Hannover Fairs Turkey, Sena Mengül: WIN Eurasia will continue to evolve as an international platform shaping the future of manufacturing

Sena Mengül, Head of WIN Eurasia at Hannover Fairs Turkey, for South-East European Industrial Market Magazine

How do you measure the success of WIN Eurasia beyond visitor and exhibitor numbers, and which key indicators most clearly illustrate the real business impact of the fair?

While visitor and exhibitor numbers are important indicators of the scale that WIN Eurasia has achieved, the key measure of the trade fair’s success for us lies in the commercial interactions it generates and the long-term business partnerships it fosters. The new collaborations established by our exhibitors after the event, export connections, investment decisions, and the business meetings held during the trade fair are true indicators of the platform’s impact.

This year, we welcomed more than 250 international buyers from 24 countries and united over 35,000 visitors from 92 countries with the industry. Throughout the trade fair, business meetings representing millions of dollars in potential trade were conducted, demonstrating that WIN Eurasia is an international business platform where new commercial opportunities are created.

After 32 editions, how would you describe the journey of the platform in parallel with Türkiye’s industrial advancement?

Looking back on WIN Eurasia’s 32-year journey, I can confidently say that it has evolved into a platform that not only closely follows the transformation of Türkiye’s industrial sector but has often played a leading role in shaping it. While the trade fair initially focused primarily on machinery and equipment, today it has become a comprehensive ecosystem where next-generation technologies – including artificial intelligence, robotics, Industrial IoT, 5G-enabled manufacturing, and digital factories – come together. This transformation has progressed in parallel with Türkiye’s vision of technology-driven industrial production.

How are automation and AI reshaping the way industrial value is created, and which areas are being transformed most rapidly?

Today, automation and artificial intelligence have evolved beyond simply accelerating production processes; they have become strategic factors that determine companies’ competitiveness. AI-powered decision-making systems, data analytics, predictive maintenance, digital twin technologies, and autonomous production systems are making manufacturing processes more flexible, efficient, and sustainable. The most significant transformation is taking place in robotics, connected manufacturing systems, quality control, maintenance management, and real-time data analytics.

What stood out most at this year’s edition, both on the exhibition floor and on the conference stage, and what were the most valuable insights?

At WIN Eurasia 2026, we created dedicated areas where visitors could experience this transformation firsthand. The 5G Arena showcased the impact of high-speed connectivity on manufacturing through live demonstrations, while the Industrial IoT Special Area featured data-driven production models. The Industrial Artificial Intelligence Special Area highlighted AI use cases and autonomous decision-making systems. In addition, the Maintenance & Repair Workshop Area and Welding Application Area, introduced for the first time this year, demonstrated how productivity-enhancing technologies are applied in real industrial environments.

A key message that emerged from the conference program was that the future of manufacturing will be shaped not only by investments in automation, but also by the parallel development of data management, software, system integration, and human capital. Once again, we saw that competitiveness in industry is increasingly defined by technological capability and integration expertise.

How is WIN Eurasia addressing the growing talent shortage and skills gap in manufacturing, and what function does the fair serve in connecting industry with education and workforce development?

As digitalization continues to accelerate across the manufacturing sector, one of the most critical priorities has become the development of a highly skilled workforce. For this reason, we position WIN Eurasia not only as a trade fair but also as a meeting point that fosters knowledge sharing and talent development.

One of the most tangible examples of this approach was the Job & Career Hub, which we launched this year in collaboration with Eleman.net. Over the course of the four-day trade fair, more than 1,500 candidates submitted job applications and engaged with AI-powered recruitment solutions. In addition, through conferences, panel discussions, and industry networking events, students, young professionals, manufacturers, and technology companies came together on the same platform to exchange knowledge, insights, and experience.

In what ways does WIN Eurasia resemble its original inspiration, the Hannover Messe, and where are the key differences?

WIN Eurasia and Hannover Messe share the same vision. Both events stand out as international platforms focused on the transformation of manufacturing through automation, digitalization, and sustainable industry. They embrace a similar approach by fostering technological innovation, business collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

What sets WIN Eurasia apart is its strong focus on the manufacturing dynamics of the Eurasian region. Thanks to Türkiye’s strategic position connecting Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, the trade fair serves as a key hub for strengthening regional supply chains and creating new trade connections.

Which new industrial sectors or niche application areas are gaining greater prominence at the regional stage, and how do you see the future of the format?

This year, AI-powered manufacturing technologies, the Industrial IoT, 5G-enabled connected production systems, robotics, and digital factories were among the event’s key highlights. In addition, welding technologies, energy automation, factory automation, power transmission solutions, maintenance, and predictive maintenance applications formed core focus areas of the trade fair.

Through dedicated experience areas – including the Industrial IoT Special Area, the 5G Arena, the Industrial Artificial Intelligence Special Area, the Power Transmission and Energy Efficiency Stage, and the Maintenance & Repair Workshop Area – visitors had the opportunity to explore next-generation manufacturing technologies through real-world application scenarios. Looking ahead, WIN Eurasia will continue to evolve as an international platform where ideas, partnerships, and innovative solutions that shape the future of manufacturing are developed and brought to life.