TECHNOLOGY MEETING AT VEHBI KOÇ CONVENTION CENTER

Leaders and managers from prominent e-commerce and digital marketing companies shared their experiences and insights at the "Digital Business" session of the Turkey Technology Meetings held in Eskişehir.

Under the auspices of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and with support from the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce, Eskişehir Industry Chamber, and Eskişehir Commodity Exchange, a series of panels and discussions titled "Turkey Technology Meetings" were organized. The event, held on May 24 at the Vehbi Koç Convention Center, focused on crucial topics such as E-commerce & E-export, Digitalization, Metaverse, NFT, and Blockchain. The opening was attended by Eskişehir Deputy Governor Salih Altun, TOBB Board Member and President of the Eskişehir Commodity Exchange Ömer Zeydan, Eskişehir Industry Chamber President Celalettin Kesikbaş, and ETO Board Member Emre Demir.

Presidents Discuss Digital Transformation Efforts

In his opening speech, Ömer Zeydan emphasized the importance of digitalization, stating that firms investing in digital solutions gain a competitive edge. He noted that TOBB prioritizes digitalization and has undertaken various initiatives, including the creation of the Smart SME digital transformation platform, which provides trust marks for e-commerce sites. Celalettin Kesikbaş, President of the Eskişehir Industry Chamber, mentioned their support for digital transformation and the launch of a Mini MBA Program in Digital Marketing Communication under ESO Academy. He stressed that adapting to this change is essential for survival in the market. Emre Demir from ETO highlighted the global e-commerce volume of $5.5 trillion in 2022, expecting it to reach $7 trillion in 2023, and noted ETO's ongoing projects to enhance members' e-commerce capabilities. He also announced the establishment of an E-Commerce Working Group to further support local businesses.

Emphasis on Digitalization as a Path to Success

Merter Özdemir, CEO of E-Commerce Center, stated that Turkey's way forward lies in digitalization, citing successful examples like Trendyol, Yemek Sepeti, and Getir in opening up to the global market. Zehra Öney, Founder and Chairperson of the Technology and Women Association, remarked that post-pandemic, everyone has shifted their businesses, habits, and consumption to digital platforms, and the association is working to train youth to strengthen technological transformation.

Panels and Presentations Throughout the Day

The event, hosted by Burcu Hakyemez Dal, included panels and discussions featuring executives from leading digital businesses. A panel titled "E-Export and the Shrinking World," moderated by CEO Merter Özdemir, included Alibaba.com Turkey Business Development Manager Kubilay Gençkan, PTTAVM CEO Hakan Çevikoğlu, TOBB E-Commerce Council President Ozan Acar, and Hasan Önal from the Ministry of Trade's E-Export and New Generation Technologies Department. Another panel moderated by Zehra Öney featured industry leaders discussing "Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Transforming Trade in a Phygital World."

Promotion of Eskişehir E-Commerce Center

In a panel moderated by Saygın Baban, President of TOBB's Sectors and Entrepreneurship Department, Filiz Dağ, CEO of Digital Rönesans A.Ş., and Ahmet Burçin Gürbüz, CEO of Atlas Space, provided insights on "Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse, and Content Production." Under the moderation of Sezin Sivri from Sentinus Coaching and Consulting, panelists including Mehmet Erdemi (Exporgin), Özkan Çokaygil (Trendyol), and Hakan Hiçyılmaz (Armonika Tekstil) shared their experiences on "The Growing World of E-Commerce." Arda Genç, Assistant Secretary General of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce, presented information about the Eskişehir E-Commerce Center, while various industry professionals shared their insights and experiences throughout the day.