New Sustainability Standards at Tuyap 2026
Starting on 1 March 2026, Tuyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul will enforce new sustainability-focused regulations that change how exhibitors and contractors approach stand construction and dismantling. As Turkey’s largest and busiest exhibition venue, hosting international events such as Win Eurasia, Plast Eurasia, Expomed, Host Istanbul, and many others, Tuyap is setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible exhibitions.
Prohibited On-Site Practices
The new regulations strictly ban all raw material processing inside the halls. Exhibitors and contractors will no longer be allowed to carry out heavy construction tasks during setup and dismantling. The following activities are not permitted within the venue:
- Cutting, sanding, painting, or welding of wood, plaster, gypsum, or iron
- On-site processing of drywall, cement boards, MDF, or chipboard panels
- Floor cutting or trimming within the halls
- Drilling or anchoring into venue floors, walls, or ceilings
- Connecting structures to the roof or trusses
All elements must be prepared off-site and brought to the venue pre-cut and ready for assembly. Only reusable or recyclable materials will be permitted. This approach is designed to reduce waste, dust, noise, and environmental impact.
Rules for Small Stands
Exhibitors with stands of 24 square meters or smaller must follow stricter guidelines:
- Only modular stand systems are allowed
- Single-use MDF, plywood, or painted chipboard is not permitted
- Second floors or mezzanines are not allowed for small stands
Modular stands use aluminum profiles and reusable panels that can be assembled and dismantled multiple times. This makes them more sustainable and faster to build for both exhibitors and visitors.
Double-Decker Stand Regulations
For larger exhibitors planning multi-story stands, the following limits apply:
- The second floor cannot exceed 50 percent of the ground footprint
- Steel or iron must be used as the main structural support
- Modular frames cannot be used to support upper levels
- Spiral staircases are forbidden; only straight staircases are allowed
Fire and Safety Requirements
- One fire extinguisher is required per 50 square meters of booth area
- All fabrics, curtains, and wall panels must be certified as flame retardant (FR)
- Walls facing neighboring booths must be white, clean, and matte
- Fire exits and hose cabinets must remain visible and accessible
What These Rules Mean for Exhibitors
While the updated regulations focus on sustainability and safety, they also bring important design and budget implications for exhibitors. Below is a summary of the most critical impacts:
- Small booths (24 m² or smaller) must now be built with modular systems only. This makes participation more cost-effective compared to traditional custom wood designs. However, the design flexibility is reduced. Modular booths follow standard shapes and structures, which means originality and marginal creativity will be limited. As a result, many small stands are expected to look very similar to one another.
- Larger booths (over 24 m²) will also face restrictions. Since no on-site cutting, painting, or shaping is allowed, creative features such as oval edges, curved walls, or rounded corners will no longer be possible. These design elements usually require painting and finishing at the venue, which is now prohibited. This will push exhibitors to focus on straight designs.
- Height limitations matter more than ever. For stands exceeding 3.6 meters, additional extension parts are required. Previously, these parts could be painted to hide the joints and create a seamless look. With paint now forbidden, joint lines will remain visible, lowering the overall visual quality. To maintain a more polished appearance, exhibitors may prefer to keep maximum stand height at or below 3.6 meters.
- Static reports for tall stands remain a requirement. Stands over 4 meters generally need a structural report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. This rule continues, and with the new sustainability standards, enforcement is expected to become even stricter. Exhibitors planning ambitious large builds should prepare documentation well in advance.
These updates clearly show that the era of heavy on-site construction at Tuyap is ending. The focus is shifting toward pre-fabricated, modular, and reusable solutions. While this improves sustainability and efficiency, it also requires exhibitors to rethink their approach to design and branding. Partnering with experienced contractors who understand both compliance and creative design will be more important than ever.
Decorator Portal Submissions
All booth projects must be uploaded to the Dekoratör Portalı by the deadline. Exhibitors must confirm submission before the Technical Office reviews the files. Late or non-compliant projects risk rejection or penalties. This digital process will ensure greater transparency and compliance monitoring.
ExpoTurco: Your Sustainable Stand Partner
ExpoTurco is fully prepared to deliver stands that meet the new Tuyap standards. We specialize in modular, reusable, and regulation-compliant solutions that align with sustainability requirements while still reflecting your brand identity. Our services include:
- Custom modular stand design and production
- High-quality digital printing
- Furniture rental and decoration
- Documentation and full compliance with Tuyap’s regulations
We manage every step of the process so you can focus on connecting with your visitors. With our expertise, you can participate at Tuyap 2026 confidently and without risk of penalties.
What About Istanbul Expo Center?
Industry observers expect Istanbul Expo Center (IFM) to introduce similar sustainability rules soon. As Istanbul’s second major venue for large-scale international trade fairs, IFM is likely to follow the same path to reduce environmental impact. Preparing for these rules now will ensure exhibitors remain ahead of the curve.
Work With ExpoTurco
Contact us today for a free consultation and stand design proposal that fully complies with the new Tuyap regulations.
Email: [email protected]
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