ES. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Nexpo GmbH, what inspired you to establish the company, and what gaps did you see in the exhibition industry that Nexpo aims to fill?
Taner Türksoy. My co-founders and I saw a growing need for innovation in the exhibition industry. Traditional exhibitions often felt static and lacked the immersive experiences that today’s attendees expect. We wanted to create a platform that leverages technology and design to transform exhibitions into dynamic, interactive events that create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. The gap we identified was the lack of personalization and adaptability in exhibition spaces—where each client could have a space that truly reflects their unique identity while engaging their audience in new, memorable ways. Nexpo was founded to meet this demand, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and creativity to deliver high-impact exhibition experiences.
“The exhibition industry is transforming, and with it comes the opportunity to innovate, prioritize sustainability, and create richer, immersive experiences. By embracing technology, meaningful engagement, and environmental responsibility, we can set new standards that benefit both society and the planet.”
ES. Nexpo has grown to 10 global locations and over 100 partners. How do you manage such a broad international network, and what strategies have been most effective in scaling the business globally?
Taner Türksoy. Scaling internationally requires two main pillars: strong local partnerships and a unified global vision. We’ve been very intentional about building relationships with partners who understand the nuances of their regional markets while adhering to our core values of innovation, sustainability, and client-centric design. A flexible but consistent operational model has allowed us to maintain a cohesive global brand while catering to different cultures and business environments. Key strategies that have worked include leveraging technology to maintain seamless communication across time zones and empowering our local teams to make decisions that best suit their regions. We’ve also embraced a collaborative approach, ensuring that our global partners can share knowledge and expertise, thus enhancing the overall experience for our clients.
ES. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the exhibition industry in the next five to ten years? How is Nexpo positioning itself to adapt to these changes?
Taner Türksoy. The exhibition industry is evolving rapidly, and I see three key trends shaping its future. First, the integration of digital technology—AR, VR, and AI—will create more immersive and interactive experiences. Second, sustainability will continue to be a priority, with
clients seeking eco-friendly solutions in event planning and design. Lastly, personalization will be crucial, as exhibitors aim to create tailored experiences for diverse audience segments. Nexpo is already at the forefront of these trends. We’re investing in emerging technologies, such as virtual exhibition spaces and AI-powered analytics, to enhance engagement. Our commitment to sustainable materials and designs ensures we’re reducing environmental impact, while our customizable solutions allow clients to create unique, branded experiences.
ES. Exhibitions are highly competitive environments. How does Nexpo ensure that the designs and services you offer help your clients stand out and achieve their marketing and business objectives?
Taner Türksoy. Standing out in a crowded exhibition space requires a deep understanding of both the client’s brand and the audience’s needs. At Nexpo, we start by engaging in a thorough discovery process to ensure we fully understand our clients’ objectives. From there, our design team creates highly customized exhibition spaces that not only attract attention but also convey the brand’s story in a compelling way. We focus on integrating technology, such as interactive displays and live analytics, to keep audiences engaged and provide clients with real-time insights into their performance. By offering end-to-end services—from design and build to execution and post-event analysis—we ensure that every aspect of the exhibition aligns with our clients’ marketing and business goals.
ES. How do you ensure that your team stays innovative and ahead of industry trends, particularly in a rapidly changing market?
Taner Türksoy. Fostering a culture of innovation is one of our top priorities at Nexpo. We encourage continuous learning, whether through industry conferences, partnerships with tech innovators, or internal think tanks where our teams can experiment with new ideas. We’ve also built an internal innovation lab where new concepts and technologies are tested before they are rolled out to clients. Regular collaboration sessions between our global teams help us stay aware of trends in different markets, allowing us to cross-pollinate ideas. By maintaining an open and agile approach, we’re able to quickly adapt to changes in the market and continuously offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
ES. Sustainability is becoming a crucial consideration in event planning and exhibitions. How does Nexpo approach sustainability in exhibition design and operations, and what steps do you think the industry should take to become eco-friendlier?
Taner Türksoy. Sustainability is at the heart of our operations at Nexpo. We’ve adopted a “circular design” approach, where we prioritize the use of reusable, recyclable, and modular materials. Our production processes focus on minimizing waste, and we actively work with partners who adhere to green manufacturing standards. We also invest in carbon offset programs to counterbalance any environmental impact from our operations. I believe the industry as a whole needs to embrace more sustainable practices—whether through reducing the use of single-use materials, optimizing logistics to reduce carbon footprints, or adopting digital solutions that minimize the need for physical infrastructure. As an industry, we need to prioritize eco-friendly innovations, and we’re proud to be driving this change.
ES. For exhibition stakeholders, such as organizers and exhibitors, what are the most critical factors to focus on when planning a successful exhibition?
Taner Türksoy. The key to a successful exhibition lies in meticulous planning and a clear understanding of your objectives. Stakeholders need to focus on creating an experience that resonates with their target audience. This means designing an environment that not only attracts attention but also facilitates meaningful interactions between the brand and its audience. It’s also critical to leverage technology to measure engagement and gather data that can inform future events. Another crucial factor is flexibility. With the world changing rapidly, exhibition formats should be adaptable—able to shift between physical, hybrid, or virtual modes as necessary. Finally, sustainability should be a top consideration in planning and execution.
