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This paper explores a new perspective on trade fairs, examining their expected impact on the sustainable development of the host city. To study this impact, the paper examines the annual fair of Thessaloniki, Greece, which has a long history and strong connection with the city. Methodologically, mix research method is used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings challenge the focus of trade fairs' benefits in terms of sustainability on the economic aspect. Thessaloniki citizens believe that the fair contributes positively to sustainable urban development, possibly due to their emotional attachment with it and its crucial economic benefits. Stakeholder interviews, however, reveal concerns. Some attribute limitations to outdated fair infrastructure, claiming that a planned redevelopment could address sustainability issues. Others, more critical of the fair, argue that achieving truly balanced development is difficult within the existing mode of socio-economic organisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the socio-spatial constitution of the mall, as a basic consumption place, in the aftermath of the 2008 global economic crisis, employing a geographical approach to malls and a socio-spatial perspective on heterotopia, as a conceptual theoretical tool on the exercise of power and production of space. Introducing the concept of crisis-heterotopia, the case of the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece, is employed, carrying out questionnaires and interviews with residents of Thessaloniki. The findings highlight the internal constitution of the mall as a crisis-heterotopia identified by the socio-spatial and cultural profiles and spatial representations of the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban governance and participatory planning have been key concepts in the academic discourse, policy debates and international practice related to spatial planning, urban development and organization of mega-events. However, they are relatively absent in academic debates and international practice pertaining to trade fairs. This paper explores the links of urban governance and participatory planning with trade fair activity. It focuses on the case of Thessaloniki, where trade fair activity has a strong connection with the city and its citizens. Methodologically, this paper utilizes mixed research methods by conducting interviews with key actors, including representatives of TIF-HELEXPO and local institutions in Thessaloniki, and a questionnaire survey to explore the views of Thessaloniki citizens. The results show that a possible adoption of urban governance and participatory planning in trade fair activity can have significant benefits. Urban governance is likely to boost cooperation between stakeholders, while participatory planning can contribute to a greater acceptance of trade fairs by citizens. On these grounds, the paper suggests the adoption of urban governance and participatory planning as a new model of managing, organizing and planning trade fairs that can strengthen their links with the city. • Links of urban governance and participatory planning with trade fairs are explored • Urban governance is likely to boost cooperation between stakeholders • Participatory planning can strengthen acceptance of trade fairs by citizens [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]