What's on in Istanbul
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Business events in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's great trade fair cities and Turkey's manufacturing showcase, where buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia meet Turkish producers. The calendar is dominated by industrial and sector exhibitions: textiles, apparel and footwear materials, furniture, ceramics, glass, windows and doors, plastics, chemicals, packaging, hardware, food and hospitality, construction and building materials, automotive aftermarket, jewellery, dental and medical equipment, and tourism. Many fairs run hosted buyer programmes for international visitors. Two venues host most of them: the Istanbul Expo Center in Yeşilköy, next to the former Atatürk Airport and on the metro, and the TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece, on the far western edge of the European side. Congresses use the Istanbul Congress Center and the city's large hotels. The busiest months are spring and autumn, with a run of fairs in winter as well; July and August are quieter. Istanbul Airport is the main hub, Sabiha Gökçen serves the Asian side, and crossing the city takes time, so stay near your venue.
Last updated
9–11 Jun · IstanbulIndustry & Manufacturing
Frequently asked questions about events in Istanbul
- What are the main exhibition centres in Istanbul?
- The Istanbul Expo Center in Yeşilköy, beside the former Atatürk Airport, hosts the largest number of trade fairs and is reachable by metro. The TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece, on the western edge of the European side, hosts many other major fairs. Congresses use the Istanbul Congress Center and large hotels.
- When is trade fair season in Istanbul?
- Spring, from March to June, and autumn, from September to November, are the peak periods, when many of the biggest industrial fairs take place. Winter also brings a steady run of fairs, particularly for furniture, textiles and tourism. July and August are the quietest months. Turkey's weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, and some fairs open on weekends for trade visitors.
- Do I need a visa to attend a trade fair in Turkey?
- Citizens of many countries, including most EU states, the UK and several Gulf states, can enter Turkey visa-free for short stays. Others can apply online for an eVisa through the official Turkish eVisa site, and some nationalities need a visa from a consulate. Many fairs issue invitation letters for registered buyers. Rules change, so check the official guidance for your nationality.
- How do I get to Istanbul's exhibition centres?
- The Istanbul Expo Center is on the M1A metro line, which runs from Yenikapı near the historic centre. TÜYAP is far to the west in Büyükçekmece; the Metrobus and fair shuttles serve it, but road journeys can take over an hour from central Istanbul. Hotels in Yeşilköy, Bakırköy or Beylikdüzü cut travel time.
Guides to Istanbul
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