Interview with Mr. Hakan Guzel Sales Manager of TÜYAP, the organizer of the Gaziantep Carpet Fair
TÜYAP Fairs successfully organized the Gaziantep Carpet Fair 2024 in cooperation with the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce. The next edition of the fair will be held May 2025 at the Middle East Expo Center – Gaziantep / Türkiye.
Could you please provide us with some background information about the fair?
The Gaziantep Hali Fuari / Gaziantep Carpet Fair is an annual event organized by TÜYAP Fairs and Exhibitions / TÜYAP Fuarcilik, in cooperation with the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce. It serves as a platform for the carpet production industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers from both domestic and international markets. The fair has gained significant recognition in the industry and has become a key event for showcasing the excellence of Gaziantep’s carpet production.
This year’s fair was particularly remarkable as it marked the first time we organized the event. We were thrilled to host 150 participants in two spacious halls, covering a total area of 25,000 square meters. The fair stood out with its emphasis on promoting the event not only domestically but also on an international scale. Through the implementation of a virtual environment, participants and visitors had the opportunity to engage in personalized, one-on-one interactions, enhancing networking and business opportunities.
It’s impressive to see how the fair adapted to the current circumstances and provided a virtual platform for attendees. How was the response from participants and visitors? Did you receive any feedback?
The response to the fair was overwhelmingly positive. Participants and visitors alike acknowledged the significance of the Gaziantep Carpet Fair and expressed their support for the event. They appreciated the virtual environment we created, which facilitated efficient and meaningful interactions. We received feedback commending the fair’s organization, the quality of exhibitors, and the overall professionalism displayed throughout the event.
With this being the first year of the fair, were there any specific challenges you faced during the planning and execution phases?
Naturally, organizing a fair of this magnitude for the first time presented its own set of challenges. One of the main difficulties we encountered was establishing our presence and promoting the fair within the sector. However, as the fair progressed, we witnessed a growing awareness of our event within the industry. Additionally, our experience in organizing other successful fairs, such as the carpet and Flooring expo in Istanbul, provided valuable insights and helped us overcome initial obstacles.
Overcoming those challenges must have been quite rewarding. In terms of the fair’s impact on the carpet production industry in Gaziantep, what changes or developments have you observed?
The fair has had a significant impact on the carpet production industry in Gaziantep. By establishing ourselves as the center of carpet production, we have attracted the attention and support of companies within the sector. This recognition has not only led to increased participation but has also strengthened business partnerships and cooperation among industry players. The fair has successfully positioned Gaziantep as a prominent hub for carpet production, further elevating its reputation.
What are your plans for the future of the Gaziantep Hali Fuari? How do you envision its growth and continued success?
Moving forward, our primary goal is to build upon the success of the inaugural fair and further solidify its position as a leading event in the carpet production industry. We aim to expand our participant base, attracting more domestic and international exhibitors and visitors. By continuously improving the fair’s organization, offerings, and promotion, we are confident in achieving sustained growth and providing an even more valuable experience for all stakeholders involved.
