Despite global economic uncertainty and delayed investment decisions in many markets, ITM 2026 concluded on a strong note, reinforcing its position as one of the textile industry’s most important meeting points for machinery manufacturers and investors.
Held from 9-13 June 2026 at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition welcomed 48,257 professional visitors from 105 countries. The exhibition was organized by Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım Inc. and Teknik Fairs Inc. in cooperation with the Textile Machinery and Accessories Industrialists Association (TEMSAD).
Running alongside HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition, the event occupied 110,000 square meters across 11 halls. More than 1,000 companies and company representatives from 59 countries participated, presenting technologies covering the entire textile value chain.
Of the total visitors, 53 percent came from Türkiye, while 47 percent travelled from overseas markets, highlighting the exhibition’s strong international reach.
A global gathering in Istanbul
Istanbul’s strategic location, ease of transportation and visa accessibility contributed significantly to the event’s appeal. Industry professionals from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East gathered to explore new technologies and discuss investment opportunities.
The visitor profile reflected the exhibition’s broad international footprint. Delegations arrived from countries as varied as Rwanda, Chile, Tuvalu, San Marino, Eswatini and the Comoros, alongside major textile manufacturing nations including Bangladesh, India, China, Pakistan, Egypt and Vietnam.
For many companies and investors who have faced difficulties attending European exhibitions due to visa restrictions, ITM 2026 served as an important alternative platform for international networking and business development.
Decision-makers drove business activity
Exhibitors noted that the quality of visitors stood out as much as the attendance figures. Factory owners, senior executives, investors and purchasing decision-makers formed a large share of the audience throughout the five-day event.
Many participating companies reported direct discussions with businesses planning new investments. According to exhibitors, a significant number of these meetings progressed into concrete projects and machinery acquisition processes, making the exhibition commercially productive.
Machinery sales and new partnerships
ITM 2026 evolved beyond a technology showcase into an active business platform where major commercial agreements took shape. Machinery sales began from the opening day and continued throughout the exhibition.
Purchasing delegations and executives from leading textile companies in Syria, Egypt, India and Russia visited the event and finalized machinery purchases. Investors showed strong interest in technologies across weaving, knitting, spinning, finishing, garment manufacturing, denim processing and digital printing.
Exhibitors stated that while economic conditions remain challenging in many markets, investment appetite continues. Machinery sales worth billions of euros and several long-term partnerships provided renewed confidence to the sector.
Focus on efficiency and sustainability
Technologies related to sustainability, energy efficiency, digitalization, automation and AI-supported manufacturing attracted considerable attention from visitors.
Live machine demonstrations and product launches allowed investors to assess solutions designed to reduce production costs, improve operational efficiency and support more sustainable manufacturing practices. Many visitors used the exhibition to evaluate technologies that could shape their next phase of investment.
Early interest builds for ITM 2028
The strong business activity and positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors have already generated momentum for the next edition. According to the organizers, many companies requested exhibition space for ITM 2028 while ITM 2026 was still underway.
The next edition of ITM is scheduled to take place in Istanbul from 13-17 June 2028, with pre-reservations already reaching notable levels.
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