ITM 2026 Opens in Istanbul with Participation from 59 Countries and Visitors from Nearly 100 Nations
International textile machinery exhibition brings together over 1,000 companies and showcases technologies shaping the future of textile production
ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition and HIGHTEX 2026 Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition have commenced at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, bringing together over 1,000 companies and company representatives from 59 countries, along with professional visitors from nearly 100 countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by association and union representatives from Türkiye and international markets, as well as senior executives from local and foreign companies.
Speaking at the opening, Necip Güney, Chairman of the Board of Teknik Fuarcılık, highlighted the international participation at the exhibition and stated:
“As Teknik Fuarcılık, in this special period where we are celebrating our 30th anniversary, we see ITM 2026 as one of the most important gatherings that will shape the future of our sector. Given the intense interest, we will be hosting thousands of international visitors from Europe to Asia, from the Middle East to North Africa, from Turkic Republics to the Balkans at our exhibition over the course of 5 days. Thanks to Istanbul's strategic location and the international strength of our exhibition, we will make valuable contributions to our exhibitors' access to new markets and the establishment of lasting business connections. As the ITM Organization team, we work with great dedication to ensure the flawless execution of our exhibition. The increase in the number of participants and visitors each year shows that our efforts have not been in vain. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all industry stakeholders who contributed to this success, especially to the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Tüyap, Mr. Bülent Ünal, and all my team members. I also extend my gratitude to our valuable exhibitors and visitors who traveled from miles away to witness this great gathering in our country.”
Technologies Across the Textile Manufacturing Chain
Spread across 11 halls and covering 110 thousand square meters, ITM 2026 is hosting machinery and technology providers from across the textile production chain.
The exhibition features technologies covering yarn production, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing, as well as digital textile printing solutions.
Exhibitors are presenting production systems focused on efficiency, automation, digitalization, energy savings and sustainability. Technologies on display include AI-powered production systems, smart factory applications, data-driven manufacturing management and environmentally focused production solutions.
Visitors are able to review machinery in operation and engage directly with technical specialists regarding production technologies and R&D developments.
Business Meetings and Investment Opportunities
Alongside technology showcases, ITM 2026 is hosting B2B meetings designed to facilitate business discussions, partnerships and commercial opportunities.
The event is expected to attract purchasing delegations and investors from major textile-producing countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, India and Egypt. Organizers stated that the exhibition will support new trade agreements, partnerships and industry collaborations within the textile machinery sector.
Istanbul’s Connectivity Supports International Participation
Organizers noted that Istanbul's geographical position and transportation infrastructure continue to support participation from Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and the Turkic Republics.
The exhibition also benefits from visa exemption or simplified visa procedures between Türkiye and countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, contributing to international visitor attendance.
HIGHTEX 2026 Held Alongside ITM 2026
Running concurrently with ITM 2026, HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition is bringing together manufacturers, technology providers and investors from the technical textiles and nonwovens sectors.
As Türkiye's first and only technical textiles and nonwoven exhibition, HIGHTEX 2026 covers product categories including medical textiles, hygiene products, protective textiles, filtration systems, geotextiles, automotive textiles, composite materials and advanced nonwoven applications.
Participating companies are presenting products and technologies to international buyers, while visitors are able to review developments across multiple technical textile segments.
According to organizers, HIGHTEX 2026 will also serve as a platform for international business cooperation, market development and investment discussions within the technical textiles and nonwoven industries.