Türkiye’s growing strength in the exhibition industry took center stage at the UFI European Conference. Highlighting the country’s strong production, export, and exhibition infrastructure, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu called on international organizers to “not just watch Türkiye, but invest in it.”
As part of the UFI European Conference hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ at Fuar İzmir, a panel session brought together leading figures from the exhibition industry. Moderated by Barış Onay, Co-Founder of Precision Communities, the session featured Mahmut Er, Chairman of the Board of Silk Road International Exhibitions; Mehtap Gürsoy, General Manager for Türkiye and the MENA Region at Hannover Fairs Turkey / Deutsche Messe AG; and Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, General Manager of İZFAŞ. Discussions focused on Türkiye’s exhibition industry, the growing presence of Turkish companies at international trade fairs, and the opportunities Türkiye offers to global organizers.
“Türkiye’s Exhibition Story Is Built on a Long-Standing Legacy”
Emphasizing Türkiye’s exhibition heritage, Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu noted that the country’s success in the sector is the result of decades of experience and a long-term vision. Stressing İzmir’s special place in Türkiye’s exhibition history, she said:
“Türkiye’s exhibition industry is not a new success story; it is the outcome of a deep-rooted history and a long-term vision. The fact that the first international fair in İzmir was organized in 1936 and that the İzmir International Fair became a UFI member in 1947 demonstrates that an international outlook has long been an integral part of our exhibition culture. The growth we see today is being built upon this strong legacy.”
“Growing Exhibitions Bring New Investments”
Cumalıoğlu stated that İzmir’s exhibition journey has expanded steadily over the years and that the scale reached by fairs organized for decades at Kültürpark eventually required new investments.
“As our exhibitions grew, the need for a larger and more modern venue became inevitable. In response, Fuar İzmir was developed entirely through the resources of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and opened in 2015. With a total area of 330,000 square meters and 120,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space, Fuar İzmir has become one of Türkiye’s leading exhibition centers, hosting major events such as Marble İzmir and Agro Expo at full capacity.”
“Türkiye’s Economic Structure Fuels the Exhibition Industry”
Cumalıoğlu underlined that Türkiye’s strength in the exhibition sector is closely linked to its production and export capabilities.
“Türkiye has a strong manufacturing base and an export-oriented business community. This structure supports participation in both domestic and international trade fairs. Turkish companies actively use exhibitions to reach new customers, enter new markets, and establish international business connections. As a result, Türkiye has developed a vibrant and dynamic exhibition ecosystem.”
“Government Support Matters, but Companies’ Growth Ambitions Are Equally Strong”
Pointing out that Turkish companies are becoming increasingly visible at international exhibitions, Cumalıoğlu emphasized the role of public support programs in this process.
“Today, many companies see exhibitions not merely as promotional activities but as strategic investments and an essential part of their long-term growth strategies. However, Türkiye should not be viewed solely through the companies that participate in exhibitions. With its strong production infrastructure, active business environment, deep-rooted exhibition culture, and expanding market, Türkiye offers long-term opportunities for international organizers.”
“Exhibitions Follow Business Opportunities”
Referring to the transformation taking place in global trade, Cumalıoğlu noted that changing trade routes and reshaped supply chains are creating new opportunities for the exhibition industry.
“As trade relations develop and new business connections emerge, exhibition activities grow as well. Exhibitions always follow business opportunities.”
“Türkiye Is a Market to Invest In and Grow With”
Concluding her remarks with a message to international exhibition organizers, Cumalıoğlu stressed that business in Türkiye is built on trust and long-term relationships.
“In Türkiye, people want to get to know you before doing business with you. Trust takes time to build, but it forms the foundation of lasting partnerships. For this reason, Türkiye is not simply a market to visit and leave behind. It is a market where relationships can be built, investments can be made, and growth can be achieved together. Where strong relationships exist, sustainable partnerships and new opportunities follow.”