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Greece celebrates 100 years of TIF-HELEXPO with the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, blending innovation, culture, and global trade this September 2025.

International fair

A Century in the Making

From its inception in 1925, the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) has grown from a modest regional exhibition into Greece’s largest and most influential trade and cultural showcase. Organized by TIF-HELEXPO, the fair has served as a springboard for economic growth, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. In September 2025, this tradition will culminate in a spectacular 100th anniversary celebration during the 89th edition of the fair.

Held at the expansive Helexpo Exhibition & Congress Center in the heart of Thessaloniki, the event will welcome thousands of exhibitors, official delegations, and visitors from around the world. For nine days, the city will be transformed into a living stage for commerce, creativity, and cultural pride.


Ten Thematic Worlds

The 89th TIF is organized into ten major thematic sectors, each offering an immersive experience for visitors.

  1. AutoThessaloniki – Driving the Future
    For the first time, the automotive industry will have its own dedicated section, showcasing electric vehicles, sustainable mobility solutions, and advanced driver technologies. Leading global and Greek manufacturers will unveil their newest models.
  2. Akademia – Education and Knowledge Exchange
    This open forum will connect universities, research institutes, and the public through lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects that encourage innovation and learning.
  3. Technology, Research & Innovation – Shaping Tomorrow
    Startups, research centers, and tech companies will present breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, smart cities, and cutting-edge digital solutions.
  4. Cultural Greece – Honoring Mikis Theodorakis
    A cultural program will celebrate Greek artistic heritage, including a tribute to the centenary of legendary composer Mikis Theodorakis, whose music has become a symbol of national identity.
  5. Greece and Entrepreneurship – Showcasing Local Business
    National chambers of commerce will bring together hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises to display innovative products and services.
  6. International Participation – Building Global Bridges
    Official foreign delegations, embassies, and international companies will connect with Greek partners to foster trade and cooperation.
  7. Energy & Circular Economy – Sustainability in Action
    Exhibits will highlight renewable energy, recycling innovation, and eco-friendly design, showcasing solutions for a greener future.
  8. Public Sector – Services for Citizens
    Government ministries and agencies will present new public services, digital governance platforms, and infrastructure projects.
  9. Furniture & Home Equipment – Redefining Living Spaces
    Greek and international suppliers will display modern furniture collections, décor trends, and home improvement solutions.
  10. Gastronomy & Nutrition – Flavors of Greece
    Visitors will experience regional cuisine, sustainable food production, and culinary innovation.

An International Stage

The Thessaloniki International Fair has long been a meeting point for nations, and the centenary edition will amplify that role. Delegations from numerous countries are expected to participate, strengthening Thessaloniki’s position as a gateway between Europe, the Balkans, and beyond.

The event’s global appeal lies not only in its business opportunities but also in its cultural and social atmosphere. For many visitors, it is both a trade fair and a cultural festival, offering live performances, artistic exhibitions, and interactive installations.


Practical Information for Visitors

The fair runs from Saturday, September 6, to Sunday, September 14, 2025. Opening hours are extended on weekends and slightly shorter on weekdays to cater to both professionals and the general public. Ticket prices will be structured to encourage family attendance, student participation, and accessibility for all.

The Helexpo Exhibition & Congress Center, centrally located in Thessaloniki, offers easy access via public transport, taxis, and pedestrian routes from the city’s main commercial areas. The iconic OTE Tower, visible from across the city, provides a panoramic view of the grounds and the urban landscape.


Legacy and Transformation

The Thessaloniki International Fair is more than an annual event—it is an evolving legacy that has adapted to economic shifts, technological advances, and cultural change over the past century. The centenary edition will symbolize both continuity and transformation, honoring a rich history while looking toward the future.

A redevelopment project for the exhibition center is already in progress, aiming to enhance facilities and visitor experience by the end of 2026. This modernization reflects the fair’s commitment to remaining relevant and competitive in the global exhibition landscape.


A Festival of Opportunity and Inspiration

The 89th Thessaloniki International Fair will be an unforgettable convergence of commerce, culture, and community spirit. Whether attending as a business leader seeking new markets, a student eager to explore innovation, a culture enthusiast drawn to Greece’s artistic heritage, or a traveler seeking a unique experience, visitors will find the centenary edition to be a celebration of both Greek resilience and international collaboration.

In September 2025, Thessaloniki will open its doors to the world, inviting all to share in the pride, progress, and promise of 100 years of TIF-HELEXPO.

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