SMM Istanbul will open its gates on February 26, welcoming its exhibitors and industry visitors with an entirely new concept. The countdown is on; On February 26 and 27, Istanbul will be the global shipping industry's center of attention as SMM Istanbul, the international maritime conference and exhibition 2014, opens its gates. SMM Istanbul is one of two international subsidiaries of SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair Hamburg. "The Turkish market is highly dynamic. SMM Istanbul is a major meeting place for all decision makers and executives of the region," said Bernd Aufderheide, Chairman of the Board of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. This year marks the third return of the fair to Istanbul.