What did they say about Istanbul?
"Istanbul as a convention destination, is a central place. I think Turkish Airlines is a great airline having worldwide access here. Overall, I think it is a fantastic destination. When you are able to bring infrastructure and culture together like this you can just have a magic."
Amanda Kotze
Nhlapo, Chief of South African Convention & Visitors Bureau
"Istanbul is one of the leading conference destianations because from an industrial point of you and even from a tourism point of you. This city is a very well known city for many years. Professional and social segments are very strong in Istanbul. So, bidding and developing conference business is much easier compare to any other destination in the world."
Senthil Gobinath
Reginol Director of Middle East-ICCA
"Reason why we investigate about bringing our first coming congress in Istanbul is mainly about best connections at the city has through Turkish Airlines from also part of the world."
Laurent Fuchs
CEO, UNICEO (United Networks of Corporate Event Organizers)
"I think Istanbul is a fantastic congress destination . I came here actually not on a congress. First time it was my honeymoon. Infact that was traveling around the area. But, always love Istanbul for what it has to offer; warm people, the great evenings out, so much cultural diversity and there is so much to explore and to have congress here. I find Istanbul absolutely amazing. One of the best places in the World to have a destination like this. It’s like crossroads basically of the World."
Jordan Waid
Freeman XP/Brand Experience Vice President
"Hello, I think Istanbul is one of the best destinations because the Bosphorus is great, the sun is shining. The food is fantastic. I love Turkish people because the people are fantastic and very friendly. Please come to Istanbul, you just will have great time here. "
Anastasia Filatova
Sila Sveta/Customer Relationship Manager
"Thank you for inviting me. I think this is a wonderful place for doing congress. This is my first time in Türkiye and i have never been here before. Istanbul is a gateway to much of the World, It’s East and West and all coming for one space. I think culturally it has beautiful diversity. People are fantastic and the food is fantastic too. I am looking forward to seeing a lot more conferences coming in to the space. "
Gregory Crandall
Pico Global/Director of Brand Engagement
"I think Istanbul is a fabulous place for international congresses. Its clearly at the center or different parts of the World, its a meeting place, i have been coming here last 10 years, venue infrastructure, the service supplier base is outstanding, so i just recommend Istanbul is an international congress destination. "
Jason Popp
GES/President
"My Name is Caspar Mason. I am from Jack Morton Worldwide. I think Istanbul is a fascinating destination for congress. I think its unique mixture of Asia and Europe. People come to Istanbul to learn, to share and to be inspired. "
Caspar Mason
Jack Morton/Creative Strategy Director
"I just love Istanbul as a convention destination. Great accessibility! Great people! Great hospitality! Great food! and Euro – Asian experience ! "
Igor Kovacevic
CEO of Serbian Convention & Visitors Bureau
"In my opinion, Istanbul is the hub of the western culture and eastern culture. So, it is very cosmopolitan city. Istanbul is the great destination for all over the associations and corporate meetings. "
Jin Hyeok Park
Director of Seoul Convention & Visitors Bureau
"This is my second time in Istanbul. Of course, every year, it’s becoming more and more interesting. Of course, as an event destination Istanbul is one of the top ten I guess in the world. Because, first of all, this is a huge hub from the sea and from the air (by the railway, airplane and so on). There are a lot of infrastructure, venues, congress centers and international brands of the hotels. Of course, people like to be here not only for business and for leisure as well. Another feature of Istanbul is a geographical position. Because, it is on the border of Asiaan and European. Of course, this is another attractive thing to visit Istanbul. "
Alexey Kalachev
Director of Russian Convention & Visitors Bureau
"Hello, I am Nina Freysen – Pretorius, the ICCA President. I am delighted to be here in Istanbul hosted by Istanbul Convention Bureau. It is a fantastic destination. I think the collaboration between the private and the public sector to actually host international association meetings is really fantastic. The destination has wonderful products, wonderful surprises, the collaboration of the sector really make a destination not to be missed for international association meetings. We delighted with ICCA Membership of numerous Turkish members of the sector. They’ve always been very supportive. We only wish them all the best for the future. Thank you. "
Nina Freysen
Pretorius, President of ICCA
"Here I am on the Bosporus, we’ve just had a fantastic few days here in Istanbul hosted by the convention bureau of the city. This is my 3rd time in Istanbul but my first time as a true delegate and I’ve been absolutely amazed and enthralled by the hospitality, the facilities. All the organization has been put into a treat. It’s made for us really a great few days allowed us to open our minds on the water to come up with new ideas for our business going forward and certainly as a city, as a congress destination, Istanbul is right up there with the very best so we’ve had a fantastic time and I’m sure many people in the future will do so as well. "
James Rees
3rd Vice President of ICCA
"First of all, I would like to say that İstanbul is a fantastic destination. I believe it really estimates mates critical and creative thinking. I had the opportunity to be here before the first time when ICCA hosted their congress in Antalya. We back, had the opportunity spend 3 days here. Last year I spend almost 10 days by attending the World Petroleum Congress here in Istanbul. I thought it was a fantastic experience. They did a great job in terms of hosting the delegation from different part of the world. This experience by working here by ICCA colleagues has been also fantastic and again I think Istanbul one of the destination that can help you think beyond your expectations. Especially if you want to have creative thinking, meeting this will be the place to come. "
Daniel Palomo
Director of Houston CVB
"We’ve great experience in Istanbul. All the hospitality from the Istanbul CVB has been amazing. I wanted to congratulate them for 20 years membership in ICCA and I am sure that Istanbul is one of the top destination worldwide for business events. "
Juan Jose Garcia
1st Vice President & Treasurer of ICCA
"It is really wonderful to have a Board Meeting here in Istanbul. I particularly want to thank all of our sponsors, The Bureau in Istanbul of course, Turkish Airlines who helped us to bring the Board from all corners of the world, Portaxe is an amazing venue, near on the Bosporus, Conrad and Hilton for providing the accommodation. I want to talk all sponsors for this year’s Board Meeting especially the Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Culture and all of the ICCA members who contributed to help make this a great success. When you are doing border treat and you are trying to get people think to outside of the normal, day to day environment they work in, it is really important to have an inspiring destination. I think you can see from the setting I am at here, literally stand on the boundaries of Europe and Asia. This is the place where you really can big think and you really can think creatively. So once more thanks to all our friends in Türkiye for helping the support the meeting and I wish you will have do future. "
Martin Sirk
CEO of ICCA
It is a very beautiful place. That is a multicultural city I believe this city has to offer a lot for the businesses, for the layer, for vacation so it is a wonderful place.
