Greece showcases the economic impact of exhibitions in the Global Exhibition Industry – UFI honors SOKEE Vice President Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis
A particularly proud moment for the Greek exhibition community took place during the UFI European Conference 2026, held in Izmir, Türkiye, when UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry awarded a special honorary distinction to Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, recognizing his long-standing and significant contribution to the development of the Greek and international exhibition industry.
The award was presented before leading executives and professionals from the global exhibition sector representing dozens of countries, as recognition of a professional career spanning nearly four decades, closely linked to the development, internationalization, and enhancement of the reputation of the Greek exhibition market.
In its tribute, UFI highlighted Dr. Pozrikidis’ service at TIF-HELEXPO from 1987 to 2025, his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, his participation on the UFI Board of Directors, his position as Vice President of the UFI European Chapter, as well as his decisive contribution to hosting two UFI European Conferences in Thessaloniki in 2008 and 2025.
This distinction goes beyond the recognition of his personal career. This distinction does not concern only his personal career. It also represents recognition of Greece’s long-standing presence and contribution to the global exhibition landscape, at a time when the sector is becoming increasingly strategic for economic development, extroversion, and business tourism.
The SOKEE Study in the international spotlight
Particularly positive feedback was received for the presentation of a new study conducted by SOKEE (the Greek Exhibition Industry Association), which was unveiled during the UFI conference and systematically documents the economic impact of exhibitions in Greece.
The study highlights the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy, estimating that exhibition activities generate more than 1.5 million overnight stays annually, while the total associated economic expenditure exceeds €342 million per year.
The findings attracted strong interest from representatives of international exhibition organizations and executives of the global exhibition industry, as they clearly demonstrate the role of exhibitions as a driver of growth for tourism, trade, investment, and regional economies.
The honorary distinction from UFI and the warm reception of the SOKEE study together send a strong message about the present and future of the Greek exhibition industry: a message of international recognition, extroversion, and growth prospects, confirming that Greece now has a substantial presence and a well-documented voice in the global dialogue on the future of exhibitions.