Greece to Allow Vaccinated-only In-person Exhibitions in Autumn

Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis. Photo source: @MinDevGR

Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Thursday that in-person events and exhibitions would be allowed as of September 1 only for Covid-19 vaccinated participants.

The minister announced the news during the DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens held at the Metropolitan Expo. Georgiadis also met with MICE organizers to discuss re-starting activities.

“Implementing all health protocols and without endangering public health, Greece will open the exhibition sector on September 1 for vaccinated individuals so that the economy and business life can move forward in health and safety,” he said, adding that the country is “fully prepared and confident for the success of the re-opening”.

Defense Exhibition Athens 2021. Photo source: @MinDevGR

Echoing the Georgiadis, Alexis Lagoudakis, CEO Metropolitan Expo, reiterated that exhibition organizers and stakeholders are responsibly and effectively prepared to implement the best health and safety measures for visitors, exhibitors and staff. 

Citing a recent IOBE report, Lagoudakis referred to the importance of the sector and its “significant economic dimension”. 

He went on to refer to the sector’s wider contribution including the creation of thousands of jobs as well as providing scope for activity country-wide to small and medium-sized enterprises.

In relevant news, the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), one the country’s largest trade events, scheduled to take place in the northern port city on September 11-19, will be the first “Covid Free” event to take place in the country, said TIF organizers.

“The goal will be to create a fully controlled and safe environment where exhibition activity as well as exhibitors and visitors will return to normalcy without fear,” said TIF organizers.