Muhammad Ashfaq
CEO of Amanah Halal Research Center
"First of all I want to thank you for allow me to say few things. Istanbul is the city that joins two continents. ICG is the base of the foundation of bringing people together and the area of glass technology. Istanbul for the symbolic reason as well as for its history, for its culture, presents the ideal venue to have the meeting of ICG."
Manoj K. Choudhary
President of ICG
"I think it is very important destination for congress or this kind of big international events. First of all because Türkiye as a whole as a country is extremely important in terms of issues like energy as it’s one of the biggest importer of energy in the world and in Europe so that’s why it attracts a lot of players to this country and it’s a favorite destination for congresses and international events for like this one, like INGAS international conference and I think this trends will be continued in the future as well. You know only during this year 2017 Istanbul hosted many events such as World Energy Congress, World Petroleum Congress and this is the another INGAS another one. So a distant will be continued in the future as well because I think that Türkiye is extremely important player in the region and that’s why it attracts a lot of players around the world to this country and that’s what this is the choice of decision makers to make such a big international events in Türkiye. "
Gulmira Rzayeva
World Energy Council Advisor
"I am very happy that I am in İstanbul. It is not the first time. I think that town is very important for connect to Europe and Asian people. It is modern, it is very important. People can meet in this land because Türkiye is really important for Europe and Asia. "
Fausto Perletto
President of Italian Academy of Aesthetic
"I think it is a very special destination for congress because you are one of the best development of the beauty. Istanbul is the real right place for this congress. "
Carlo Zannella
M.D.manager of Fatebenefratelli Hospital
"I think Istanbul is an ancient city of course centuries for many hundreds of years it has been a center of commerce and trade. In today’s world it continues that role and I see many UK companies who set up their regional headquarters in Istanbul and of course many of them come to the events of the city hall because it is such a great meeting place for business. So I think Istanbul has a great past and even better prospects. "
Richard Moore
British Ambassador to Türkiye
"I think Istanbul has been fantastic a congress center. We’re in easy to get around efficient. The sound is great but the city of course is absolutely beautiful and I have my Istanbulcard. It is given me access to all the transit to the trams to the metro. I can go across to the Asian side. I can even take cable cars so it is a fantastic, historic, beautiful, interesting city with it is only the best facilities."
David Miller
CEO and President of WWF Canada
"Actually all of the new technologies that I talked about create a new starting point for new business and industry and I think Istanbul has a huge opportunity to become the leader in lots of these little niche industries that get created. You have problems to solve here that are different than any other place in the world and you have the ability and the creativity and the ideas that you need for actually solving these problems so I think this becomes a hot bed of ideas and you need to find a good way to attract all the creative class people. The people that have all these ideas and if you do that I think the future is yours."
Thomas Frey
Futurist Speaker
"I have really enjoyed Istanbul as an events destination all three times that I have been here. The city is huge so as a speaker when I’m invited in and I have some downtime it means that means there’s so much for me to do besides the conference itself but also every conference venue I have been to and every year somewhere new has been absolutely brilliant there run flawlessly well, the technology is excellent, the internet holds up which is always really important and the food one of the most important parts of any conference is always delicious. "
Judith Lewis
Founder of Decabbit Consultancy
"Well, I think it is been well organized. It is the science that’s been presented seems to be over high standard and I’m sure it’s going to improve beekeeping internationally now Istanbul is obviously a beautiful city. It is been settled for a long long time there are many interesting monuments and it would be well worth while coming back here with more time to actually look at things properly I’m pretty rushed and I’m flying out soon so I haven’t got time but anyway it’s been really good I’ve enjoyed it and I hope to come back one day. "
Jonathan Stephens
Senior Research Manager at Comvita
"For me to be in Istanbul I’ve arrived just yesterday evening very late I’m very impressed from this congress center (Istanbul Congress Center) also from this congress from the organization of the congress. It is really an international congress and it was really interesting topics and sessions. "
Gerhard Rimkus
International Project Manager of Intertek
"I have been in Istanbul for the first time but the city itself incredibly exciting and I think because of the kind of centralness of the destination as a congress and convention destination it should be in the top 10 in the world if not right at the top. "
Martin Cuff
Film Sector Specialist
"I think the main purpose of the people to join the conference is to know each other. It is build out the network so that purpose I think Istanbul is so very good we may see that the best place for conducting this kind of conference because everybody know Istanbul has a good location in between Asia and Europe so geography this is a good place for people to talk with each other and also I think there are all the organizers are facilities and the hotel everything is perfect for the conference. "
Herbert Chan
COO of Tus Holdings Co. Ltd.
