Global association of the exhibition industry, UFI’s European Events Week brought a record number of delegates to Thessaloniki, Greece, 3-7 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 energised it. 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 [Central European Fair Alliance – Ed] and SOKEE [Greek Exhibition Industry Association –Ed] – 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…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.
Centenaries
The event marked the 100-year anniversaries of both UFI and TIF-HELEXPO. UFI displayed an exhibition from archived content and artefacts from 1925 to 1999 and also honoured the association’s founding members who were in attendance.
TIF-HELEXPO organised an evening drone display to help light up the celebrations.
Topics under discussion at the European Conference included trade tariffs / 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, workshops, breakouts, and the new Bate-Papo Corner. Content is available to UFI members.
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.
New research and initiatives
New research on exhibitor satisfaction and sentiment, ‘2025 Channel Insights’, the latest report from UFI Research Partner Explori was presented by Explori CEO Mark Brewster onstage in Thessaloniki.
Launch of the ‘Better Stands by NZCE’ initiative showed how the transition from single-use to reusable exhibition stands could be driven. 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).
Event Director’s Summit and GED
Exhibition and portfolio directors from 30 organisations across Europe joined for a special two-part workshop, created & delivered by global president MCI Oscar Cerezales, with contributions from CEO RX Global Hugh Jones and CEO dmg events Geoff Dickinson. It was the third edition of the Event Director Summit in Europe, which has also taken place in Asia.
The tenth edition of Global Exhibitions Day was celebrated (4 June 2025) 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.
The 100th anniversary UFI Global Congress will be held 19-22 November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR and the next 2026 UFI Europe event will be held 3-5 June in Izmir, Turkey, hosted by IZFAS.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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