Istanbul exhibitions in May bring together some of the most important international trade fairs and industry events in Türkiye. As the city enters one of its most active business seasons, May exhibitions in Istanbul attract global brands, investors, and professionals across sectors such as technology, fashion, construction, tourism, and manufacturing. These events offer valuable opportunities for networking, discovering new trends, and exploring business growth in one of the region’s leading commercial hubs.
Defence & Aerospace Exhibition (SAHA 2026)
SAHA 2026 is set to take place from May 5–9, 2026, at the Istanbul Expo Center, organized by SAHA Istanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye and Europe. As one of the most important events in the defence and aerospace sector, the exhibition brings together global industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers under one roof.
With over 1,500 exhibitors from 120+ countries and more than 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, SAHA Expo 2026 will showcase advanced technologies across land, naval, air, and space systems, including unmanned platforms and next-generation defence innovations. The event highlights cutting-edge solutions that are actively shaping the future of global security and aerospace development.
Designed as a powerful international business platform, SAHA 2026 offers exceptional opportunities for strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration. The program includes thousands of B2B, G2B, and G2G meetings, high-level international panels, official delegations, and live demonstrations. Special highlights such as the FPV Drone Zone, SAHA UGV Challenge, and Rover Challenge further enhance the experience, alongside numerous global product launches.
As a premier tri-service defence exhibition, SAHA Expo Istanbul invites industry professionals and innovators to connect, collaborate, and explore the technologies that will define the future of defence and aerospace.
May 5, 2026 – May 9, 2026
Address: İstanbul Fuar Merkezi Yeşilköy
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
6th Turkish Occupational Safety + Health Exhibition
The 6th Turkish Occupational Safety + Health Exhibition is a key industry event focused on the latest solutions, technologies, and best practices in workplace safety and occupational health. Bringing together professionals from sectors such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and public services, the exhibition provides a platform to explore innovative products including protective equipment, safety systems, risk management tools, and emergency response solutions.
The event also offers opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business collaboration, making it an essential meeting point for companies and experts committed to improving workplace safety standards and employee well-being in Türkiye and beyond.
May 6, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Address: Istanbul Congress Center
Exhibited products and services:
- Safety at work
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Corporate Fashion / Identity / Image wear
- Fabrics for protective wear and workwear
- Accessories & Components
- Health at work
- Works doctor and practise
- First aid, rescue
- Prevention and therapy
- Hygiene and sanitary supplies
- Workstation architecture, ergonomy
- Security at work
- Fire protection / Safety products & systems
- Protection against explosions & toxic products
- Electrical safety
- Air pollution control
- Noise reduction / Silencers / Vibration protection
- Environmental protection at work
- Measurement and control technology
- Safe equipment and systems
- Safety devices for machinery
- Software
- Services and consultancies
- Media / Training / Organisation
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
7th BEAUTYISTANBUL International Exhibition for Cosmetics, Beauty, Hair, Cleaning, Private Label, Packaging and Ingredients
The 7th BEAUTYISTANBUL International Exhibition is one of the most prominent global events in the cosmetics and beauty industry, bringing together professionals from sectors such as skincare, haircare, personal care, cleaning products, private label manufacturing, packaging, and ingredients. Held in Istanbul, this international trade fair attracts exhibitors and buyers from around the world, creating a powerful platform for discovering new products, trends, and business opportunities in the beauty market.
May 7, 2026 – May 9, 2026
Address: Tüyap Exhibition and Congress Center
Exhibitor profile
BEAUTYISTANBUL connects manufacturers, brands, private label and contract manufacturers and suppliers with B2B buyers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, cosmetics chain stores, retailers, pharmacy chains, supermarkets, online stores, brands and manufacturers interested in personal care, skin care, make-up, hair care, perfume, natural & organic, home care & cleaning products, dermocosmetics, OTC & Pharmaceuticals, baby care, beauty accessories, professional beauty, private label, ingredients, packaging and machinery categories.
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
COFFEX İSTANBUL COFFEE EXPO
COFFEX Istanbul is recognized as one of the most important trade fair platforms for the coffee industry and its supporting sectors, bringing together both professionals and passionate coffee enthusiasts under one roof. As a highly anticipated annual event, the exhibition offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with networking opportunities, interactive experiences, and industry-focused activities.
At this comprehensive coffee exhibition, visitors can explore a wide range of products and services, including professional coffee machines, specialty (third wave) coffee brands, coffee roasters, green coffee suppliers, and producer countries. The fair also features grinding technologies, home coffee and tea equipment, traditional Turkish coffee makers, cold brew solutions, and coffee-related accessories.
In addition to coffee, the event showcases complementary sectors such as packaging solutions, cardboard cups, boutique tea brands, cocoa and chocolate products, gourmet ice cream, and café design concepts. With its diverse exhibitor profile, COFFEX Istanbul provides an ideal platform for discovering trends, building partnerships, and experiencing the evolving culture of coffee on a global scale.
May 8, 2026 – May 10, 2026
Address: Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center
Exhibited products and services:
- Coffee Exporters
- 2nd-3rd Gen Coffee Shops
- Industrial and Home & Office Coffee Machines and Equipments
- Cardboard Cup, Packaging and Complementary Products
- Coffee Producing Countries
- Partner Products of Coffee Sector
- Coffee Sector
- Boutique Teas
- Vending Machines
- Sectoral Media
- Coffee Shops
- Franchising
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
6th International Contemporary Art Fair
ARTCONTACT Istanbul Contemporary Art Fair is one of the city’s leading international art events, reinforcing Istanbul’s position as a dynamic cultural hub between East and West. The 6th edition, taking place from May 13–17, 2026, will once again bring together artists, galleries, collectors, and art professionals from around the world.
Each year, ARTCONTACT Istanbul hosts a diverse range of international participants, offering galleries valuable opportunities to expand into new markets, strengthen global connections, and increase their visibility within the contemporary art scene. The fair features works across multiple artistic disciplines, while also creating space for dialogue and collaboration through panels, workshops, and curated events.
As Istanbul’s art market continues to grow, ARTCONTACT provides a powerful platform for networking, discovery, and cultural exchange. Galleries and artists can engage directly with collectors, while visitors gain access to a rich selection of contemporary artworks and creative perspectives from across the globe.
May 13, 2026 – May 17, 2026
Address: Eurasia Show and Art Center
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
THE GLOBAL FRANCHISE & DISTRIBUTORSHIP EXPO – FOCUS ON AFRICA
AFEX 2026 – Africa Business Forum & Expo will be held on May 14–15, 2026, in Istanbul, transforming Istanbul Atatürk Airport into a dynamic international trade hub. The event brings together Africa’s leading investors, buyers, and innovators with Türkiye’s top manufacturers and global business partners, creating a powerful platform for cross-continental collaboration.
The fourth edition of AFEX offers a wide range of business opportunities, from franchising and distributorship partnerships to key sectors such as fintech, agribusiness, and smart infrastructure. Designed as a results-driven event, the expo features pre-arranged B2B meetings, high-level networking, and a strong deal-making environment focused on sustainable growth.
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, AFEX Istanbul provides access to unique opportunities rarely found elsewhere. It is an essential event for companies and investors looking to expand into new markets and strengthen Africa–Türkiye trade relations.
May 14, 2026 – May 15, 2026
Address: Istanbul Atatürk Airport
You can read more information on the official exhibition website here.
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