The regular annual session of the General Assembly of CEFA (Central European Fair Alliance) was held at the headquarters of the exhibition company “Kärntner Messen” in the Austrian city of Klagenfurt. This prestigious alliance, which marks 30 years since its founding this year, gathers key fair institutions from Central and Southeast Europe and represents a platform for the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices among leading international expos. With 20 members from 15 countries, CEFA defines and establishes the core principles for organizing top-tier trade events. The Belgrade Fair has been an integral member of this elite alliance since 2001.
At this prestigious gathering, members of the General Assembly honored the outgoing president and long-standing director of Thessaloniki’s TIF-Helexpo, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, for his outstanding contribution to the Alliance and the enhancement of regional cooperation, formally declaring him honorary president of CEFA. Following this tribute, the international delegation turned its attention to a comprehensive review of the commercial performance and business results achieved by member exhibitions over the past and current financial years. The session concluded with an in-depth dialogue mapping out the organization’s strategic initiatives and operational plans for the upcoming period.
The performance report of the Belgrade Fair was evaluated as highly successful, with the international assembly praising the work and dedication of its director, Nikola Banković, who assumed leadership in mid-2025. His management style was recognized as reliable, financially sound, and marketing-driven, marked by the vital energy required to navigate modern industry challenges. Acknowledging the strong economic growth of the Republic of Serbia, the premium capacities of the Belgrade Fair, and the exceptional potential of the director’s executive team—alongside the exciting prospect of hosting the next General Assembly session in Belgrade during the prestigious World Exhibition EXPO BELGRADE 2027—the voting body unanimously elected Nikola Banković as the new president of CEFA.
Chairing this organization—which stands as the most vital trade fair alliance in Southeast Europe—is both a distinguished privilege and a profound responsibility. This milestone provides another opportunity for the Belgrade Fair, an institution boasting a 90-year legacy and tradition, to solidify its status as a market leader across Southeast Europe. The exhibition hubs within CEFA member states represent a key target audience for events organized by the Belgrade Fair. Deepening contacts and refining operational processes among CEFA members opens new pathways for high-quality, professional knowledge sharing. Furthermore, the integration of innovative tools, digital databases, and advanced technological solutions will drive an increase in exhibitors and visitors from across the region. Ultimately, these initiatives lay a strong foundation for co-organizing joint exhibitions and promoting the Republic of Serbia across all member states and beyond.
