This December, Istanbul became the epicenter of artistic innovation and luxury event design as the Table Design Exhibition 2024 unfolded in its third edition at the stunning Rixos Tersane Resort. Nestled in Istanbul’s historical Tersane district along the iconic Golden Horn, the venue offered a blend of timeless heritage and modern elegance, setting the stage for this year’s theme, "Art of Winter."
As media partners, we had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how this event transformed the wedding and event design landscape, bringing together global designers, industry leaders, and creative minds.
The exhibition, organized by the dynamic Meltem Tepeler and her team at KM Events, was far more than a showcase of decorated tables—it was an immersive journey into the heart of design excellence. The opening ceremony on December 4th welcomed 600 attendees from 36 countries, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration of creativity.
The grand ballroom, previously an empty canvas, was transformed into a sensory delight, featuring over 20,000 fragrant blooms sourced from world-class floral artists such as Royal Flowers, The Elite Flower, and Florsani. From cascading Phalaenopsis orchids to intricate rose arrangements, every design element contributed to an atmosphere of luxury and enchantment.
The interplay of lighting, music, and even live ballet performances added layers to the experience, making each tablescape more than a visual treat—it was a narrative, a story told through the seamless fusion of art and design.
Sarah Haywood – UK
Vandana Mohan – India
Alejandra Poupel – France
Teddy Manuel – Philippines
Paula Rooney – UK
Jennifer Gould – USA
Guadalupe Alvarez – Mexico
Amie Bone – UK
Abdulaziz Alnoman – Saudi Arabia
All the participant designers brought their unique interpretations of the winter theme. Each design was a testament to the power of creativity, showcasing how diverse cultural influences can harmonize to produce extraordinary results. From frosty elegance to warm, festive charm, the tablescapes offered a spectrum of artistic expression that left attendees in awe.
One of the standout additions this year was the Creativity Conference held on December 5th. The conference was a melting pot of ideas, with discussions ranging from "The Art of Kitchen" to innovative strategies in digital marketing and sustainability in the event industry. Esteemed speakers like Marcy Blum and Tomas De Bruyne shared invaluable insights, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity in global event planning.
The final day of the event, December 6th, featured hands-on masterclasses led by industry stalwarts. From “Unlocking the Secrets of Design” by Tomas De Bruyne to “Designing Masterpieces” by Katya Hutter, these sessions offered attendees the chance to refine their craft under expert guidance.
One of the highlights was Meltem Tepeler’s session on table design, where she shared her journey of curating the exhibition and her vision for blending tradition with modernity. It was an inspiring reminder of how passion and perseverance can redefine industry standards.
The Table Design Exhibition 2024 was not just a display of creativity; it was a platform for collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. In a year marked by global challenges, the event served as a beacon of hope and resilience, bringing together professionals from across the globe to celebrate the unifying power of art and design.
As we reflect on the experience, it’s clear that this exhibition was more than a visual feast—it was a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets execution. Istanbul, with its rich cultural tapestry, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this celebration of creativity, and we’re proud to have been part of this magical journey.
For those who missed it, the memories and lessons from Table Design Exhibition 2024 will undoubtedly linger in the industry, inspiring trends and innovations for years to come.