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On a recent day, Istanbul was struck by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake, causing significant concern across the city. The tremor, which originated in the Sea of Marmara near Silivri, was felt intensely across numerous districts and sent residents and businesses into high alert. Naturally, this seismic activity raised immediate concerns for the events industry, especially for organizers, participants, and companies operating within Istanbul’s major exhibition venues like TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, Istanbul Expo Center, and Avrasya Show and Art Center. Fortunately, reports confirmed that no structural damage, injuries, or stand collapses occurred within these facilities. The buildings were quickly inspected, and no disruptions to ongoing or upcoming exhibitions were reported. While this outcome offers a sigh of relief, the incident underscores the urgent need for the exhibition industry to consider long-term strategies to enhance seismic preparedness and structural resilience.

At the time of the earthquake, ExpoTurco had fully completed and delivered exhibition stands at two major events: Expomed 2025 held at TÜYAP, and VIV TURKEY 2025 at the Istanbul Expo Center. By fortunate timing and precise project planning, both stands had been delivered to our clients one day ahead of the final setup day—just before the quake struck. After the event, our technical team immediately revisited each stand to assess for any damage or dislocation. We are pleased to report that no issues were found. The integrity of our structures remained fully intact, and our clients’ presentations continued as scheduled. Despite the chaos and uncertainty during and after the earthquake, our early handover and attention to quality helped prevent disruption. This experience validated the importance of proactive delivery strategies and meticulous structural discipline in regions prone to seismic activity.

Exhibition centers in Istanbul are already built to modern safety standards, but the growing concerns among geologists regarding the possibility of a much larger earthquake in the near future cannot be overlooked. Experts have consistently warned of a potentially devastating event—estimated to reach magnitudes above 7.0—posing a severe threat to densely populated urban zones and large-scale infrastructure. For the exhibition industry, this means that existing venues must not only comply with current regulations but also anticipate future risks and invest in reinforced structural solutions, emergency response training, and rapid evacuation protocols. Fairgrounds attract thousands of attendees, and ensuring their safety during such high-risk moments must be a top priority. The 6.2 quake served as a critical reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate and emphasized the importance of a robust contingency plan for all exhibition organizers and contractors operating in seismic regions.

ExpoTurco, as a leading contractor in the exhibition construction industry, acknowledges the importance of structural integrity and safety in the face of natural disasters. All our stands are designed and built with advanced materials and reliable installation techniques, adhering to strict safety standards. In response to the recent earthquake, our technical teams have reviewed all projects within Istanbul to confirm there were no issues or failures. We reaffirm our commitment to providing secure, high-quality exhibition environments for our clients, no matter the circumstances. Going forward, we are actively working to incorporate earthquake-conscious engineering principles into all temporary structures and stands to mitigate risk and align with the highest levels of precaution. Whether a simple promotional booth or a multi-story pavilion, safety remains at the core of everything we deliver.

The recent seismic activity must act as a wake-up call for the entire fair and events ecosystem—not just in Istanbul, but globally in regions prone to earthquakes. Municipalities, venue operators, stand builders, and event planners need to engage in coordinated risk assessments and infrastructure investments to create an environment where creativity, commerce, and safety coexist. Exhibitions will continue to thrive in Istanbul thanks to its global appeal and economic vitality, but stakeholders must remain vigilant. The resilience of venues during the recent earthquake is reassuring, but complacency is not an option. At ExpoTurco, we believe in proactive preparedness. We encourage organizers and exhibitors to reach out to us when planning their next participation in Istanbul or other high-risk regions—we are not only here to build beautiful stands, but also safe ones.

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