As the global food industry prepares to gather at WorldFood Istanbul 2026, participants will have access to a powerful digital tool designed to make every connection count. ICA Connect, the exhibition’s official business matchmaking application, enables exhibitors, buyers and visitors to identify valuable contacts, arrange meetings and manage their time more effectively before and during the event. 

 

Taking place from 15 to 18 December 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Center, WorldFood Istanbul will bring together food and beverage manufacturers, international buyers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, retailers and HoReCa professionals from around the world. In an exhibition environment of this scale, finding the right people and making the most of every business opportunity is essential. 

 

ICA Connect transforms the traditional exhibition experience by placing business matchmaking directly into the hands of participants. Available free of charge through a mobile application and web browser, the platform helps users prepare their schedules in advance, connect with relevant industry professionals and continue developing relationships after the exhibition. 

 

Smarter Business Matchmaking 

 

The strength of ICA Connect lies in its ability to make networking more focused and productive. Instead of relying solely on spontaneous meetings, participants can explore company and professional profiles, identify potential partners and request meetings based on their business interests. 

 

Exhibitors can use the platform to connect with buyers actively searching for their products, while buyers and visitors can identify manufacturers, suppliers and solution providers that match their sourcing requirements. This creates a more targeted experience in which each meeting has the potential to lead to a new partnership, distribution agreement or commercial opportunity. 

 

The application can also recommend relevant contacts based on the information included in each participant’s profile. Completing a detailed profile—including company information, product descriptions and areas of interest—therefore allows users to improve the quality of their matches and increase their visibility among prospective business partners. 

 

The Benefits of ICA Connect 

 

ICA Connect supports participants throughout their WorldFood Istanbul journey by enabling them to: 

 

• Discover exhibitors, buyers and visitors from Türkiye and international markets.  
• Search for companies and professionals according to their business interests.  
• Receive recommendations for potentially relevant contacts.
• Request, accept and schedule business meetings in advance.  
• Create a personalised meeting diary and avoid scheduling conflicts.  
• Communicate directly with prospective business partners.
• Explore the complete exhibitor list and review company profiles.  
• Access the exhibition programme and plan attendance around important sessions.  
• Use the interactive floor plan to locate stands and navigate the venue efficiently.  
• Scan participant badges using QR codes to capture new contacts quickly.  
• Export collected contact information for efficient post-event follow-up.  
• Maintain connections and continue conversations after the exhibition.  
• Access the platform conveniently through a smartphone or computer.  
• Save time by arriving at the exhibition with a structured business agenda.  
• Increase the potential return on participation by focusing on relevant opportunities.  

   

Greater Value for Exhibitors 

 

For exhibitors, ICA Connect extends the reach of their stand beyond the exhibition floor. A complete company profile acts as a digital introduction to potential buyers, allowing businesses to present their products and capabilities before a physical meeting takes place. 

 

By identifying and contacting relevant decision-makers in advance, exhibitors can build a stronger meeting schedule and make more productive use of their time at WorldFood Istanbul. The QR badge-scanning function also simplifies lead collection, reducing reliance on paper business cards and supporting organised follow-up after the event. 

 

A More Productive Experience for Buyers and Visitors 

 

For buyers and professional visitors, ICA Connect provides an efficient way to navigate the extensive range of products, brands and solutions presented at the exhibition. Users can research participating companies, shortlist exhibitors, arrange meetings and create a personalised itinerary before arriving at the venue. 

 

The interactive floor plan helps participants move easily between scheduled appointments, while access to the event programme ensures that important presentations, discussions and industry activities are not missed. 

 

Proven to Support Meaningful Connections 

 

The impact of the platform was demonstrated at WorldFood Istanbul 2025, when 1,896 meetings were arranged through the ICA Connect application. This highlights its growing role in supporting structured, results-oriented networking and helping participants turn exhibition attendance into measurable business engagement. WorldFood Istanbul 2025 Infographic 

 

Prepare, Connect and Grow 

 

Successful exhibition participation begins well before the doors open. By using ICA Connect to complete their profiles, identify suitable contacts and arrange meetings in advance, WorldFood Istanbul participants can arrive fully prepared to pursue their business objectives. 

 

Once registered for the exhibition, participants receive the details needed to access the platform. ICA Connect can then be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play or accessed online through a web browser. 

 

At WorldFood Istanbul 2026, ICA Connect will help transform introductions into conversations, conversations into partnerships and partnerships into long-term business growth. It is more than an event application—it is a complete business matchmaking platform designed to ensure that every participant can connect with the right people at the right time.