Hardware sector achieved its biggest success so far thanks to the 8th International Istanbul Hardware Fair, held at the Istanbul Expo Center between 20-23 November 2024,. A total of 376 exhibitors and 29,755 visitors from Turkiye and 102 different countries attended the organization, which took place in the 1st, 2nd and 4th halls.

New visitor record achieved

The International Istanbul Hardware Fair, the only specialized fair of the hardware and tools sector in the MENA region, attracts great attention as an important commercial platform that brings together all stakeholders of the sector. This year, 376 companies exhibited more than 20,000 products ranging from power tools to abrasives, from occupational safety to chemicals.

18% of the visitors came from abroad and 82% from all over Turkiye, giving the organization a national and international identity. Among the participants were professionals from 102 different countries, from the United States of America to Algeria, from China to Nigeria. The 8th edition of the fair attracted great interest especially from visitors from Eurasia and MENA countries. In addition, the fact that most of the visitors were industry professionals made the business-boosting effect of the fair even more evident.

Many innovative products were launched during the fair. While the exhibitors made an exciting start to the new business season, live demonstrations and booth shows in the exhibition area were met with great interest by the visitors. This atmosphere was an indication of the dynamism in the sector.

We are happy to address a wide audience over the years

Drawing attention to the details behind the success of the fair this year, Project Manager Zülküf KARADAYI said, “This organization, which is a specialized fair for the hardware sector, has become appealing to a much wider audience over the years. The fact that the highest number of visitors recorded so far this year is an indication of the sector's willingness to embrace this event. This fair, which the participating companies prepared meticulously, opened the door to new collaborations by bringing together professionals from Turkiye and abroad.”

Emphasizing the success of the team, Karadayi added “this success is the result of months of meticulous planning and implementation by our team. The fact that we have a leading position especially in sectoral publishing was very effective in terms of reaching our target audience. The fair has become not only a business platform but also a sectoral meeting point.”

Fair Attracting the Most Visitors in the International Arena

 “Our fair has gone beyond being just an exhibition and has become a global business platform. This year, we have become much more international with visitors from 102 different countries. According to statistics, there is no other hardware and tools exhibition in the world that attracts so many visitors. This provides us with an important contribution to increase worldwide export potentials in the hardware and tools sector,” commented Yusuf Okçu, International Sales & Marketing Manager of International Istanbul Hardware Fair on the international success that the last edition of the fair achieved.

Emphasizing the search for new markets directed by the participating companies Okçu said, “Thanks to our fair, companies had the chance to meet potential overseas customers and make a difference in their domestic markets. This mutually beneficial structure is one of the features that make our fair unique. In addition, the quality of the visitors was also an important factor that strengthened business connections. Especially the procurement committees from Asia, Middle East and European countries made a great contribution to the organization and the special meetings held with these delegations offered great opportunities for the exhibitors.”

Pointing out that the Asia-Pacific region offers significant growth potential with the restructuring of supply chains, and sustained growth requires strengthening domestic market dynamics and improving trade relations, Okçu added, “the outcome of the US elections and Trump's victory pose a major obstacle to China's Belt and Road Initiative. In addition, the sanctions imposed by the EU on Chinese industry have made Turkiye an important ally for China economically. In this context, Chinese companies, which have started serious investments in Turkiye, took part in the International Istanbul Hardware Fair with a wide participation. Trump's planned tariffs on China are actually an important opportunity for Turkish companies and will provide a competitive advantage in new markets. Last year we were rewarded for our efforts in international markets throughout the year and this year we will work with the same enthusiasm and diversify the countries that will participate in the fair.”

Occupational Health and Safety Hall Expanded with the Support of TIGIAD

The Occupational Health and Safety Hall, organized for the second time this year with the support of TİGİAD (Turkish Occupational Safety Businessmen Association), was one of the most remarkable areas of the fair. With the contributions of the Ministry of labor and social security of Turkiye General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety, ÇASGEM, European Safety Federation, Istanbul and Konya Metropolitan Municipalities Occupational Safety Units, AKUT Search and Rescue Institute and other non-governmental organizations, the hall attracted great interest.

The events organized within the scope of the hall included 44 sessions, seminars with 54 expert speakers and interactive workshops. In addition, special product fashion shows showcasing new generation occupational safety equipment were highly appreciated by visitors. The Occupational Health and Safety Hall played an important role in raising the industry's awareness in this area.

This year, the hall was not limited to presentations, but also hosted hands-on trainings and practical safety solutions demonstrations. Participants had the opportunity to meet innovative technologies that will increase safety in workplaces.

Visitor Diversity and Interests

While visitors came from 80 cities in Turkiye, the intense participation from international countries drew huge attention. Especially visitors from Europe, Eurasia and MENA Region countries strengthened the international dimension of the organization. Buyer delegations from countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Romania, Saudi Arabia and China had the opportunity to establish new business contacts with Turkish companies.

Professionals from abroad not only received information about products and services, but also had the opportunity to closely examine the production capacities and innovative solutions of Turkish companies. This was of great importance in terms of strengthening the position of Turkish manufacturers in international markets.

Promotional Activities of the Fair

Voli Fair organization team also detailed the intensive promotional activities behind this success. In addition to national and international media campaigns, a wide audience was reached through social media, Google ads and posters and billboards in organized industrial zones. In addition, the fact that Nalbur Teknik Magazine, a sectoral publication, was the Main Press Sponsor made it easier for the fair to meet with its target audience.

Before the fair, 200,000 invitations were distributed and awareness was developed in the sector with announcements made on digital platforms. In addition, international participation was increased through promotional tours and one-to-one meetings abroad.

Mobile Application Attracted Great Interest

Another innovation at the 8th International Istanbul Hardware Fair, which was full of innovations, was the launch of the mobile application launched before the opening. Following the launch of the mobile application, exhibitors and visitors were able to get their e-tickets with a click and easily pass through the turnstiles. Thanks to the mobile application integrated into the turnstiles, many statistics became clear. Thus, the number of visitors to the 8th International Istanbul Hardware Fair, which keeps the pulse of the hardware industry, was clearly determined. Thus, the number of visitors reached 29.755 and a great record was achieved.

Thanks to the mobile application, all exhibitors and visitors were able to follow the conferences as well as easily access the hall plan and find the location of the companies they wanted to visit much faster. You can download our mobile application by following the instructions on our website and get your e-ticket now.

Full Steam Ahead with New Goals to Achieve

The 8th International Istanbul Hardware Fair hosted 29,755 visitors and became an important meeting point for the development of the sector. The organization will gather the sector again on November 19-22, 2025 at the Istanbul Expo Center with more comprehensive halls. The goal is to further strengthen the international position of the fair with the aim of new collaborations and more participation.

Targets for 2025 include conducting stronger promotional campaigns in Europe, Asia and Africa, increasing the number of exhibitors and organizing events tailored to the sectoral needs of visitors. The International Istanbul Hardware Fair will continue to play a strategic role not only for the sector but also for Turkiye to reach its export targets.

Source: International Istanbul Hardware Fair