much smaller TIF. He stressed that TIF must be protected, developed, and be an event for Greece and the Balkans. “100 years is only the beginning,” he noted.

TIF-HELEXPO had close cooperation with the European Commission in the context of the 89th TIF.

Official Bank of the event: National Bank of Greece

Official Energy Provider: Public Power Corporation (PPC)

Official Airline: AEGEAN Airlines

Official Telecommunications Provider: NOVA

Official Data Center / Internet Provider: LANCOM

Official Partner: Green Fund

Official Transportation Provider: AUTO HERTZ

Official Supporter: Papastratos

Official Beer: “Nymfi” by Athenian Brewery

Official Cars: SKODA and VOLKSWAGEN by KOSMOCAR

Also, we would like to thank the following institutions and companies:

ODAP – Hellenic Organisation of Cultural Resources Development (Official Partner)

TAYFE NPID – Supplementary Fund for the Pharmaceutical Sector (Official Partner)

ODYSSEY CYBERSECURITY (Cybersecurity Partner)

Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki (Medical Partner)

ICAP CRIF (Official Partner)

TAXIWAY (Official Safe Transportation Partner)

Pigi Olympou (Official Partner for Natural Mineral Water)

Capsis Hotel (Official Hospitality Partner)

Limousine Greece (Official VIP Transportation Partner)

Samiotakis (Official Catering Partner)

Cosmoradio (Media Sponsor for Music Events)

GNTO – Greek National Tourism Organization (Partner)

OPAP S.A., with the McLaren Formula 1 show car (Partner)

Professional Chamber of Thessaloniki (EETH) (Partner)

Enterprise Greece (Partner)

McCain Hellas (Sponsor)

Advisable (Web App Partner)

OPHTHALMON S.A. (Partner)

Katradis Group of Companies (Sponsor)

Opening hours of the 89th TIF:

On both weekends: 10:00 – 22:00

On weekdays: 16:00 – 22:00