As the global carpet and flooring industry prepares for another decisive year, the International Carpet & Flooring Expo (ICFE) continues its rapid rise as one of the sector’s most influential business platforms. Organized by Tüyap Fuarlar Yapım A.Ş. under the leadership of CEO İlhan Ersözlü, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the event’s most ambitious year yet—marked by record international demand, expanded exhibition space across 11 halls, and a powerful global marketing footprint reaching more than 120 countries.
In this exclusive interview, Ersözlü outlines the strategic goals behind ICFE’s fast-growing global impact, the innovations introduced for the upcoming edition, and how the fair strengthens Türkiye’s position as the world’s leading machine-made carpet producer. He also highlights the arrival of new markets including Japan, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, and Greece, underscoring ICFE’s evolution into a truly international sourcing hub. With strong participation from nearly 500 exhibitors and 50,000 professional visitors, ICFE 2026 is positioning itself as a must-attend destination for buyers, brands, and manufacturers seeking new opportunities in a rapidly expanding global market.
1. ICFE Has Quickly Become a Key Event in The Global Carpet Exhibition Calendar. What Major Goals and Strategic Priorities Have you Set For This year’s Edition?
ICFE owes its success to the extensive marketing activities it conducts across 6 continents and in more than 120 countries. The goal is to establish direct and efficient business connections between participants and visitors through innovative practices such as digital media and targeted e-mail marketing. This global promotional network sets ICFE apart from its competitors, enabling it to make a significant impact in the industry.
2. What Improvements or Innovations Have Been Introduced This year in Terms Of Hall Layout, Segmentation, and Exhibitor Experience?
With the start of sales, ICFE has attracted strong interest from both domestic and international sector giants, standing out this year with record growth targets and high demand from six continents. The fair distinguishes itself not only through its trade volume but also through its creative projects. Within the scope of the Carpet Workshop, 400 designers will once again bring to life the project “My Art Piece,” creating special designs for the World’s Most Unique Carpet.
Positioned as the most influential platform of the global carpet sector, ICFE has expanded its goals for 2026 even further. In line with the rising international exhibitor demand and the growing market potential, the fair will be held in 11 halls this year. The strong profile of domestic and foreign participants further reinforces ICFE’s central position in the sector and strengthens its global prestige.
Global Designers Unite Carpet
The “My Art Piece” workshop, which garnered great attention last year, will also remain in the program this year. These unique pieces—each a work of art—will be brought together during the fair to form “The Carpet Designed by the Most Designers in the World.” Bringing together 400 different stories, visions, and talents, this remarkable project will stand as a powerful symbol of the collective creativity of the sector, at the point where traditional carpet craftsmanship intersects with modern design.
3. As Turkey Is one of The world’s leading Machine-made Carpet Producers,How Does ICFE Support The Industry’s Export Growth And International Branding Efforts?
CFE, the significant meeting platform of the carpet and flooring industry, is now organized under the name ICFE – International Carpet & Flooring Expo, with its newly acquired international title. The fair, which will take place at the Istanbul Expo Center between January 6 and 9, 2026, is preparing to shape the industry on a global scale with strong interest from six continents. With the increasing demand from international participants and the growing market potential, ICFE is strengthening its position as one of the most prestigious events for the carpet and flooring industry on the global stage.
Türkiye is regarded as the world’s largest carpet production hub, primarily with its machine-made carpet manufacturing capacity centered in Gaziantep, as well as in Kayseri, Istanbul, and several other production regions. The country’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure, design capabilities, and export performance are among the key factors that enhance ICFE’s global appeal.
In addition to its strength in machine-made carpets, Türkiye is also one of the leading centers of handmade carpet tradition. Hand-woven carpets—carrying centuries of cultural heritage—enrich the identity of ICFE with both their artistic value and cultural significance.
One of the most distinctive strengths of ICFE is its dual structure, bringing together both machine-made and handmade carpet segments. This unique setup positions the fair as a platform where industrial production and artisanal craftsmanship coexist. By uniting modern manufacturing technologies with traditional handcraft under one roof, ICFE offers a comprehensive meeting point for all stakeholders of the sector.
4. How Would You Describe The International Participation This Year, and Which New or Emerging Markets are Showing The Strongest Momentum?
Aiming to be Türkiye’s largest carpet and flooring fair, ICFE 2026 is expected to host nearly 500 participating companies from 25 countries, particularly from Iran, Uzbekistan, Egypt, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, the USA, Jordan, Belgium, and France, as well as around 50,000 professional visitors from 105 countries. Strong participation is particularly expected from strategic markets of the industry, such as Germany, Italy, China, India, Iran, Belgium, the USA, Russia, and the Middle East.
This year, marking a significant development that further strengthens the fair’s international identity, several countries that have never participated in ICFE before will be joining the event. The inclusion of new markets such as Japan, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, and Greece expands ICFE’s global reach, making it an even more inclusive platform on an international scale.
This expansion indicates that ICFE 2026 will serve as a crucial meeting point for the industry not only in existing markets but also within newly emerging commercial channels.
5. What Message Would You Like to Share With Global Buyers, Brands, And Potential Exhibitors About Why ICFE Should Be a Must-attend Event?
Preparing to open its doors for the third time, ICFE is moving confidently toward becoming the world’s number one carpet and flooring exhibition, thanks to its highly qualified and broad exhibitor profile. By bringing together buyers from 120 different countries with hundreds of major manufacturers from Türkiye and around the world under one roof, the fair creates an unprecedented volume of trade within the sector.
The wide range of products—from machine-made carpets to handmade rugs, from flooring materials to design-driven collections—enables ICFE to meet the full spectrum of visitor expectations. Hosting such an extensive variety within a single exhibition area is one of the key elements that makes ICFE truly unique on a global scale.
To ensure that tens of thousands of visitors enjoy a flawless fair experience, TÜYAP’s 46 years of reliable service, strong infrastructure, and professional expert team provide an excellent environment for both exhibitors and visitors. Special experience zones, event programs, and workshops within the fair transform ICFE into not only a commercial platform, but also an enjoyable and inspiring meeting point.
In short, ICFE is an indispensable event for all brands looking to take their place on the global stage, connect with the right buyers, and gain a strong position in an expanding market.
