ITM 2026 Opens in Istanbul with Record Global Participation
ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition and HIGHTEX 2026 Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition have opened their doors in Istanbul, bringing together more than 1,000 companies and company representatives from 59 countries alongside thousands of professional visitors from nearly 100 countries.
Organized by Teknik Fuarcılık Inc. and Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım A.Ş. in cooperation with TEMSAD, the exhibitions are being held from June 9-13, 2026, at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center. The events attracted strong international attendance on their opening day, reinforcing their position as key global meeting points for the textile and textile machinery industries.
Industry Leaders Gather for Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony welcomed representatives from textile associations and industry organizations from Türkiye and abroad, along with senior executives from numerous domestic and international companies.
Speaking at the event, Necip Güney, Chairman of the Board of Teknik Fuarcılık, highlighted the strong international response to the exhibition despite it being only the first day.
He noted that visitors from nearly 100 countries had already attended the event and said the exhibition would continue to welcome thousands of professional buyers, investors, and industry stakeholders throughout its five-day run.
Güney emphasized that ITM 2026 holds special significance as it coincides with Teknik Fuarcılık’s 30th anniversary, describing the exhibition as one of the industry’s most important gatherings shaping the future of textile production and technology.
Global Launch Platform for Textile Technologies
Spread across 11 halls and covering approximately 110,000 square metres, ITM 2026 is showcasing a broad range of textile manufacturing technologies, including yarn production systems, weaving and knitting machinery, dyeing and finishing solutions, and digital textile printing technologies.
Exhibitors are presenting high-efficiency production systems, energy-saving equipment, automation technologies, and digitalization-focused innovations aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.
Among the key highlights are artificial intelligence-powered production systems, smart factory solutions, data-driven manufacturing management platforms, and environmentally responsible production technologies. Visitors have the opportunity to see machinery in operation and engage directly with technical experts to explore next-generation manufacturing solutions.
Business Opportunities and Investment Focus
Beyond technology displays, ITM 2026 serves as a major platform for business networking, investment discussions, and strategic partnerships.
A series of B2B meetings are being organized throughout the exhibition, enabling participants to establish new commercial relationships and explore business opportunities. Organizers expect significant trade activity, driven by purchasing delegations and investors from major textile-producing countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, India, and Egypt.
The exhibition is expected to support new trade agreements, technology partnerships, and industry collaborations while generating substantial business opportunities for both Turkish and international textile machinery manufacturers.
Istanbul Strengthens International Accessibility
Organizers highlighted Istanbul’s strategic location as a key factor supporting the exhibition’s international appeal. Positioned between Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Turkic Republics, the city offers convenient access for visitors from multiple regions.
In addition, simplified visa procedures and visa exemptions between Türkiye and countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are expected to further boost international participation.
HIGHTEX 2026 Highlights Technical Textiles
Running alongside ITM 2026, HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition is bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, and investors focused on advanced textile applications.
As Türkiye’s dedicated exhibition for technical textiles and nonwovens, HIGHTEX 2026 features innovations across medical textiles, hygiene products, protective textiles, filtration systems, geotextiles, automotive textiles, composite materials, and advanced nonwoven technologies.
Participating companies are presenting their latest solutions to international buyers, while visitors can explore emerging products and technologies that are shaping the future of the technical textiles sector.
Industry Hub for Global Collaboration
Organizers expect both exhibitions to play a significant role in facilitating international trade, technology exchange, and investment across the textile value chain.
By bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and investors from around the world, ITM 2026 and HIGHTEX 2026 are positioned to strengthen global industry collaboration while highlighting the latest developments in textile manufacturing and technical textile innovation.