"I am delighted. I think İstanbul really surprised me because it is a city of contrasts. It is a milliner city, with lots of history and I was very interested in the history but I was also a little bit afraid because I didn’t know what I would find here and I found a modern city with beautiful people, interesting people, lots of life, lots of sun, Thank God we had great weather. It was really amazing. The beautiful days that we had here and it is a place where I would love to come back and I will tell everyone to come because it is really very close to us because it is also very warm. "
Maria Claudia Penteado
Propmark Journal Epoca Negocios Magazine
"I find Istanbul as a destination very very nice. I didn’t expect Istanbul was so great in different things like people, gastronomy, culture, tourism, night life and so on. So I am very happy to stay in Istanbul this opportunity for me is wonderful because we heard many things about İstanbul and really for me to be here is a very great surprise. I like it very much. I have enjoyed very much. I found the city is very clean, very organized you see what I saw in these days it was really great. It was a really good emotion to be here. "
Chantal Pereira
29 Horas Magazine
"Istanbul is such a lovely city. I love this country, the food, the people are very friendly. It was amazing. It was a great surprise. I would like to come back soon with all my family. "
Carmela Christine Rodrigues
Oracle
"I think as Istanbul is one of the main good place even not only in Europe because a very good place, because between Europe and Asia. I think It is not my first time I have been several time in Istanbul. It is a place to visit, it is a place to see a lot of culture, and the place the people are they like to come and like to revisit. I think it is very good idea to have conferences like this, and for different also for the fields that can be done in Istanbul University, or in other universities in Istanbul. "
Agron Bajraktari
Rector of the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj
"Istanbul is top place to have conference. It is a fantastic city. I am really surprised and I am amazed of how many thing you have here to see and the people is very nice. They helped us all the way since we’ve arrived to the airport. The people from the conference too. I would come here many many many more times. For the little things I saw I am impressed, it is fantastic. I would recommend Istanbul as a congress destination. "
Diego Elustondo
Lulea University of Technology Wood Physiscs
"It is certainly a great selection for congress place. If I would select a capital of the world, I would select Istanbul as a capital of the world because here east and west have been all the time together. Fighting but also cooperating. Place where the Silk road indeed. So it is connected East and West thousands of year. So this is a great place. It is not enough to describe this city especially I am honored to be here with Prof. Yaşargil. This is the greatest city of the world. "
Juha Hernesniemi
Nobel Institute for Neurosurgery
"It’s a beautiful location, beautiful convention center. Easy to get to. I’ve enjoyed very much being here. It’s wonderful people and great hospitality. "
Frederick A Boop
MD. FACS Professor and Chairman Department of University of Neurosurgery at University of Tennessee
"Beautiful, If I could, I would live here. It is a great city, wonderful history. So I am so happy to be here. "
Anıl Nanda
Professor and Chairman University of Neurosurgery
"We are here in Istanbul, Türkiye. Thank you very much for asking me some questions about Istanbul is a destination for academic conferences and I have greatly benefited from being here particularly with this year Koç University School of Medicine and organizing for the 8 year in a row, fantastic conference that we have brought people from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, as well as all around Türkiye. It is been a fantastic destination. I have also participated in many conferences in Türkiye, in Istanbul with involving medical conferences particularly as well as some very international world congresses and I value the city and its outreach has a wonderful melting pot for all cultures. It really brings that out in people feeling which is very historical and that goes beyond Türkiye itself as a host city. As a physician and scientist, I of course value that happening in our field not just in tourism because it really brings people together and the people when they are having that sense of historical mission and they integrate much better they become I think really exceptionally bonded and feel that something special has happened and remember it over and over again I as a Turkish physician of course living in the United States for me that’s exceptional opportunity but at the same time I feel blessed with that. So I am really happy to be in Istanbul, the weather is fantastic especially in the spring and summer we had a really a lot of rain yesterday but things settle down and we’re having a wonderful time here and it is a great place and thank you for inviting me to talk to you about this. "
Kerim Münir
Harvard University, Medical School, Children’s Hospital
"I think Istanbul is a fantastic destination. This is my first time to Istanbul. I have been all over the world of many different conferences. Istanbul is a world class city with lots and lots of excellent things to do. It has very good transportation, very safe and secure and I look forward coming back to Istanbul for the next conference."
