AYSAD President Sait Salıcı Highlights Global Trade and Innovation
Speaking at the opening of the fair, Sait Salıcı, President of the Footwear Sub-Industry Manufacturers Association (AYSAD), emphasized the strategic importance of AYSAF for the sector and shared the event’s goals:
“AYSAF is not only a trade fair. It is also an innovation and networking hub that helps shape the future vision of our industry. Our goal this year is to set a new record by hosting more than 500 exhibitors from over 50 countries and welcoming tens of thousands of professional visitors.
Despite global challenges, our sector continues to grow. Every stand here represents an opportunity to increase both our production and export potential. In particular, innovations in sustainability, circular economy and digital transformation will shape the future of our industry. The high-technology machinery, environmentally friendly materials and smart manufacturing solutions showcased at this fair will provide our manufacturers with a competitive advantage.
AYSAF is also a platform where we bring our young designers together with the pioneers of the industry, creating new collaborations and ideas. I invite all exhibitors and visitors to make the most of this energy and potential.”
“Tasarlıyoruz Dericesine”: Young Talents Take the Stage
In addition to its commercial significance, AYSAF places strong emphasis on education and creativity. The “Tasarlıyoruz Dericesine Leather Products Design Project Selection,” organized with a particular focus on sustainability and digitalization, drew strong interest. The project aims to meet the industry’s need for skilled workforce and to increase young people’s engagement with the sector.
The selection featured works produced by talented students from various universities. Projects by students from the following institutions attracted considerable attention: Ankara Hacı Bayram University Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Handicrafts, Harran University Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School, Department of Footwear, Textile and Apparel, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Textile and Fashion Design, Accessories Branch, and Konya University Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Footwear Design and Production.
By bringing together young designers, academics and industry professionals, the fair encouraged the exchange of knowledge and experience.
All Industry Components Under One Roof
AYSAF offers a comprehensive commercial platform where all components, materials and technologies related to footwear production are showcased in one place. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the latest innovative solutions and trends across the sector, including footwear components, leather and synthetic leather varieties, textile products, accessories, chemicals, molds, and upper and stitching machines.
The fair serves as a vital supply chain meeting point, particularly for buyers from the region and international markets.
AYSAF will continue to welcome visitors at the Istanbul Fair Center until 15 November.
