Practical Information

šŸ›« Getting to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG),also known as Thessaloniki International Airport, is the 2nd largest airport in Greece. It is an international airport and serves the area of Thessaloniki surroundings, Central Macedonia and Mediterranean, Greece.
Thessaloniki Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 88 destinations in 31 countries and there are 15 domestic flights from Thessaloniki.

There are 31 airlines flying from Thessaloniki to 151 airports around the world, as of March 2024: Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Serbia, Arkia Israeli Airlines, Austrian, British Airways, Charlie Airlines, easyJet, El Al, Eurowings, Fly One, Georgian Airways, Jet2, Lufthansa, Luxair, Norwegian Air Intl, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Olympic Air, Ryanair, SAS, Sky Express, SmartWings, SWISS, TAROM, Transavia, Transavia France, TUI Airlines Belgium, Turkish Airlines, Volotea, Wizz Air and Wizz Air Malta.

šŸ“ Location

The UFI European Events Week will be held at TIF-HELEXPO at Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center.

Venue: TIF-Helexpo ā€“ Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center
Address: St. Egnatia 154, 546 36 Thessaloniki

The location of TIF - HELEXPO is easily reachable due to the cityā€™s well-designed network and efficient transportation services. The most popular means of transport in Thessaloniki are the buses operated by the Organization of Urban Transportation (O.A.S.TH.), which offers a comprehensive network covering the entire city and its surrounding areas.

How to reach the main conference venue, TIF-HELEXPO at Ioannis Vellidis Center

From the Makedonia Hotel

The Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center is located approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Makedonia Palace Hotel.

By foot:
The venue is also accessible on foot, with a walk of approximately 10ā€“15 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water.  

By bus:
Buses will be provided by the host to and from the hotel. 

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June. 
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

From the Capsis Hotel

The Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center is located approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) from Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki.
 
By metro (10-15 minutes):
Thessaloniki's Metro Line 1 offers a fast and convenient way to reach TIF-HELEXPO.

By bus:
Buses will be provided by the host to and from the hotel. 

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June.
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

From the Hyatt Hotel

The Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center is located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki. 

By bus:
Buses will be provided by the host to and from the hotel. 

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June. 
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

Complimentary Metro Tickets

Thessalonikiā€™s new metro is not just a means of transport ā€” itā€™s a journey through history. Built on ancient ruins discovered during construction, many stations feature stunning archaeological displays. It's a unique blend of modern infrastructure and ancient beauty, well worth a visit.

šŸ’”UFI delegates can pick up complimentary metro tickets at the main registration area inside the Ioannis Vellidis Congress Centre.

  • The nearest metro station from Capsis Hotel is ā€œDimokratiasā€, just a 3-minute walk from the hotel, on the left when you exit the hotel.
  • Take the metro eastbound towards ā€œNea Elvetiaā€ and get off at either ā€œSintrivani / Ekthesiā€ (right next to the TIF-HELEXPO entrance) or ā€œPanepistimio / University of Macedoniaā€. Travel time is about 5 minutes. It is then a 5-minute walk to the Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center.

Metro frequency: Every 5ā€“7 minutes during peak hours.
Operating hours: 05:30 am to 12:30 am
The metro is fully automated, air-conditioned, and very comfortable.


Taxi
Taxis are available at any time from all hotels.
You can contact TAXIWAY company at +30 2310 866866.

From Makedonia and Capsis Hotels, the ride takes approximately 10ā€“15 minutes and costs around 5ā€“7ā‚¬
From the Hyatt Hotel, the ride takes about 30 minutes with an estimated cost of 25ā€“30ā‚¬.

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June.
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE
 

Registration area and opening times

The UFI registration desk will be located at Ioannis Vellidis Center on ground floor and will be open at the following times:

Wednesday 4 June: 8:30-17:30
Thursday 5 June: 8:00-17:00
Friday 6 June: 8:00-14:30

You can also pick up your badge at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday 4 June from 19:30 at a restaurant AVENUE. 

Upon arrival, scan your unique QR code to print your badge! Be sure to bring your personal QR code, available in your profile on the UFI Events app.

Social activities, dress code and meeting points

šŸ–ļø Special Networking Experience: UFI Olympic Games at the beach and Barbecue Dinner

Date and time: Friday 6 June at 15:30-21:30

After the close of the formal part of the Conference, join us as we head to nearby Kyma Beach, where you can relax and network at the seaside Taverna.