Gil Judson
Partner of JMJ Associates
"Istanbul is a nice destination. It is got a lot of opportunities for business people to gather it is a very central place. We have been very happy to come to Istanbul and especially in the ICC center which is very welcoming place. "
Guy Zahan
External Events Project Manager
"I am always looking for a reason to return to Istanbul. It is one of the great cities in the world. Any reason to come back is a good reason. "
Tim Marchant
University of Calgary
"Istanbul is a great destination for conferences and congresses. Here Sustainable Brands is amazing. People of who attended the section Türkiye and abroad, quality of the services, great location just by Bosphorus. (Swiss Hotel Istanbul) "
Becky Willan
Managing Director of Given London
"I think Istanbul is amazing. It is a city where you can spend a year and find you things do and see all the time. I think it is a great destination for all kind of families, couples, businesses…"
Brian Kleey
Professor of Philosophy at Pitzer College
"I think Istanbul is amazing. It is a city where you can spend a year and find you things do and see all the time. I think it is a great destination for all kind of families, couples, businesses…"
Larissa
Influencer
"Istanbul is a beautiful city. If you look at it from the perspective of technology, digital innovation, infrastructure. It is a perfect city for tourism for events to happen. I think the mobile phone penetration, internet usage, how well it is been used. In fact your Istanbul is teaching the world about digital influencing. Your companies like ONEISTANBUL is a great job with telling the world about the digital innovation. Istanbul is the best place to do event. "
Harjinder S Kukreja
Influencer
"Istanbul for me is a wonderful destination because it has culinary, it has culture, it has wonderful site, history…So as a travel blogger it is a great destination to showcase that everybody else around the world because it is a fantastic place. "
Alex Chacon
Youtuber
"Istanbul is beautiful. Çok güzel. I really like Istanbul. I have many memories here. I enjoyed the tourist part, Kapalıçarşı, Spice Bazaar, Ayasofya, Cisterns and of course the mosque. It is a really enjoyable city. I love the mix of modern and traditional and the food options, the shopping options. The multiple things to do. The night clubs I have really enjoyed that. "
Shubhra Bhardwaj
Ferriswheel Founder and Creative Director
"Istanbul actually, I really love Istanbul because it is like my five and I have been here like 5 times I really liked it because ıt’s a great city modern and traditional Asian part and European part. This is not thing that you could find in so many cities like that. Istanbul is one of the few cities that you have 2 part traditional and modern things together. So this is a must see city in the world I think."
Sara Louee
Traveler
"I think Istanbul belongs to this league that in football terms they call the champions. You know the champions. You have eight top football groups, you have all these crews that all the world is looking at while the same thing happened in Istanbul. I think Istanbul is among the 10th of cities that who has many different people in the world they always mention Istanbul. They attract people that are interested in culture. You have a millennium city that they are impressed of high society is also transforming modernity and having a new projection in the world and hopefully it is a very life city for business and economy. So you attracted people connected with culture, with economy, with history and with taste for the future. "
Juan Antonio March
ECIJA/Partner
"Can I make a list of so many things? Cultural tourism, historical tourism, gastronomical tourism, romantic tourism. Couples come here… People fall in love in this city. There is so many things has the city. You cannot just name one. "
Joao Leitao
Blogger Nomad Revelations
"I really like Istanbul. You know because of we have arrived here maybe it is cold but for me it is very good weather. I saw friendly people. I ate very good food. I think I love Istanbul. "
Wayne Lıu
Tourism Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Communications, R.O.C., Deputy Director General
"I’ve visited five times last year. So we’ve been coming back like we arrived in February and then we came again like June, July and then we came again last November. So you know like Istanbul used to be like this is like one of my favourite cities in the world. It is just so good because I get so diverse like with a culture of people, the food and there is a lot of touristic destination and just like From Istanbul you can easily travel to Thrace or to other destination and Istanbul is a very important hub for travelers as well because like you know there is a lot of connecting flights going to different destination in the world. Istanbul is an important tourism spots in the world. "
Kach Howe
Two Monkeys Travel Group, Publisher/Co-founder
"Istanbul, this is an amazing place. This is one of the most to me I come here all the time for business but this is one of the most amazing cities in the world and I’ve been all over the world at least there and half a year and I come not just from Macedonia, come from Chicago. This is all I can say it’s a truly amazing cosmopolitan city and a great and beautiful places. So I have no problem coming here when I went. It is not really a duty for me it is a pleasure. "
Jerry Naumoff
Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Minister for Foreign Investments
"It is a great destination. I have been there many times with my wife as well as on official business. It is a terrific place. So many centuries of history. So many fantastic buildings. Wonderful position and lovely people. "
Jack Straw
Former Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary Under Prime Tony Blair
"I think Istanbul has everything it takes from the modern world perspective and to the ancient world heritage cultural legacy. Of course this is the place of King Suleiman, The Ottoman Empire everything is so vibrant. I visited one of the mosque yesterday. I prayed there, it was lovely. I see people, very colorful people. Very colorful you know the clothes, language… Everyone is smiling, everyone is so humble, everyone is so simple there is vibrance in the air. "
Dr. Mickey Mehta
Global Leading Holistic Health Guru
"Istanbul is historic junction box between east and west is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It’s a city where people always want to come and in a way is coping with success because it’s obviously now a huge cosmopolitan area it has own traffic jam that are sometimes famous and get in the way but I think that any city wants to try and combine history with the future and That is the balance to Istanbul tries to strike. "
David Miliband
President and Chief Executive of International Rescue Committee
"Istanbul is a very charming destination. I’ve really enjoyed my visit to Istanbul. It is very affordable, it is very charming, cosmopolitan, it’s such a wonderful destination. I think everybody if you have a time you definitely should give a try. "
Zach King
Youtuber
"This is my third conference in Istanbul and they have always been very well organized. I think the hotels and the venues have all been very good. Istanbul is a beautiful city with many really good cultural experiences. So I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here perhaps look forward to coming back again "
Glen Little
Nuclear Industry Association (UK)
"Well, Istanbul is a city and Istanbul of course is one of greatest cities in the world. There are so wonderful experiences that you can enjoy in Istanbul. The city has been describe as many things. But the best description I have ever heard about Istanbul is people calling the survival city. And it is the survival city. If you come to Istanbul and there is nothing you like in Istanbul. I’d seriously question with you are alive. There are few great things you would do in Istanbul. One thing I like to eat, and that is if you are hungry when you walk alone beside of the Bosphorus you can find these places where they Grill the fish so you have so fish which means two slides of the bread some salt and lemon juice cost less than nothing. Very fresh and absolutely delicious. I have been coming to Istanbul for over 30 years now. And I have always enjoyed coming back this is such a dynamic and exciting city. It is an exciting vibe destination and It is one of the great cities in the world. No doubt about that. "
Harry Fine
Owner of Harry Fine Associations
"It took me 2 or 3 hours and 30 minutes to get here. I think it is a fantastic destination from accessibility point of view. It has to offer so much nice entertainment for participants of big congress. Not just the congress at the center itself, which is fantastic, modern and easy to handle but also outsides of the conference center. Istanbul is a fantastic and interesting city so I would always recommend clients to go here and do conferences here. And it is it easy to access from a cultural perspective highly interesting. It is very nice to bring people from so many countries together on a very centralized destination with in Europe. So I would just recommend it."
