Can you summarize your experience and background in the ICT sector?
I have over 35 years of experience in the ICT sector. I am a co-founder of the Greek software company Singular, where I served as CEO of Singular Northern Greece for over 20 years. During my career, I also held the position of President of the Association of ICT Companies of Northern Greece. One of our key initiatives was developing Technopolis of Thessaloniki, the first technology park in Greece, which now hosts an incubator, several technology companies, and Deloitte, employing over 1,000 people in the ICT sector.
What is the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), and what role does it play in the region?
The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) is the main exhibition organization in Greece, established in Thessaloniki in 1926. Thessaloniki, historically a political and business hub for Greece and the Balkans, has leveraged TIF as a platform for business collaboration across the region. Today, TIF organizes over 40 exhibitions annually, along with more than 250 other events, and operates more than 275 days per year. It’s a significant player in fostering international business connections, especially in Southeastern Europe.
Can you tell us about the redevelopment project of the TIF venue?
We are currently undertaking a major redevelopment project of the TIF venue. The new venue will feature more than 60% green space, totaling over 100,000 square meters, in the heart of Thessaloniki. The project includes three exhibition pavilions, a conference center, a business center, and a hotel. It will be one of the most bioclimatic exhibition centers in Europe, aiming to enhance the city's quality of life and boost its economic and business competitiveness. The construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in about five years.
What are the major events planned for 2024 and 2025?
The main event for 2024 is the Thessaloniki International Fair in September, which is a multi-sectorial event with over 1,500 companies participating. It includes B2B, B2C, and B2G meetings, and features a variety of cultural events. This year, Germany will be the honored country, with over 120 German companies participating. In addition, we are organizing the BEYOND technology event in March 2025, which aims to position Thessaloniki as a regional hub for new technologies.
How is TIF adapting to digitalization and innovation?
TIF is embracing digitalization and innovation through events like BEYOND, a major technology fair that we are positioning to become a leading event for new technologies in Southeastern Europe. This event is inspired by Barcelona's MWC and aims to make Thessaloniki a significant player in the technology sector, leveraging the city's growing status as a technology hub.
What international connections does TIF have, particularly with the United States?
TIF maintains strong international connections, including with the United States. We have had successful delegations in the past, such as one to California that facilitated numerous B2B meetings between Greek and American companies. We also engage with the Greek-American community to strengthen these ties. Looking forward, we plan to feature San Francisco as an honored city at one of our future technology events due to its prominence in the Silicon Valley tech scene.
What challenges do you face as the President of TIF, and how are you addressing them?
The primary challenge is the redevelopment of the TIF venue, which is essential for maintaining our competitiveness as an international exhibition hub. This project is crucial not only for our organization but also for the city of Thessaloniki, enhancing its appeal as a place to live, work, and do business. By addressing these challenges, we aim to make Thessaloniki more attractive to young professionals and businesses alike.
What future trends do you see in the international exhibition industry, and how is TIF positioning itself to stay ahead?
Two major trends in the exhibition industry are the integration of new technologies and a focus on sustainability. TIF is positioning itself by modernizing our facilities with state-of-the-art technology and adopting green practices throughout our operations. We also plan to expand our offerings in thematic parks and sectorial exhibitions to cater to evolving market demands.
Can you provide an example of a successful thematic park organized by TIF?
One of our most successful thematic parks was the Museum of Chocolate, organized about ten years ago in Thessaloniki and Athens, in collaboration with Fiera di Roma. It was a huge success and is one of many thematic parks we’ve developed, including those focused on Greek history and dinosaurs.
What is your final message to potential investors and partners considering Thessaloniki and TIF?
My message to potential investors and partners is that Thessaloniki is becoming an increasingly attractive city for young professionals and businesses. The redevelopment of our venue will significantly enhance the city’s appeal, not just in terms of business opportunities but also in quality of life. Our ambitious projects and strategic location make Thessaloniki a promising destination for investment and partnership.
