228,974 visitors brought the 89th TIF to new heights
The public embraced the anniversary edition, celebrating the 100 years of the exhibition organisation
The Thessaloniki International Fair once again raised the bar, attracting 228,974 visitors to its 89th edition, held from 6 to 14 September. The combination of this year’s anniversary character, marking 100 years since the founding of the exhibition organization alongside the strong business presence from both industry-leading companies and SMEs, the focus on technology, education, and the highly appealing auto sector, received a vote of confidence from the thousands of visitors. This year, with the addition of the thematic tribute JuniorLand, families with children embraced the Fair more than ever before. At the same time, the 89th TIF became the center of the country’s economic and political developments, a legacy the event upholds throughout the 100 year history of the exhibition organization.
The anniversary theme of the 89th TIF ran throughout the entire event, taking visitors on a journey through the most important milestones of the company’s history. A special tribute to this century was held in Pavilion 16, where the historical documentary “TIF. 100 Years From Ground Zero” by “Chronos Machine” was premiered, drawing considerable attention. The Treasure Hunt was also dedicated this year to the 100 years of TIF–HELEXPO, with the top three winners already announced.
With 1,100 exhibitors, 33,000 m2 of exhibition space and 11 thematic sections Greece and Entrepreneurship, Technology–Research–Innovation, Akademia, Energy–Circular Economy, Regions Greece–Local Tastes, AutoThessaloniki, Cosmos–International Participations, Public Entities–Organizations, Gastronomy–Nutrition, Hobby Festival, and Furniture–Home Equipment, the 89th TIF became a nine-day meeting point for many diverse sectors. In fact, AutoThessaloniki was held for the first time and exceeded all expectations.
Also taking place for the first time was the Youth Band Battle – Stage Z, a music competition in collaboration with record label Fine Records and media sponsor ERT3, which gave a platform to 28 youth bands from across Greece. The top 3 winners, to be announced by the judging panel on 22 September, will receive the following: a recording contract (1st prize), music video production (2nd prize), live studio recording at 95.8 FM’s new studio (2nd and 3rd prize), and live interview on ERT3 (all 3 prizes). All participants also enjoyed daily promotional exposure.
Among the exhibits that stole the show leading to long queues throughout the exhibition was the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s single-seater, brought to the 89th TIF by OPAP, a member of Allwyn. Visitors had the opportunity to pose with the car, test their skills on F1 simulators, take photos in a unique photobooth while virtually wearing McLaren race suits, and try papaya-colored face painting.
In addition to its own 100-year milestone, TIF–HELEXPO also celebrated 100 years since the birth of Mikis Theodorakis with a grand tribute concert on the Music Events Live stage. The Mikis Theodorakis Orchestra performed the immortal songs of the legendary, internationally acclaimed composer, accompanied by the voices of Dimitris Basis, Rita Antonopoulou, Sophia Papazoglou, and Angelos Theodorakis. Moreover, in Pavilion 6, visitors had the chance to learn about the life of Mikis Theodorakis during his exile in Zatouna, Gortynia (1968–69), his resistance against the dictatorship, and the significant musical works he composed with the mountains of Arcadia as his backdrop. This experience was enriched by a historical documentary and projections from the Digital Virtual Museum of Zatouna, the first digital museum dedicated to Mikis Theodorakis in Greece.
The Music Events Live stage also hosted some of the biggest names in Greek music, who thrilled thousands of visitors with their performances and infectious energy.
During the 89th TIF, in collaboration with Cigarette Cycle, 172,000 cigarette butts were collected from 31 dedicated bins across the exhibition center. Their recycling will yield: 9.5 kg of compost, 30 kg of plastic raw material, and most importantly, prevent pollution of 86,000 cubic meters of fresh or salt water.
TIF–HELEXPO also collaborated closely with the European Commission during the 89th TIF. The National Bank of Greece served as the Official Bank, PPC (Public Power Corporation) as Official Energy Provider, AEGEAN Airlines as Official Carrier, NOVA as Official Telecommunications Provider, LANCOM as Official Data Centre/Internet Provider, the Green Fund as Official Partner, AUTO HERTZ as Official Mobility Provider, PAPASTRATOS as Official Supporter, “Nymphi” by Athinaiki Brewery as Official Beer, and SKODA and VOLKSWAGEN, provided by KOSMOCAR, as the Official Vehicles of the Fair.
TIF–HELEXPO also thanks the following partners and sponsors:
ODAP – Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development, Official Partner of the 89th TIF
TAYFE NPID – Lump Sum Fund of the Pharmaceutical Sector, Official Partner
ODYSSEY Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Partner
Interbalkan Medical Center, Medical Partner
ICAP CRIF, Official Partner
TAXIWAY, Official Safe Transport Partner
Pigi Olympou, Official Mineral Water Partner
Capsis Hotel, Official Hospitality Partner
Limousines Greece, Official VIP Transport Partner
Samiotakis, Official Catering Partner
Cosmoradio, Communication Sponsor for Music Events
Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), Partner
OPAP S.A., with the McLaren F1 single-seater, Partner
Professional Chamber of Thessaloniki (EPETHE), Partner
Enterprise Greece, Partner
McCain Hellas, Sponsor
Advisable, 89th TIF Web App Partner
Ophthalmon S.A., Partner
Katradis Group of Companies, Sponsor.
TIF now looks forward to its next edition: the 90th TIF, from 5–13 September 2026, marking 100 years of exhibitions.