French trade show organiser Première Vision has announced a new edition of its namesake fair: Première Vision Istanbul will be hosted in Istanbul between 29 and 31 Octotober 2014. The news of the new arm of the trade show comes as organisers announce the end of Première Vision Moscow.

The show is a joint venture between Première Vision SA (51%) and CNR Holding (49%), who previously held trade fair Texbridge in Istanbul. Texbridge will cease to take place following the launch of Première Vision Istanbul.

The choice is an obvious one given not only Turkey’s growing importance as a textile supplier but also Istanbul’s blossoming aviation and hospitality industries. “Even if Istanbul is not yet at the forefront in these sectors, it has always been somewhat of a hub,” said Philippe Pasquet, president of Première Vision.

Organisers are looking to present a qualitative selection of fabrics and textiles to attract visitors from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. “We won’t be doing low-cost,” says Pasquet. A special committee has been put in place to ensure that only quality suppliers make the cut.

The event will take place twice a year, in March and October, with the 2015 shows already fixed for 18-20 March and 14-16 October.

Turkey is Europe’s third largest textile supplier, something which Première Vision has taken note of, opening its Turkish office in Istanbul in September 2011 despite no plans for a trade show in the country at the time.

The announcement of the new addition to the trade show calendar comes just one month after Messe Frankfurt revealed plans for its Turkish Texworld contingent at Lütfi Kırdar International Convention & Exhibition Center in Istanbul.

The End of Première Vision Moscow

In order to focus on its Turkish adventure, Première Vision has suspended its Moscow edition, which aimed to capitalize on a market with high potential. However, “the Russian market suffered hugely in 2009 and has taken time to regain its position”, underlines Philippe Pasquet.

The show’s most recent edition, which took place September 25 and 26, will be the last. In total, the show welcomed 40 exhibitors and has seen a recent 25% increase the number of visitors.


Jean-Paul Leroy et Matthieu Guinebault
English version by Lauren Walker