Ilka Dzeik
Senior Partner of Event ROI Institute
"Istanbul of course one of the finest destinations to go to, do to its all heritage this well really fine city with an absolute good flight. Unfortunately recent events did bring it a little bit into a trouble and main message there is you know this stuffs happens everywhere and the city is full with positive energy of positive people. So you should promote that instead of well getting back to not nicest things which is happened. I like it is fine destination because you have good food, good dining, good scenery, good night life, and specific facilities to have your meeting. So I would say, still go there."
Han Leenhouts
Sales & Pepper
"Istanbul is a fantastic city. I love coming here and anybody in the MICE sector who wants to organize events here who is gonna get friendly people, amazing venues, great food and lots to do. So it is a great place. "
Dr. James Morgan
Event Tech Lab & University of Westminster
"Istanbul is one of the most interesting metropolis in the world so to say. It is of great interest to the normal visitors, tourists and great importance for congresses and meetings. Because it has so much to offer and you are into world that what people do appreciate. There is so much going on. Germans are quite keen of coming to Istanbul because of the culture, because of the cuisine, because of all the historic places. And the other point is that the Germans has to say more or less love to visit Turkish and we are very close to Turkish people. 3 million Turkish people are living in Germany, and they are culturally were close to them and they do like them. The reason why Germans love to come to Türkiye, and they love to come to big melting point like Istanbul."
North Fiebig
President of German Travel Association
"It is such a pleasure being in Istanbul to be the President of UFTAA at it’s called Golden Jubilee Congress. This is the right time for us to do the congress in Istanbul. I must declare being present here Istanbul is perfectly great, safe and a wonderful place to be. Everything is normal. And our delegates are having a great time. Istanbul is also an outstanding convention city. I said this because It is gonna very nice mix of Asian and European. That blend makes it very interesting for delegates too. Not only do business here, coming for MICE, for conventions, but also to take out time, great night life and there are great places to see. Good shopping and lots of fun. So Istanbul is an outstanding location the professional services in Istanbul are very good. Your quality of service providers and even managements I’ve worked with them before, I have been working with them now. I think they are very professional. Hotels are also very very well created and managed to host big conventions. They do it in style. So I think Istanbul is certainly an outstanding convention city back by very strong airline, Turkish Airlines. I must mention that I have never seen any other airline so well connected to different parts of the world. And where ever we have delegates from there is a Turkish Airlines that brings people. So I think it is a super city, super airline and a great combination of Government, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, your Convention Bureau, the hotels, the airline and everything put together makes Istanbul a place which can not be compared with anyone else."
Sunil Kumar Rumalla
President of UFTAA
"First of all that we knew about ICOMOS Türkiye and the level of energy that they have. All committee has had a very strong international projection so we knew a lot of about ICOMOS Türkiye. They have builded the meeting. The other thing was that Istanbul is always a destination for everybody. We knew that it would be very attractive place to come to. Finally we also way the fact that Istanbul has great air connections with the entire world. It is major hub for airlines and so on. It is easy place to get. But most of all, I mean the real issue was the strength of the proposal that are Turkish partners made. That’s why we choice it. There are no regret. I can tell you that everything that we expected olacak from ICOMOS Türkiye has been multiplied by ten. We knew about Turkish hospitality, the generosity, the love you wish we have been received is really honorable."
Gustavo F. Araoz
President of ICOMOS
"I believe Istanbul is a great place for events. First it has very good access because Istanbul is hub for flights. And second of all I think it is great place for travelling as well and whenever we go to conference we like to mix it a little bit with experience."
Cosmin Negrescu
President & CEO of SEOMonitor
"I think it is a fantastic destination for congresses. Istanbul has always been a capital town. It is a cross road between Asia and Europe. The monument is one of the most important town of the world. For this reason it is an ideal place for congresses here. Also it is very easy as it is very well connected by Turkish Airlines with many towns in the world. South and North America too. This is extremely convenient for meetings."
