The countdown has begun for the WoodTech Fair, which has become the most significant meeting point for the woodworking machinery sector in Eurasia. As the WoodTech International Wood Processing Machines, Cutting Tools, Hand Tools Fair prepares to open its doors for the 37th time this year, we spoke with AİMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak about the fair’s goals and its importance to the Turkish woodworking machinery sector. Kaçak highlighted that the WoodTech Fair offers participants and visitors crucial opportunities to directly connect with target markets, learn about the latest innovations in woodworking technologies, engage in information sharing, strengthen their brands, and establish new business connections. Kaçak remarked, “As a result of the collective efforts of all stakeholders focusing on common goals, the WoodTech Fair has become one of the most important events in the sector.”

The WoodTech Fair, set to demonstrate its significance in the Turkish woodworking machinery sector once again, will open its doors for the 37th time this year. This event, which has become one of the most important fairs for the woodworking machinery sector in Eurasia, brings together industry professionals and lays the groundwork for international business connections and collaborations. In this context, we spoke with AİMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak about the contributions of the WoodTech Fair to the sector and its role in the future.

Could you briefly describe the position of the WoodTech Fair in the woodworking machinery sector?

The WoodTech Fair has been a crucial specialized fair for 37 years, continuing to be organized even during the global pandemic when the world came to a halt. As AİMSAD, we are very pleased and proud to be part of this fair and to play a role in the successful organization of WoodTech each year through our strong collaboration with RX Tüyap. As is well known, fairs play a significant role in increasing our sector’s export figures and helping our companies enter new markets. Our member companies have the opportunity to showcase their products and services by participating in numerous domestic and international fairs throughout the year. In this context, WoodTech deserves a special mention. We can describe the WoodTech Fair as a major family reunion for the Turkish woodworking machinery sector. WoodTech is the most important meeting point for our sector in the Eurasian region. It is an organization where innovations in the sector are showcased, significant collaborations are realized, and direct contact is made with numerous domestic and international investors. In this context, the WoodTech Fair offers participants valuable opportunities to directly connect with their target markets, learn about the latest advancements in woodworking technologies, share information, strengthen their brands, and establish new business connections. Additionally, the WoodTech Fair is the prime venue for showcasing the successes of Turkish machinery manufacturers. Visitors planning to invest in this field can find all their needs from A to Z at this fair. Considering all these factors, we can say that the WoodTech Fair is a highly specialized event that dominates the Turkish woodworking machinery sector.

“WoodTech is an unmissable event”
  • Who should participate in the WoodTech Fair?

At our WoodTech Fair, a wide range of products is showcased, including forestry products, woodworking and cutting machines, CNC machines, and electrical and mechanical hand tools. These products attract significant interest from regular visitors such as furniture manufacturers, furniture industry suppliers, decoration and construction companies, machinery manufacturers, architects, and engineers. Additionally, the fair is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs looking to invest in machinery to offer creative and innovative solutions in the furniture sector. WoodTech provides visitors with the opportunity to closely examine new products, engage in direct contact with company representatives, and make informed investment decisions, making it an unmissable event.

“Approximately 100 countries’ professionals are expected to visit the fair”
  • Can you provide information about international participation? From which regions do you expect visitors to come?

The topic of international visitors is very sensitive and critical. The more we can showcase the strength and success of Turkish machinery manufacturers to foreign investors, the further we can advance our sector. To achieve this goal, both the RX Tüyap team and our association have conducted a series of activities throughout the year. We promoted the WoodTech Fair at all the international fairs we attended, and at some of these events, we even shared booths with WoodTech, as we have done in the past, to combine our strengths. RX Tüyap also carried out significant international promotion and advertising efforts. In light of these efforts, we anticipate a strong international presence at this year’s fair. Visitors are expected from the Middle East, the Balkans, North Africa, Russia, and neighboring countries, as well as from countries such as the UAE, the USA, the UK, Poland, Italy, France, and Spain. Additionally, we have observed significant interest from South Africa in our sector. Approximately 100 countries’ professionals are expected to visit the fair. This broad participation will further highlight WoodTech’s international significance and its global impact on the industry. The fair will provide Turkish companies with international promotion and collaboration opportunities, contributing to the country’s economy while serving as a crucial platform for professionals looking to explore industry innovations.

“WoodTech Fair continues to grow in both size and content”
  • What new innovations can participants expect at this year’s fair?

The WoodTech Fair is an event where innovations are showcased annually, and both participants and visitors consistently report high satisfaction rates. As you know, last year WoodTech Fair was held independently for the first time on a self-determined date, allowing our companies to promote their products and services in larger spaces. This year, we have expanded the fair further by adding two additional halls, increasing the exhibition area even more. This expansion provides our participants with the opportunity to showcase a broader range of products in larger spaces. Visitors will benefit from being able to find more companies and products at a single location. Additionally, our companies will organize various activities throughout the fair, including machine demonstrations, seminars, and other events. As AİMSAD, we are also preparing a series of activities at our booth and within the fairgrounds. This year, WoodTech Fair will continue to be the hub of innovations, just as it has been in previous years.

“Visitors will find all types of solutions for woodworking technologies under one roof”
  • What advantages will the WoodTech Fair offer to participants and visitors?

Local participating companies will have the opportunity to meet potential customers in new markets, explore export opportunities, and connect with industry leaders. International participants will not only gain access to potential customers in the growing Turkish woodworking machinery sector but also find reliable representatives to operate within our country and surrounding regions. Visitors will find all types of solutions for woodworking technologies under one roof. They will have the chance to meet face-to-face with new suppliers and solution partners, providing them with direct access to products and equipment that can enhance their businesses.

“As AİMSAD, we have prepared for this year’s WoodTech Fair with great care”
  • What would you like to say in conclusion to ensure the success of the WoodTech Fair?

As AİMSAD, we have prepared for this year’s WoodTech Fair with great care. The WoodTech Fair is a highly valuable event for both our association and our members. In our pre-fair discussions with companies, we observed how excited everyone is about the fair. Currently, the WoodTech Fair is the most important agenda item for the entire industry. While all our members are working tirelessly to showcase their new machines, they are also approaching their booth designs with great dedication. Our sector views WoodTech as a showcase center, and everyone is focused on representing their brand in the best possible way. This year, over 100 AİMSAD member companies will have booths at the WoodTech Fair. In terms of square meters, AİMSAD member companies will account for 85% of the total participation. In short, AİMSAD member companies will, as always, make a strong impression at the WoodTech Fair. In 2024, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our association, we are preparing for the fair with great motivation. We are ready to welcome both domestic and international guests at our stand in the main foyer area, where we will meet with industry stakeholders. We extend our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the organization of this event. The WoodTech Fair has become one of the most significant events in the industry as a result of the collective effort and focus of all stakeholders on common goals. This success is a great source of pride for both our country and our sector. We believe that the fair will best reflect the innovations and developments in the industry and provide valuable opportunities for participants.