The ITM 2024 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, held from June 4-8 at the Tuyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, solidified its status as a premier global event in the textile machinery industry. The exhibition, organized in partnership with Tuyap Tum FuarcılıkYapım Inc., Teknik Fairs Inc., and in cooperation with the Textile Machinery and Accessories Industrialists Association (TEMSAD), set new benchmarks with a significant increase in exhibitors, visitors, and business deals.
Unprecedented participation and global reach
This year’s event spanned 13 halls, covering an impressive 120,000 square meters. ITM 2024 drew participation from 1,385 companies and company representatives from 71 countries, attracting 66,200 visitors from 99 countries. Notably, 45 per cent of these visitors were international, highlighting the exhibition’s global appeal. The diversity in visitor demographics was further enhanced by Istanbul’s strategic location and liberal visa policies, making it easier for professionals from various countries to attend.
A key factor contributing to the diverse attendance was the ease of travel to Istanbul, coupled with the absence of visa restrictions. Visitors from across the globe, including countries as far-flung as Afghanistan, Brazil, Japan, and Zimbabwe, converged in Istanbul, making ITM 2024 a melting pot of cultures and business opportunities. This diversity was particularly beneficial for exhibitors, many of whom had the chance to engage with customers from regions typically hindered by stringent visa regulations in Europe.
Strategic collaborations and robust sales
The exhibition not only facilitated global networking but also witnessed substantial business transactions. From the outset, the exhibition halls were bustling with activity as exhibitors engaged with potential buyers and partners. The event proved to be a fertile ground for securing new collaborations and boosting machine sales. Over the five days, the exhibition generated a total business volume exceeding €1.5 billion, a significant contribution to both the textile machinery sector and the broader economy. This robust trade activity marked a revitalization of the industry, which had been experiencing a slowdown since September 2022.
Showcasing the future of textile technology
Under the banner “Discover the Future,” ITM 2024 turned into a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge textile technologies. Hundreds of manufacturers displayed their latest innovations, drawing the attention of global investors and trade delegations. Attendees had the unique opportunity to witness world premieres of innovative technologies across various sectors, including weaving, knitting, yarn production, digital printing, and denim finishing.
The exhibition emphasized sustainability and digitalization, with a strong focus on nature-protecting technologies. Visitors were keen to explore these advancements and gathered valuable insights from experts on integrating these innovations into their operations. For many, ITM 2024 served as a platform to chart their future investment strategies, driven by the need for more efficient and sustainable production processes.
Planning ahead: ITM 2026 already on the horizon
The success of ITM 2024 has already sparked interest in the next edition of the exhibition. Many companies, buoyed by the exceptional sales and networking opportunities, have wasted no time in securing their spots for ITM 2026. The registration points were abuzz throughout the event as companies lined up to ensure their participation in what promises to be another landmark exhibition.
ITM 2024 not only broke records but also set the stage for the future of the textile machinery industry. Its impact on global trade, innovation, and industry collaboration will resonate long after the event, paving the way for an even more dynamic and influential ITM 2026.
