It is emphasized that ITM 2026 will not be just an exhibition space, but a strategic trade platform where digitalization, sustainability, and advanced technologies converge on a global scale. Öztop states that this robust platform, to be established in Istanbul, will offer significant opportunities for global trade and long-term collaborations
In her assessment written for ITM news, Zeynep Ünal Öztop, chief executive officer of tüyap fairs group, addressed türkiye’s strong position in the textile and textile machinery sectors, the strategic role undertaken by ITM 2026 – the international textile machinery exhibition – on a global scale, and the opportunities ITM 2026 will offer for the future of the industry. Shaped around a vision focused on digitalization, sustainability, and advanced technologies, this perspective once again demonstrates why ITM is not merely a trade exhibition, but an international meeting point for the global industry.
“Investments focused on digitalization and automation are attracting attention.” türkiye is among the leading countries with a strong production infrastructure, a well-established industrial culture, and deep expertise in the textile and textile machinery sectors. Textiles are not merely a traditional manufacturing sector for our country; they are a strategic industry that creates high-quality jobs, supports exports, and accelerates technological transformation. In recent years, the sector’s rapid adaptation to production models that consume fewer resources, enhance efficiency, and place sustainability at the core has further strengthened confidence in the future. On the textile machinery side, digitalization- and automation-focused investments by both domestic manufacturers and global brands represented in türkiye stand out. Türkiye’s strong global position in textile and garment exports is one of the most concrete indicators of this transformation. Turkish manufacturers, particularly in European markets, stand out with their advantages in quality, speed, and flexibility, maintaining their competitiveness thanks to their ability to deliver quickly to nearby regions and their wide product range.
Behind this success lies an industrial mindset that closely follows technological developments and continually renews its production infrastructure. It is precisely at this point that textile machinery fairs play a critical role in the sector’s development.
“ITM is an indispensable international meeting point for the industry.” The ITM international textile machinery exhibition has consistently maintained its position for many years as the world’s second-largest and Eurasia’s largest textile machinery exhibition. What makes ITM distinctive is that it goes beyond being merely an exhibition space, offering a platform where trade, technology, and vision truly converge. Thanks to Istanbul’s strategic location, ITM brings together Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa under one roof, making it an indispensable international meeting point for the industry. At ITM 2026, building on the strength gained from previous editions, the goal is to present a far more refined and visionary content. Digitalization, AI-powered machinery, sustainable production solutions, and energy-efficient technologies will be among the exhibition’s main focus areas. While the exhibitor profile is expected to bring together global machinery manufacturers, strong domestic companies, and innovative technology providers, the visitor side aims to host decision-makers and professionals influential in investment and purchasing processes from more than 100 countries in Istanbul. ITM 2026 is expected to drive high trade volume and foster long-term partnerships across the industry.
“We are determined to lead the industry in sustainable exhibition practices.” As Tüyap Fairs Group, for more than 46 years, we have viewed exhibitions not merely as organizational activities, but as powerful instruments of trade and economic development. With our robust infrastructure, international marketing network, experienced teams, and high-quality service, we prioritize supporting our participants in achieving their goals. The fact that we are home to Türkiye’s first and only i-rec–certified exhibition center, which meets all its energy needs from renewable sources, clearly reflects our determination to lead the industry in sustainable exhibition practices. Moreover, Teknik Fuarçilik’s extensive experience in the textile sector and its meticulous and consistently enthusiastic preparation for ITM over the years have repeatedly demonstrated how productive and strong the cooperation between the two organizations truly is.
“ITM is one of the key centers shaping the future of the industry.” ITM is not merely a platform where companies meet new customers; it also offers an extremely valuable environment for R&D, innovation, and market analysis. Participants have the opportunity to closely monitor global trends, analyze competitors, and lay the groundwork for new collaborations. In particular, world premieres and first-time product launches held within the scope of the exhibition position ITM as one of the centers shaping the industry’s future. Today, the greatest strength of the textile and textile machinery sectors lies in their ability to act together. Even during critical decision-making periods, the awareness that growth is possible through knowledge sharing, cooperation, and a shared vision among professionals continues to drive the industry forward. Strong platforms such as ITM keep this synergy alive by bringing all stakeholders together. ITM 2026 will not be just an exhibition, but a common meeting point for the future of the textile machinery industry. I firmly believe that this major platform to be established in Istanbul will open new doors for companies and provide lasting contributions to exports and the national economy. Through the cooperation between TÜYAP Fairs Group and Teknik Fuarçilik, I invite all stakeholders to come together at ITM 2026 to take our industry one step further.
