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WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2025, one of the world’s most influential gatherings in the e-commerce sector, placed artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of its agenda this year, drawing more than 15,000 participants from over 80 countries.
This year’s event, held at the Yenikapi Event Area in Istanbul from May 15 to 17, spotlighted how AI is revolutionizing e-commerce across multiple dimensions, including marketing, customer experience, logistics, and data-driven campaign strategies.
Spread across three dedicated stages—Future Commerce, Masterclass, and Case Study—more than 200 speakers delivered insights into the technology’s growing role in increasing operational speed, improving efficiency, and driving profitability.
Panel discussions emphasized that AI is no longer a distant concept but a vital strategic tool. Brands leveraging AI are gaining a competitive edge by enhancing the personalization of customer interactions and streamlining their supply chains.
The speaker lineup featured prominent figures from both technology and commerce. Yandex Türkiye CEO Alexander Popovskiy, TikTok Türkiye Industry Lead Arif Topcu, HepsiJET CEO Atilla Alver, ebebek CEO Gonenc Sener, and Yemeksepeti Founder Nevzat Aydin were among those who took the stage, along with DJ and producer Dogukan Manco, blending innovation with cultural resonance.
Each brought a unique perspective to the discussions, underscoring how digital platforms are adapting to new consumer behaviors and expectations shaped by AI technologies.
Beyond presentations, the event brought together more than 500 retail brands through over 250 exhibition booths, showcasing the latest in digital payments, logistics solutions, and online consumer engagement tools. A dedicated B2B networking zone enabled businesses to strike partnerships, launch collaborations, and expand into new markets—underscoring WORLDEF’s role as a catalyst for international commerce.
WORLDEF CEO Omer Nart underscored the increasing international appeal of the event, with 40% of brands and 35% of attendees arriving from abroad. He noted the growing role of Türkiye—and particularly Istanbul—as a bridge between e-commerce markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
“WORLDEF ISTANBUL has evolved into a truly global platform,” Nart said. “My biggest dream was for a brand born in Türkiye to become a leader in the global e-commerce ecosystem. WORLDEF continues on its path with the vision of leading e-commerce events in Istanbul, Riyadh, and Dubai.”
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