For the adventurous among you - take part in the first ever UFI Olympics! 10 teams of 4 participants will do battle in 6 events on land and in the water to see who will be crowned UFI Olympic champions!

Weā€™ll round off the day with a Greek-style barbecue dinner by the sea. Great food, good company, and a true taste of local hospitality.

Dress Code: Casual and sporty. Donā€™t forget to bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a hat!
Venue: Kyma Beach Bar
Address: Leof. Epanomis - Neas Michanionas, Epanomi 575 00

Transport:
Private buses will be available from the official hotels (Makedonia, Capsis and Hyatt) to Kyma Beach, and back to the hotels.

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June.
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

šŸžļø Post-Conference Tours

Date and Time: Saturday 7 June

  • Tour 1 - SOLD OUT! Discover Thessaloniki: A one-day city tour through 2,400 years of history and culture (walking tour). 
  • Duration of the tour: 9:30 -15:00
  • Meeting point: 9:30 am in Makedonia and Capsis lobby.
  • Lunch time at 13:00

  • Tour 2 - SOLD OUT! Experience the Majestic Meteora: A day trip to the monasteries in the sky
  • Duration of the tour: 7:40-19:30
  • Bus departure at 7:20 am from Makedonia and at 7:40 am from Capsis.

  • Tour 3 - REGISTRATION CLOSED. Discover the Spiritual Beauty of Mount Athos: A unique day cruise around Mount Athos 
  • Duration of the tour: 7:15-19:00
  • Bus departure at 7:15 am from Capsis and at 7:40 am from Makedonia.

Tour 1 - Meeting point on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jS2QLN64tVAqng4h8
Dress Code: Casual ā€“ comfortable shoes.

Dress code for the tour 2 to Meteora Monasteries:
  • Please dress casually and lightly, as the weather will be warm.
  • Hats for sun protection are recommended.
  • Ladies are kindly asked to wear dresses or skirts, and short or long sleeves are required.
  • Shorts are not permitted for anyone. To be in line with the established dress code, men are required to wear long trousers while women are requested to wear below the knee skirts.
  • For women, should your outfit is considered not suitable to enter a monastery, you can always find skirts and shawls available to borrow at the entrance of the monasteries.

Transport:
Private buses will be available from the official hotels (Makedonia and Capsis) to post-tours 2 and 3, and back to the hotels.

Bus schedule is updated as of 06 June.
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

ā˜€ļø Weather Forecast

June in Thessaloniki usually brings warm weather and lots of sunshine.

ā€¢ Average temperatures: 26ā€“32Ā°C
ā€¢ Rain chance: Low
ā€¢ Weather: Mostly sunny with occasional breezes from the north

šŸ’” Tip: Donā€™t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreenā€”especially around midday when the sun is strongest.


šŸ“±Social Media

UFI Conference Hashtag: #ufieurope

Download UFI Events Mobile App

The UFI Events app is the easiest way to stay informed about this year's event. Stay up to date with programming, sessions and social activities and view the event photos. Use it to make new connections and network with colleagues and industry peers.
When you download the event app, follow these steps:
1. Enter your email address, the one you used to register for the event
2. You will then receive a code by email
3. Submit it in the dedicated box
4. Select the "UFI European Events Week 2025" event
5. Enjoy!
If you have previously installed the UFI Events App, please ensure it is updated via your app store. Once updated, open the app, select "switch event," and choose UFI European Events Week 2025.
Download for iOS or Android
Download the UFI Events mobile app user guide.
Download PDF

šŸ›‚ Entry Regulations

Citizens of the European Union and the Schengen Area do not need a visa to enter Greece, as they are granted free movement within these countries.

However, for citizens of other countries, a visa is required. Check the list of countries requiring or not a visa here.

Depending on the purpose of their visit, travellers can apply for either a short-stay Schengen visa or a national visa for longer stays. The short-stay Schengen visa allows travellers to stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while the national visa is required for longer stays or when the purpose of the visit is for work, study, or family reunification.

To obtain a visa, applicants must submit a completed application form along with a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Greece. They may also be required to provide additional documents such as a letter of invitation and proof of employment. The application can be submitted at the Greek embassy or consulate in the applicantā€™s home country.

For more information on the visa application process please visit the Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.

Additionally, all travellers, regardless of nationality, are required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Upon arrival in Greece, travellers may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.

If you need assistance to receive an invitation letter, please contact events@ufi.org.