Giuseppe Saglio
President of the 8th International Eurasian Hematology Congress
"Possibly I have been here in Istanbul at least 6, maybe 7, 8 times in my life. So I know quite well as a foreigner, I know quite well the city. I believe that the city is excellent for hosting congresses, Türkiye in general. Istanbul is particular because it is so rich of so many monuments. These monuments are not just belonging to Istanbul but to all humanity. Ayasofya, Topkapı, Blue Mosque and so on. First point. Now the second point is the landscape. Landscape of Istanbul is not only cultural heritage, the rich history, and the monuments. Second is the landscape. Landscape of the Marmara Sea, Bosphorus, Golden Horn… It is a very beautiful landscape. So this will attract attendance to conferences also from the point of view of touristic visits. This is another point. And the third point is the people. I am from Italy, Southern Italy. I am a very Mediterranean person but I believe also people from Northern Europe or other continents will appreciate helpful Turkish people. They are very proud people, they are very helpful. This is really important. To be proud and helpful to the foreigners. Any time, I have asked the question in English in the city to anybody they try to help to give directions. I was on a tram on the other day, somebody heard that I was going to central station. He told me that this tram is not going there, you have to change. I did not ask him. He helped me. People is very Mediterranean, again very hospitable. An other thing is the food. Food is very good. Fish, meat and vegetables everything very rich Mediterranean. Finally I have found the last point, the organizations of these conferences I have attended has been always very excellent. Excellent organizations, excellent facilities and everything worked. People speak English. Easy to communicate, helpful. So I think finally all this comments, my comments are positive for Istanbul as a very important congress venue. Now, and in the future. It has been in the past and it will be in the future."
Dr. Nicola Senesi
Department of Soil, Plant & Food Sciences at the University of Bari
"Absolutely wonderfull at all. It is a wonderfull city. I have visited here many times. It is beautiful. People should know everything it is safe here. It is a great city to visit."
Dr. John Ryan
International Union of Soil Sciences
"I think that Istanbul has many wonderful things to offer. It has conference facilities, great hotels, interesting culture and very good airlift from around the world. So it has many good things going on when it comes to congresses."
Charles Bud Darr
Senior Vice President of Technical & Regulatory Affairs, Cruise Line Industry Association
"I think Istanbul is an excellent city destination for congresses, medical congresses, cancer congresses and general. It is centrally located, easily accessible by experts from Europe from The USA, Middle East, Far East and Russia. Participants can come to the meeting, attended and then go into the city have a lot of fun activity to do tourism of historical sides which are very interesting. I think Istanbul is a perfect city for cancer and medical meetings."
Hagop Kantarjian
Vice President of MD Anderson Cancer Center
"This World Energy Congress is really amazing international conference which is conducted by The Turkish Government. I have very much impressed. It is a very good opportunity to have such a prominent leaders in the energy world to get together to discuss the current problems, issues and the future issues and how to solve these problems. That is a really good opportunity. I do respect the effort of the Turkish people to hold this impressive conference."
Shunichi Miyanaga
President and Ceo of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, LTD
"It is clearly very important venue. It is my second time here. I came here for G20 Finance Ministers, the bankers conference early in 2015. I am here in 2016 again as well too. Very different events but all seems very good on the ground and of course a lot of news around your market. So it is became a very important venue at this time."
Steve Sedgwick
Journalist at CNBC
"Istanbul is an excellent congress destination. It is well situated between Asia, The Middle East, Europe over crossed roads between two continents. It is the city of many bridges. It is an excellent venue to bridge differences in perspective from any subject that requires global attention. That can be energy, sustainability... So Istanbul also has very multicultural, texture, inspiring city, wonderful venue for having informal meetings. So I would encourage all industry, government representatives to seriously consider Istanbul when they next plan their meeting."
Christof Van Agt
Senior Energy Analyst at International Energy Forum
"Istanbul is a marvelous place to meet. It is a magnificent city and people here are very nice. There is a very big potential for having congresses here. This is not the first time I attend. I have attended many conferences here. All is like to come back to this place."
Ahmed Ali El-İbrahim
Chief Executive Officer of GGCIA
"I think Istanbul as a congress destination is a really good place. It is well equipped, has a marvelous installations and we had a really good congress here."
Claudia Cronenbold
President of Comite Bolivia
"Very central location, a lot of culture, the history which links so many civilization reminds me the history of mankind. This is good place to promote the key subject like energy which is very important for humanity. I think Istanbul is taking lead frankly for future energy."
Dr. B M S Batagoda
Secretary at Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy
"I have arrived here on Saturday. I have found Istanbul as an interesting city. First of all transport from the airport was generally easy. Infrastructure in terms of the conference center is quite fantastic. I am very impressed by the level of security presents which gives me comfort that we are safe. I have had an opportunity to move around to some of the shopping areas. I recommend Istanbul for conferences."
Dr. Benon M. Mutambi
Chief Executive Officer at Electricity Regulatory Authority
"I think it is a good place to hold congress. You have a very good convention center and many nice hotels near by. The city is beautiful."
Albert Mugo
Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Electricity
"Applying for the visa was I think it is the best experienced I have ever had, applying for visas. I have travelled to many countries as I speak. I have been to Australia, I’ve been to Canada, I’ve been to Chile, I’ve been to Brazil, I’ve been to Peru. I have been all over. Applying for visa was quite quick only in 5 minutes, I have got my electronic visa approved. Applying for the visa to come here wasn’t difficult. It was a very pleasant experience. Once you are here, you also have the opportunity to actually visit quite a number of interesting tourist sides. The people here very friendly. You can talk to them, they are very welcoming and this is why I personally say Istanbul is an excellent destination for conferences."
Prof. Cuthbert Musingwini
Head at School of Mining Engineering
"I think it is an ideal meeting destination because it brings people together from all different parts of the world. I have meet many colleagues here from different continents. Istanbul has such a long academic tradition. The history and intellectual tradition makes it ideal for conference destination."
