SMM Conference Returns to Istanbul

SMM Istanbul will open its gates on February 26, welcoming its exhibitors and industry visitors with an entirely new concept.

SMM Istanbul
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.

New Concept
This year marks the third return of the fair to Istanbul. Fair organizer HMC International GmbH is once again able to rely on the vigorous support of its Turkish partner, Goca Fuar Kongre ve Sergi Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti. For the first time, the fair will be presented with its new structural concept, including a new venue: To be closer to its industry audience, SMM Istanbul 2014 will take place at the Green Park Pendik Hotel & Convention Center in the Asian section of the metropolis for the first time, in the immediate vicinity of the expansive Tuzla shipyard district. As an added benefit, the new venue is extremely well connected to the transport infrastructure, being located close to both, Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the Pendik ferry terminal.

Top-flight Speakers
But first and foremost, this year's SMM Istanbul will be held as a convention for the first time, an international conference with an accompanying industry fair. From ship-breaking and ship repair to mega yachts, naval ships and offshore vessels, the two-day convention will be a platform for renowned experts to discuss recent developments in the Turkish shipbuilding industry as well as current topics relevant to shipbuilders and suppliers around the globe. With its new format, SMM Istanbul is a driving force for the shipbuilding industry in Turkey, and the entire maritime industry in the region. "We are excited to welcome a number of highly distinguished speakers to our conference," says fair host Aufderheide, who will deliver the welcoming address in Istanbul. Speakers will include Murat Kıran (Chairman of the Board, Turkish Shipbuilders' Association / GİSBİR), Sarai Blanc (Policy Officer, SEA Europe), Başaran Bayrak (President of the Ship & Yacht Exporters Union), Metin Kalkavan (President, Turkish Chamber of Shipping) and many other respected experts. The event will be attended by top industry executives such as Hüseyin Mengi (CEO, MENGI-YAY), Osman Tanju (Kalaycıoğlu, Naval Architect & Marine Engineer) and Ferit Biren (CEO, Biren Maritime Group of Companies).

Coming up: SMM in Hamburg
The Istanbul convention marks the onset of the SMM year 2014, which will culminate in SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair held in Hamburg from 9 to 12 September. "Exhibitors and visitors alike will be able to benefit from SMM Istanbul as a platform for networking, collaborating and arranging business deals," said Aufderheide. SMM Hamburg will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors of both events to strengthen and intensify new business contacts made in Istanbul.