The umbrella organization of the Turkish woodworking machinery sector, AIMSAD, marked its 10th anniversary with a magnificent gala night organized with the support of RX Tüyap Fairs. At the event, which was attended by leading industry representatives, the association’s 10-year success story was narrated through a sand art performance, and special plaques were presented to RX Tüyap executives and association members.
AIMSAD, which has completed 10 years in the woodworking machinery sector, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala night organized at the Tüyap Palas Hotel. During the event, which saw a large participation from the leading representatives of the sector, AIMSAD President İsmet Toktaş, Tüyap Exhibitions Group Chairman of the Board Bülent Ünal, and RX Tüyap General Manager Berkan Öner shared their evaluations on the development of the sector and conveyed messages about the association’s achievements.
After the opening speeches, AIMSAD’s 10-year success story was presented to the guests through an impressive performance by sand artist Ramazan Yumrutepe. During the evening, a special plaque was presented to Faketa Yerli, the wife of the late industry icon Yesari Yerli, who passed away two years ago, in honor of his memory.
Commemorative plaques for the 10th anniversary were presented
In the event highlighting the strong collaboration between AIMSAD and RX Tüyap, commemorative plaques were presented to RX Tüyap executives by AIMSAD President İsmet Toktaş and AIMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak. After the plaque presentation to the Tüyap executives, special 10th anniversary plaques and pens were also given to the association members.
At the end of the night, the entertainment continued with live music
Towards the end of the gala night, the AIMSAD Board Members cut a cake symbolizing the 10th anniversary, marking this significant milestone. The evening continued with a stage performance by Kupakızı and concluded with enjoyable conversations and dancing among the attendees. This grand event, highlighting AIMSAD’s leading role in the industry, was engraved in memories as a testament to the association’s continued success in the years to come.
“We have achieved significant accomplishments through cooperation, this success will be our legacy”
Bülent Ünal, Chairman of the Board of Tüyap Exhibitions Group, stated that with the WoodTech Fair, they have left behind nearly 40 years, and emphasized that this long journey has become more meaningful with the involvement of industry representatives. Ünal said, “We have achieved significant accomplishments through cooperation, this success will be our legacy. The world is changing rapidly, and adapting to this change has become a necessity. We must combine our past skills with the digital world to carry them into the future. We all have responsibilities; these responsibilities first fall on the government and then on us. We need to develop policies that encourage young people and make our work sustainable. The world is changing, concepts like carbon footprint are on the agenda; Türkiye is not sufficiently prepared, but the world is not much different either. Producing solutions is the most important step in this process. I have passed my business on to my younger colleagues, and I will confidently transfer my work to them, laying a solid foundation. The future will be better than the past, but behind that lies a great struggle. Together, we will continue this struggle, and in an economy with ups and downs, we will move towards the future with firm steps, facing challenges and joys alike.”
“I take great pride in the point we have reached in this journey that began 10 years ago with a small structure”
In his opening speech at the gala, AIMSAD President İsmet Toktaş highlighted the significant progress AIMSAD has made since its establishment and the unity it has created in the industry, saying: “Today, I take great pride in the point we have reached in this journey that began 10 years ago with a small structure. Throughout this process, we faced many challenges, but today, seeing that we have reached a completely different level, not only as an exhibition but as an industry, makes me happy. The greatest achievement is seeing that we have created a community that can come together, share, discuss, and add value to one another. I truly believe that real success comes from unity and togetherness. Today, we can now discuss how to solve the problems we face and how to take our industry further. In a country like Türkiye, with many challenges, I take pride in being the third-largest association in Europe and in seeing Turkish machine manufacturers being globally recognized in the woodworking industry. Additionally, it is a great honor for me to represent Türkiye in an international federation like EUMABOIS. Together, we will continue to take stronger steps forward. This journey will be a valuable legacy that we leave to the generations that follow us.”
“I thank AIMSAD for the contributions they made to the development of the fair”
RX Tüyap General Manager Berkan Öner, thanking AIMSAD for the innovations brought to the woodworking machinery sector and its contributions to the development of the fair, stated the following: “In the journey we started in 1988, we had 100 companies at our first fair. Today, participation rates are very high, and our collaboration grows stronger every day. Two years ago, we decided to separate the INTERMOB Fair to offer a more efficient experience for our exhibitors, and we received positive results. Currently, over 300 exhibitors and more than 1,200 Turkish manufacturers are showcasing their innovative machines. In the past two years, we have achieved a 47% growth with our exhibitors and a 65% growth in square meter space. We are actively using 12 halls in the fairground. The biggest benefit of this growth is the significant participation not only from the Eastern bloc but also from Europe. We have become one of the most influential fairs in Eurasia and are second after LIGNA. I believe that AIMSAD, with its visionary perspective and its unifying power in the sector, has played a major role in this success. I believe this collaboration will continue for many years and keep benefiting the sector.”
