ATRAX & AQUAFUN Organized by Tureks International Expo Met with Visitors for the 11th Time.
The ATRAX Expo and AQUAFUN exhibition, organized at the Istanbul Expo Center between January 11-13, 2024, received full marks from the sector with the size of the organization, the number, and the quality of visitors. The exhibition reached 18,960 visitors from 87 countries, with 352 participants from 19 countries; it offered a comprehensive overview of products in entertainment, game equipment, vending machines, park and outdoor sports equipment, sports surfaces, pools, spas, water entertainment, landscaping, tiny houses, and garden living areas.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION WITH EUROPE, AFRICA, CAUCASUS COUNTRIES, AND THE MIDDLE EAST
The attraction of the Turkish market, which is one of the most important markets in the world in terms of sector dynamism and size, and the attractiveness of Istanbul as the trade center, made the volume and growth in the sector much more evident at the ATRAX Expo. The expo emphasizes showcasing sector innovations, creating the necessary infrastructures to improve people’s health and well-being, creating spaces for a healthy society and socialization, and building happy cities.
THE EXPO BROUGHT A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE TO THE SECTOR THIS YEAR AND ADDRESSED THE SECTOR WITH ALL ITS PLAYERS.
ATRAX’24 and AQUAFUN provided an easily accessible expo for visitors in 5 themed halls according to product groups; the expo, held on an area of 50,000 square meters, not only became the largest in the region but also strengthened its position among the world’s leading expos in its field. The event, which continued at a hectic pace for three days, left a significant impression on participating companies, speakers, invited buyers, and professional public opinion.
NEW COMPANIES AND NEW PRODUCTS ATTRACTED ATTENTION.
ATRAX hosted 102 companies participating for the first time this year. New products and new companies added significant synergy to the expo. Outdoor park equipment and sports facility equipment were the highlighted sectors. Entertainment machines and game equipment were presented to visitors in Hall 7. Vending sector companies in Hall 6B hosted many international visitors. Participants in Hall 8 showcased tiny house, garden, and landscaping products, offering visual feasts to visitors.
A FULL EVENT PROGRAM ACCOMPANIED THE EXPO.
This year, ATRAX once again set the course for a sustainable and successful future for the sector in its sessions. The quality of discussions and exchanges of ideas remained at the usual high level. This exchange of information beyond national and continental boundaries shed light on the sector. The opening speech and first session of the expo were held with a panel organized by the TEPEA Amusement Park Activities and Attractions Association. Moderated by Şöhret PAKİŞ; Varol YAŞAROĞLU, Mehmet Metin OKUR, Mustafa MERTCAN, and Bülent KAVAKLI shared their knowledge with visitors on “Entertainment is Evolving: What’s Happening in the Entertainment Sector?”. On the same day, Prof. Dr. Bülent GÜRBÜZ moderated a panel organized by the Recreation Studies and Research Association (REKÇAD); Prof. Dr. Metin ARGAN presented “Recreational Reflections of the Virtual World: Around the World in Metaverse” and Assoc. Dr. Funda KOÇAK discussed “Recreation and Active Living in Building Sustainable Happy Cities”. On the second day, as part of the ATRAX’24 event program, a panel was held by IPAR – Ropes Courses and Adventure Parks Association. Moderated by Ege SEVİNÇLİ; Deniz TAHİROĞLU, Yasin Çağatay SEÇKİN, Süveyda BAYRAKTAR ATAGÜR, and Görsev ARGIN UZ shared their knowledge on “Children and Play in the City”. The last conference of the expo was held with Rob Boogmans’ talk on “Designs for Outdoor Fitness Areas” organized by Kent Global Park.
FUN ACTIVITIES, CAREFULLY PREPARED STANDS, EVENTS, INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, AND EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE.
The carefully prepared stands by the participants, the variety of exhibited products, and the innovations combined with the excellent atmosphere in the expo halls garnered appreciation and praise. With the growing number of participants and the increase in exhibition space, significant connections were made with interested visitors from all over the world.
NERGİS ASLAN, President of Tureks International Expo:
“We are very pleased to add new successes to the achievements we have obtained in previous years at our ATRAX & AQUAFUN Expo. As an important market partner, we have adopted the mission of advancing the future development of these sectors with all our business partners. Our expo and the thematic halls it includes strengthened the number and international profile of visitors; with approximately 30% of visitors coming from outside Turkey, we achieved a significant total number of visitors. In addition to Turkey, the countries that sent the most visitors were Russia, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Our expo impressively reinforced its position as the international industry platform of the sector in Istanbul. Moreover, it grew by 80% compared to last year, earning praise from the sector. It underscores both the importance of the sector and the geographical and commercial significance of Istanbul. Additionally, we will continue on our path with determination and excitement to make this expo a much larger and more efficient organization.”
THE LARGEST GATHERING OF THE POOL SECTOR IN TURKEY IN YEARS
As the ATRAX & AQUAFUN area celebrates its 3rd year, it once again attracted the interest of nearly all the market leaders in Turkey and international markets. Participants presented new products and designs to build modern, sustainable, and innovative swimming pools and wellness facilities. The expo responded to sector trends and impressed visitors with its various event programs. AQUAFUN took place as the eagerly awaited event in the sector, bringing together all players in the industry. Stands were carefully prepared, and products and seminars attracted attention. The after-party held by Neta Pool and Gemaş Pool at the end of the second day of the expo provided enjoyable moments for the guests, reaching the peak of entertainment.
Save the Date The next ATRAX – AQUAFUN will be held between January 30 – February 1, 2025.