Dr. Stephanie Farrell
The Board of Directors of the American Society of Engineering Education
"In my opinion as a conference organizer, Istanbul is a very attractive location. That is for many reasons. First of all, because Istanbul is very strategically located between Europe and Asia. National attracts, good continents as a main point. Moreover because of the weather, the climate and the kind of Tourism destinations here. It makes even more beautiful experience for person who comes across the country to attend conference and second reason which I like to have Istanbul has a conference city, conference venue that it has all of universities so naturally academics is kind of promoted here. So natural talents come for to present us in terms of academicians in terms of keynotes, a sample in Istanbul very crowded input for academicians whenever we organize a conference here and another point is the quality and kind of hospitality shown by Istanbul people, local agency even by the hotels, the kind of services which we used very very cordial. So anybody who comes find it very easy and very amicable he has a present experience and he goes back. The weather absolutely we like to organize that twice a year so weather this is summer season or winter season. Weather is always not in extremes. So it is, you can say that you can organize anytime in the year."
Dr. Davis Lazarus
Research Coordinator at Global R & D Services Pvt. Ltd.
"I think it is a fantastic destination. The public transport is excellent. The facilities at the convention center (Halic Congress Center) here been absolutely world class and there is a great wealth of things to do around the city in the time off."
Professor Dr. Christopher Fellows
University of New England Chemistry Department
"It was a nice experience. We have been thinking about this conference now for 6 years because I am actually the current President of EPHAR, The European Federation for which this conference is organized. We have selected Istanbul six years ago and since that I have been in contact with the organizers. We have been really excited for all those six years. We have been really impressed by how much work our friends here in Türkiye have done for this conference, how dedicated they were. Being here now in Istanbul, I feel perfectly safe, this is a wonderful conference. Perfectly chosen presentations, good venue, an absolute perfect place for doing a conference. So I enjoyed my conference here, really very well."
Thomas Griesbacher
President at The Federation of European Pharmacological Societies
"I think it is a wonderfull place. It is beautiful.It is a centralized place that everyone has the ability to talk to one another because we are not in the center of Istanbul that everyone go to separate ways to go to different dinner locations. We are all concentrated here. That allows everyone to really come together, talk, interact, the settings are beautiful, the hospitality is amazing. It is really great institution and organization to come to."
Monica Grassini
Professor at University Of Alberta
"It is a nice place to be. This is a lot of attraction here. We have visited very nice university here. (Bogazici University) We have a conference here WG 2016 this is Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science. A lot of participants from many places in the world so we have very nice talks. Weather is good. We will have tomorrow nice boat trip to see places in Istanbul. We look forward to that but our talk is very interesting a lot of communication between scientist. We are happy to be in Istanbul. I would suggest any other conference to organize their session or conferences in Istanbul."
Feodor Dragan
Professor at Kent State University
"Istanbul is an excellent congress destination. Because it is combines two major elements and very interesting attractions and very world famous at the same time very good even excellent in many cases infrastructure for setting conferences. This is a major setting point for convention city because in abroad many other countries and many other cities. You may find excellent infrastructure conference but rather boring cities. At the same time another places give you find very interesting and nice cities but not very good conference infrastructure. This is a major advantage of Istanbul."
Prof. Dr. Evangelos Christou
University of Florida
"I think Istanbul is a great city and it sets the crossroads of the world and where many streams come together. I think that makes a perfect place as a destination for such a congress."
Projjal Dutta
Director of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority
"Istanbul is a fabulous congress destination. I’ve felt like last 3 days I’ve experienced Istanbul as if I was a congress attendee. We walked to the subway, we experienced the city many many different ways. I felt like if I was a congress attendee it would be a fabulous destination for a scientific meeting."
Mary Eiken
CEO of International Gynecologic Cancer Society
"I think it is a magnificent destination. A very good destination for just any congress I can think of. All the facilities all I’ve seen so far and convention centers with certainly fit the congress and the society that I represent. All hotels are wonderful."
Prof. Dr. Joseph Hamill
President Elect of International Society of Biomechanics
"Istanbul has a lot to offer it is a very vibrant city. You have got lots of historic places to visit. And also I think it brings together interesting people which would not normally be going to some of the other European meetings. So I think potentially it has a lot to offer."
Prof. Dr. Jennifer Littlechild
Vice Chairman of ESAB
"Istanbul is a great destination for congresses. I am the president of International Association for Cereal Science and Technology. This big congress every four years. This year, now it is in Istanbul. Decision about Istanbul was made in China, in Beijing. We had 14th congress in Beijing. When we decided about Türkiye, everybody ask that we should be in Istanbul. I asked them why? They said that Istanbul is a very beautiful city, other than that the connections are very good. They said that there are direct flights to Istanbul from Tokyo, Beijing etc. The people who are travelling very frequently that is very convenient. That's why they prefer Istanbul but that is not the only reason as I said the beginning. Of course, there are a lot to see, the Bosphorus, the historical places, the mosques, museums, Topkapı… People are very happy here. They come for cultural things, congresses and also for other things during their free time. They usually take few days off after or before the congress. They can visit even if they have a longer time, they have congress here, they have a small visit in Istanbul, they also can go to from here to Cappadocia, İzmir or other places."
Dr. Hamit Köksel
President of ICC
"It is a great city to come in, keep coming here every time. I love it. I hope that I’ll come back not alone but with 3000 people to come, sit, talk about the economics of the world. It is a great place to come back again. I love it and I am carrying so sweet memories from here back home."
Fahim R. Kibria
Secretary General of World Marketing Summit
"Istanbul is very interesting destination. First, it is perfectly linked for people to come here to the city. It has a beautiful location. People love to come to Istanbul. For Messe Dusseldorf especially, it is very important that the topic of work safety and health is promoted in the country and here in Türkiye we do see a strong will from the Turkish Government to improve the standards and improve working conditions for the people in the industry, in the different work places and that of course support industry to come to İstanbul and come to Türkiye as an economic destination as well and to present the product here. We have a very strong cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and this cooperation really helps to develop Tos+h in the way that we would like to see the personal protective equipment being sold here in the Turkish market."
