MechTalks 2026 Brings Together 510 Industry Professionals in Istanbul

Organized by the Mechanical Contractors Association (MTMD), MechTalks 2026 – HVAC Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Data Centers took place on October 1, 2026, at Makina Hangar in Istanbul. The event brought together 510 industry professionals representing various segments of the mechanical contracting, HVAC, and data center sectors. Throughout the day, discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the use of artificial intelligence in design and manufacturing to data center cooling technologies, digital twin applications, and Türkiye’s position in the evolving data center investment landscape.

MechTalks 2026 provided a platform for technology leaders, academics, mechanical contractors, designers, manufacturers, investors, and other industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives. The program focused on artificial intelligence in engineering and design, intelligent operations, energy efficiency in data centers, and next-generation cooling technologies.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Türkiye and the HVAC Industry Discussed

The program opened with a speech by MTMD Chairman Tunç Karakaya.

During the opening session, Ali Kurtul, Data Centers Director at Turkcell, delivered a presentation titled “The Inevitable Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Potential Opportunities for Türkiye.” Prof. Dr. Yusuf Örnek from Antalya Bilim University also addressed participants with a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence’s Challenge to Humanity.”

The first session, chaired by Dr. Kazım Beceren, explored the current applications of artificial intelligence in Türkiye’s HVAC industry and the potential impact of emerging technologies on the sector.

Kıvanç Kavlak, Partner at GMD+MOSKAY, and Ahmet Akçakaya, Co-Founder of Snaplan AI, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence into design processes.

Burhan Yörük, Senior R&D Engineer at Friterm, presented AI applications in manufacturing, while Erdi Güzel, Sales and Business Development Manager at EAE, shared insights into the use of artificial intelligence across design and production activities.

Energy Efficiency and Digital Twin Applications in Data Centers

The second session, chaired by Tayfun Yöndem, was held under the theme “Efficiency and Operations in Traditional Data Centers.”

Emirhan Ardahanoğlu, Applied Systems Product Manager at Daikin, discussed chiller optimization and free cooling strategies.

Ramazan Ünal, Building Technologies Sales Manager at Wilo, delivered a presentation titled “From Pumps to Modular Systems | Reliable Flow in Data Centers,” highlighting solutions for maintaining reliable fluid circulation in critical infrastructure.

Özgerhan Koşdemir, Data Center Manager at Akbank, shared insights and assessments regarding AI-supported operations and digital twin applications in data center management.

Cooling Technologies for Next-Generation GPU Data Centers Take Center Stage

The third session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Hasan Heperkan, focused on the cooling requirements of next-generation GPU data centers, which are becoming increasingly important as computing densities continue to rise.

İsmail Can, Senior Consultant at Arup, discussed data center design, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and the future development of data center infrastructure.

Fatih Padar, Sales Manager at Altay Grup, presented various cooling approaches used in high-density data center environments, including liquid cooling, direct-to-chip cooling, immersion cooling, and rear-door heat exchangers.

The session highlighted the growing importance of advanced thermal management solutions in supporting high-performance computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Future of Türkiye’s Data Center Ecosystem Evaluated

The final panel of the day, chaired by Dr. Mustafa Bilge, addressed the question: “Are Türkiye and the HVAC Industry Ready for This Transformation? How Much Will Artificial Intelligence Change Türkiye and the HVAC Industry Over the Next 10 Years?”

Panelists examined the issue from different perspectives, including investment, engineering, technological development, and education.

Ersel Oymak, Managing Director of Equinix Türkiye, shared his views on the future of the HVAC and data center ecosystem in Türkiye.

Emre Narin, Data Center Strategy and Business Development Director at Açık Holding, discussed the growing role of Türkiye and the surrounding region in data center investments.

Murat Suiçmez, MTMD Board Member, evaluated the mechanical contracting industry’s readiness for the transformation of data center cooling systems.

Prof. Dr. Behçet Uğur Töreyin from Istanbul Technical University addressed the preparedness of universities to respond to the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Following the question-and-answer session, the event concluded with a cocktail reception.

MechTalks 2026 Welcomes 510 Industry Professionals

MechTalks 2026 attracted a total of 510 participants, with supplier companies accounting for the largest share of attendance.

A total of 320 representatives from 114 supplier companies participated in the event, representing 62.7% of all attendees.

Mechanical contractors formed the second-largest group, with 79 representatives from 48 companies, accounting for 15.5% of total participation.

Another 39 participants from other industry segments represented 7.6% of attendance, while 26 representatives from 14 professional associations accounted for 5.1%.

The design sector was represented by 23 designers from 17 design firms, making up 4.5% of the total.

MechTalks 2026 also welcomed 12 representatives from investment companies, six media representatives, and five university representatives. These groups accounted for 2.4%, 1.2%, and 1% of total attendance, respectively.

79 Representatives from 48 Mechanical Contracting Companies

Of the 48 mechanical contracting companies represented at MechTalks 2026, 20 were MTMD member companies.

Participating MTMD member companies included Acar Mekanik, Aktes, Aytes, Balayka, Birleşim, Demta, Erdemler, Ekura, Gürer Elektromekanik, HT Mekanik, İnşel, MCA, Mecon, Mekatronik, Met Mühendislik, Norm Mekanik, Tunç Tesisat, Üntes, and Yimak.
MechTalks 2026 Sponsors

MechTalks 2026 was supported by companies from across the industry through several sponsorship categories.

Wilo served as the Platinum Plus Sponsor, while Vertiv and EAE Elektrik were the Platinum Sponsors.

Johnson Controls and Işık Endüstriyel Ürünler Pazarlama supported the event as Sapphire Sponsors.

The Gold Sponsors included Çukurova Isı, Victaulic, Trane, Gerhman, Daikin, Panasonic Klima, Unival, and BRC Soğutma.

The Silver Sponsors were Alarko Carrier, PAG Aydın Global, Karsac, Trox, E.C.A. Serel, Systemair, Atlas Teknik Tesisat, ODE, İmbat, Form, ARI, Entas, and Işık Teknolojik Tesisat Sistemleri.

Termodinamik participated as the event’s Media Sponsor, while Vivavent served as the Name Badge Sponsor and İnka as the Coffee Sponsor.

By bringing together speakers, industry professionals, and companies from different disciplines, MechTalks 2026 provided a comprehensive platform for examining the ongoing transformation of artificial intelligence, HVAC technologies, and data center infrastructure from the perspectives of design, manufacturing, operations, and investment.

Karakaya: “A Source of Motivation and Pride for Our Future Events”

Following MechTalks 2026, MTMD Chairman Tunç Karakaya shared his assessment of the event:

“MechTalks 2026 was the result of tremendous effort and brought together highly accomplished speakers who delivered valuable presentations, along with industry professionals from different generations.

The strong participation demonstrated that MechTalks 2026 was organized at the right time, in the right place, and with the right agenda. As MTMD, this achievement has become a source of motivation and pride for our future events.”