In order to discuss the latest developments and innovations at the WoodTech Fair, which has played a crucial role over its 38-year history in helping companies operating in the woodworking machinery sector in Türkiye to promote themselves, keep up with industry developments, and expand into international markets, we met with RX Tüyap General Manager Berkan Öner, who stated, “WoodTech not only strengthens companies’ present but also lays the groundwork for them to move forward with more strategic steps into the future.”

The WoodTech Fair, the most important meeting point for the Turkish woodworking machinery industry, will bring together industry stakeholders for the 38th time this year between October 11-15, 2025, at the İstanbul Tüyap Fair and Congress Center. We discussed the details about the fair, for which participating companies are preparing intensively, with Berkan Öner, General Manager of RX Tüyap.

  • With a history spanning 38 years, WoodTech is one of the most established events in the industry. How do you think this fair has contributed to the development of the Turkish woodworking machinery sector?

The WoodTech Fair is more than just a trading platform; it is an organization at the heart of transformation and innovation in the sector. Over its 38-year history, it has played a very important role in helping companies operating in the woodworking machinery sector in Türkiye to promote themselves, keep up with developments, and expand into international markets. At the current stage, Turkish machine manufacturers have achieved a competitive position not only in the domestic market but also in global markets, and WoodTech’s steady growth has played a major role in this. The fair provides opportunities for industry players to expand their businesses by connecting them with the right buyers.

“WoodTech lays the groundwork for companies to move forward with more strategic steps into the future”
  • What do you think is the most important function of the fair for companies in the sector? What role does it play in establishing new business connections?

One of the most fundamental functions of the fair is to bring companies together with the right target audience. This allows brands to not only showcase their products, but also receive real-time feedback, develop potential partnerships, and increase their export capacity. B2B meetings, in particular, contribute greatly to strengthening the supply chain in the sector. Additionally, companies have the opportunity to observe competition, closely monitor market trends, and experience firsthand the developments shaping technology during the fair. In this sense, WoodTech not only strengthens companies’ present but also lays the groundwork for them to move forward with more strategic steps into the future.

  • How many halls and how many square meters will this year’s WoodTech Fair occupy?

This year, we will hold our fair in a total of 12 halls, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, using all the halls of the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in İstanbul. Each hall has been organized to address the different needs of the industry. This will enable visitors to access the products and technologies they are looking for more easily, while companies will be able to reach their target audiences more clearly. With the expanded area, the diversity of participants has also increased. This ensures that the fair offers a much richer and more dynamic experience.

“We expect a high level of interest from foreign visitors”
  • In light of economic developments, regional crises, and global changes, what are your expectations for visitor numbers at this year’s fair? Which countries or regions do you anticipate will generate the most interest from foreign visitors?

Despite the economic fluctuations and geopolitical developments taking place around the world, manufacturing sectors need more innovation and new markets in order to survive and grow. This makes trade fairs even more critical. Thanks to the strong infrastructure and international reputation of the WoodTech Fair, we expect a high level of foreign visitor interest this year as well. We anticipate particularly strong interest from visitors in markets with high production potential, including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. We plan to host important purchasing delegations from countries such as Russia, Poland, Kosovo, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, thanks to Türkiye’s regional advantage and logistical strength, İstanbul remains a highly attractive hub for these visitors.

“The collaboration between RX Tüyap and AIMSAD is one of the cornerstones of our fair’s success”
  • The WoodTech Fair is organized by RX Tüyap’s international experience and AIMSAD’s sectoral strength. How has this powerful collaboration made the fair a more effective organization?

The collaboration between RX Tüyap and AIMSAD is one of the cornerstones of our fair’s success. As RX Tüyap, we are an event management company with global experience in organizing fairs, and we have a strong infrastructure in terms of international reach, marketing, and operational processes. AIMSAD is a dynamic non-governmental organization at the heart of the industry. We combine their industry knowledge and strong ties with manufacturing companies with our organizational experience. Thanks to this synergy, WoodTech has become not just a comprehensive trade fair, but also a platform that drives sectoral developments, supports solution partnerships, and paves the way for new collaborations. This collaboration continues to add value to both the sector and the national economy.