Renewed optimism in Turkey with AME ’17

The congress, meeting and event industry exhibition, ACE of MICE (AME), will be held from February 22-24, 2017, in Istanbul. Selin Kamil, International Relations Executive, ACE of MICE Exhibition, says the event will address issues such as crisis communication and management.

Shehara Rizly

Q) What is the focus of the exhibition for 2017?
ACE of MICE Exhibition is the meeting point of top level decision makers of meetings and event industry in Turkey and the world. We offer an excellent opportunity to the attendees with hosted buyer programme, B2B meetings, network activities, enriched seminars and panels. The sessions will be held on topics such as ‘Crisis Communication & Management on Events,’ ‘Sports Events’ and ‘3rd University Students Meet the MICE Industry’.
We are planning to open registration for hosted buyers, press and visitors towards the end of September on www.ameistanbul.com. The companies that would like to exhibit can contact us at sales@ameistanbul.com.

Q) What are your expectations from the event?
We have partnered with industry associations and international media to promote AME. We are also working with hosted buyer group coordinators to invite qualified buyers. Besides we are in touch with Convention Bureaus and MICE companies. According to our intensive communication campaign we aim to reach the maximum number in the meaning of both exhibitors and hosted buyers and visitors at AME 2017.

Q) How is the MICE market faring in Turkey?
Turkey has had a tough time this year, but in spite of the difficulties we have overcome the situation.
During this period, Turkish MICE companies continued to work hard and thanks to their professionalism, we escaped with minimum damages. We will continue to host international congresses and groups in Turkey to encourage tourism. According to 2015 ICCA statistics Turkey is ranked 18th worldwide and ranked 11th in Europe.

Q) What are the latest trends in MICE?
Today the MICE industry is strongly connected through technology than ever before. Apps, mobile sites and social media channels are assisting planners before, during and after events. Virtual reality is becoming one of the most popular trends. Moreover, green meetings and sustainable event trends are still in the foreground like last year.

Q) How important are the Middle East and India markets for Turkey?
We absolutely believe that the Middle East and India markets are really attractive for Turkey. Turkey hosts many groups both from Middle East and India. We have worked with European market until today and now there is a need to enter new different markets. So, we are aware that Middle East and India are potential markets. Also direct air connectivity gives advantages between these destinations.