Birgit Horn
Director of Tos+H and A+A
"It is an amazing city, there is so much diversity here, culturally, religiously, 8500 years of history. I can’t image anyone not having great time being here. There is so much to see, conference centers are amazing, hotel rooms are great and plentiful, it is a perfect destination."
Brian Savage
Council for Parliment of World’s Religions, Department of Development & Logistics
"Istanbul is a great place to hold academic conferences because it has a good facilities, lots of hotels, lots of universities, there are a lot of intellectuals are working very high level. Infrastructures here in terms of transportation hotels and academic meeting rooms, all conferences then also because of the city’s itself facility attractions lots of people can find other things to do on. There is so much history on the ground like an interesting city and touristic attractions."
Prof. Tom Solomon
Grieg Academy, Department of Music University University of Bergen
"This is an impressive congress. Very very big thank you on behalf of the British Safety Council for the invitation to be able to attend and take part in this great event. Really impressed by the quality of the speakers, the number of people attending and the fact the Türkiye is helping to lead the way insure in the work places."
Neal Stone
Policy and Standars Director at British Safety Council
"You have excellent communication. You had a direct flight. We had good transporting. You have a very good metro. People are really friendly. Wonderful for the social side. There is fantastic history we have seen The Hagia Sophia. We have been to the Blue Mosque. Seems a really safe destination. We wondered aroundGrand Bazaar. This is April, we have wonderful weather. I can certainly recommend to many people from my country South Africa."
John RN Taylor
Honorary President of ICC
"I am from Philadelphia and I have found Istanbul like the city where I came from. Everything you want is here. I have also found there are a lot of different connections with the work that I do. The ports are very exciting and there are lot of industries. for example import and export for metals are really interesting, I didn’t know shipping is a big thing here. And I have found there are a lot of opportunities between The US and Istanbul that kind of business. I meet many Turkish at home who do business back and forth. I meet many Americans here do the same. For this business city planning I have found that here there are a lot of very well educated people who have a lot of really great ideas. Some of which I have carried home to influence my world back in Philadelphia. So coming to this conference today I have learnt a lot of about what's going on here or other parts of the world and I think that Türkiye and Istanbul particularly can be real center of that kind of interaction."
Charnelle Hicks Gungor
President, CH Planning Ltd
"My second time in Istanbul as delighted as ever. I think it is a very cosmopolitan and very basic city. The facilities I have seen, the restaurants, the dining experience, the cultural experience. This city does all have all for what incentive and meetings are looking for. I think the opportunities are great. People come and explore Istanbul see it yourself and sell it on it"
Rajeev Kohli
President of SITE Global
"I’ve been based in Istanbul for four years and Istanbul is a fabulous city. It’s so dynamic, there is just something for everybody and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed living here. It is at the heart of my market and we are actively growing our portfolio of brands from Conrad, Hilton all the way through to Double Tree, Hilton Garden Inn Hampton by Hilton. I believe that Istanbul has significant potential to grow, particularly with our focus service brand. And as well as the wide Turkish picture, Türkiye has so much to offer in terms of diversifying tourism offering. And we look forward to growing our brand in this very exciting market."
Michael Collini
Vice President Development, Hilton Worldwide
"Let me borrow this quote from Napoléon Bonaparte “If the world were a single state Istanbul would be its capital" to summarize the role of Istanbul in the history of the world for more than 8500 years as the capital city of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. In addition to the cultural richness and vibrant life, Istanbul has a unique location connecting the east and the west and providing a perfect blend of modernity and history. No wonder Istanbul is the 5th most visited city in the world and the 10th world’s top congress destination. The reason why we choose Istanbul as our iiWAS2017 and MoMM2017 destination is because Istanbul is becoming more and more the knowledge and technological hub of Türkiye with over 53 universities, 5 techno parks accommodating more than 663,000 students and 28,000 professors which make Istanbul an ideal destination that combines culture and history with the latest technological facilities in a perfect and harmonious manner. In Web application society (@WAS), we as always endeavour to provide our participants with three distinct levels of experience: a learning experience, a networking experience and a motivational experience and I believe Istanbul will be the ideal place where new ideas and information will be freely exchanged, old friendships renewed, and new ones formed and celebrated. I am very much looking forward to having iiWAS and MoMM 2017 in the lovely city of Istanbul and I am sure our delegates will appreciate the rich history, culture, and beautiful surroundings while exposing our young, up-and-coming colleagues to the latest innovations in our fields as a springboard to their own research and discoveries."
Ismail Khalil
President and Founder, Web Applications Society
“Istanbul fascinated me form the very first moment. I understood why the city has so many names, as many as the cultures are intertwined in the historical, cultural and social texture. For the rich culture, the size of the city, the numbers of universities, the magic of the venues, the pulsating life in the streets it is the perfect destination for any kind meetings. After a day I was sure it was the perfect destination that could add value to the scientific content of the meeting and this year it turned up to be true: it was a success and Istanbul contributed immensely”
Pier Paolo Mariotti
EURAC Research Meeting Manager, Director of ECM Summer School
İstanbul Ticaret Odası Ek Hizmet Binası Hobyar Mah. Seyhulislam Hayri Efendi Cad. No:14 K:6 Fatih – 34112 İstanbul
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