The 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) opens its doors today, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors, 25 participating countries, 11 thematic sections and a packed programme of events at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition and Congress Centre.<\/h3>\n
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The anniversary edition also marks 100 years since the first TIF in 1926, with organisers presenting a special exhibition celebrating the institution\u2019s history alongside a major showcase of Japan, this year\u2019s honoured country.<\/p>\n
Japan takes centre stage<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n TIF-Helexpo has selected Japan as the honoured country for the 90th edition, highlighting one of the world\u2019s largest economies and its combination of centuries-old traditions with technological innovation.<\/p>\n Visitors will explore Japan\u2019s presence in Pavilion 13, which covers 3,200 square metres and brings together 25 companies and organisations. The presentation centres on the Japanese TAKUMI philosophy \u2014 the concept of the master craftsperson \u2014 which emphasises dedication to perfecting a craft through skill, precision and human-centred design.<\/p>\n The Japanese pavilion will showcase a broad range of industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy and climate solutions, digital transformation, agriculture, manufacturing, insurance, tourism and shipping.<\/p>\n Participants include Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, Daikin, Fujifilm, H.I.S. Dream Travel, Interwater, JTI Hellas, Efthymiadis Agrotechnologies, Konica Minolta, Mitsubishi Electric, Moro Technology Corporation, Nic. J. Theocarakis, Petros Petropoulos Group, Saracakis Group, Syngelidis Group, Takeda, Toyota Hellas and Weathernews.<\/p>\n The participation also includes the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Japan-Greece Society and the Honorary Consulate of Japan in Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n More than 40 events will promote Japanese culture, technology and development throughout the fair. The programme includes Taiko drumming, shamisen concerts, Japanese calligraphy and traditional dance demonstrations, as well as events dedicated to anime, manga and cosplay.<\/p>\n Visitors can also sample Asian cuisine at a restaurant curated by the Athens Asian Food Festival, which will offer four themed menus. Thessaloniki has also adopted Greek-Japanese symbols in its decorations to mark Japan\u2019s participation and the 90th anniversary edition.<\/p>\n Exhibition marks 100 years of TIF<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The anniversary programme centres on \u201cTIF 100 YEARS OF FUTURE,\u201d a specially designed exhibition marking a century since the first fair in 1926.<\/p>\n TIF-Helexpo and the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus) have jointly organised the exhibition, which will operate within the fairgrounds with free admission.<\/p>\n Archival material, historical documents, rare photographs and contemporary audiovisual presentations will trace key milestones in TIF\u2019s history and its longstanding connection with technological progress.<\/p>\n The Hellenic Post will also mark the centenary by issuing a commemorative stamp, which it will present during the exhibition.<\/p>\n 11 thematic sections<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The 90th TIF features 11 thematic sections covering a wide range of modern production and services.<\/p>\n The \u201cGreece and Entrepreneurship\u201d section brings together 41 Chambers of Commerce and 320 businesses from across Greece under the auspices of the Union of Hellenic Chambers.<\/p>\n \u201cFlavours from Greece\u201d showcases products with protected designation of origin and local cooperatives, while \u201cGastronomy and Nutrition\u201d focuses on contemporary dietary trends, food and beverages.<\/p>\n The \u201cEnergy and Circular Economy\u201d section features solutions for heating, cooling and green infrastructure, while \u201cFurniture and Home Equipment\u201d highlights new trends in design and interior decoration.<\/p>\n This year also introduces a new \u201cEconomy\u201d section in Pavilion 13, focusing on private businesses and issues including economic governance, tax compliance and transparency.<\/p>\n The fair also features Public Bodies and Organisations, Cosmos and International Participations, Akademia for higher education, Technology, Research and Innovation, and Retail Sales for consumer products and gifts.<\/p>\n Pavilion 17 will serve as a unified hub for education, technology, research and innovation. The Regions of Attica, Western Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Greece and the Peloponnese will participate, alongside the Region of Central Macedonia.<\/p>\n Another new feature, the Wellness & Fitness Arena in Pavilion 16, will focus on health, nutrition and sport through activities running throughout all nine days.<\/p>\n Business meetings strengthen the commercial focus<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The fair will also place strong emphasis on business networking.<\/p>\n TIF-Helexpo, together with the Federation of Industries of Greece and the Enterprise Europe Network, will organise pre-arranged business meetings focused on sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals and tourism.<\/p>\n A dedicated business-contact programme will also connect Greek businesses with participating Japanese companies.<\/p>\n Music, family activities and entertainment<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Families will have access to JuniorLand, an interactive park featuring theatre performances, sports activities and games. The Smile of the Child will also organise special workshops inspired by Japan.<\/p>\n Daily performances by municipal philharmonic bands from across Greece will create the \u201cMusical Walk\u201d through the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n Each evening, the Music Events Live programme will bring concerts to the area beneath the fair\u2019s landmark Arch, with performances starting at 9:30pm. The admission ticket includes access to all concerts.<\/p>\n Metro and ticket information<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n For the needs of the 90th TIF, the Thessaloniki Metro will operate around the clock today, as well as on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12.<\/p>\n Organisers have introduced different prices for online purchases and tickets bought at the exhibition-centre box offices in an effort to reduce queues and speed up entry during peak periods.<\/p>\n A daily ticket costs \u20ac9 online and \u20ac12 at the box offices throughout the event.<\/p>\n Official 90th Thessaloniki International Fair website and events programme<\/a><\/p>\n