No. The dates remain 11 to 14 October 2026.

Rixos Tersane Istanbul will be the host hotel and primary venue.

Existing applicants and participants should not start again unless asked to do so by their Connections contact. 

Please contact your named Connections representative with your booking details. Individual circumstances will be reviewed directly.

The updated programme is being finalised and will be shared as each element is confirmed.

We will be sharing a 'how-to' webinar which is intended to guide you through what to expect at the event and how it will work.

We will cover all you need to know about the event, from creating your meeting wish list to understanding the programme and the dress code, Shortly before the event, we will host a live Q&A to ensure you are fully briefed. Please note, the Q&A will be recorded should you be unable to join.

Attending one of our community events automatically grants you membership in Connections Luxury. As a member, you gain year-round access to our digital platform and app, where you can browse, discover, and connect with others in the community.

Cancellation policies vary for Buyers and Suppliers. Please refer to the specific terms outlined during registration or contact our team for further details. 

For Connections Luxury Middle East, the buyer cancellation deadline is 17 August. The Flight submission deadline is 14 September 2026, if flights have not been submitted or the approved buyer cancels their place without nominating an acceptable replacement after 17 August, Connections Luxury reserves the right to apply a £2,000 cancellation fee.

Before the event, you will have the opportunity to create your meeting ‘wish list’. Using our platform, you can select 10 ‘Must-meets,’ 20 ‘Meets,’ and 5 ‘No thanks.’ Our AI-powered technology will then generate your personalised agenda of pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments.

We will email you to let you know the wish list is open.

Comprehensive guidance on using the event platform and app is available on the platform itself, including detailed video tutorials to help you navigate the features. Access the playlist here.

There is one Connections Luxury app for all events and the year-round community hub. Download it from your app store (App Store or Google Play) and log in to access event details and connect with other members.

The agenda is available on the event platform and app and is released in stages. Initial timings are shared in advance, followed by your personalised agenda of appointments closer to the event date. We will also send regular email updates with key dates and information.

Once your personalised agenda is finalised, changes are limited. However, if you have any urgent requests, please contact our team directly, and we’ll do our best to assist.

Yes, you can! On the desktop version of the event platform, click your profile icon, select ‘Export,’ and choose to download your meeting list as an Excel or CSV file.

During each meeting, you will have the option to meet in a memorable way, by trying a Connections Experience together. Therefore, smart casual attire and comfortable footwear is perfect during the day so you are able to comfortably enjoy the experiences we have in store. In the evenings however, please feel free to dress up if you wish.

October in Istanbul features mild, pleasant autumn weather with average daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) and lows dropping to 12°C (54°F). While it will be warm outside, much of the programme will be hosted within air conditioned rooms, so we do recommend that you pack some layers.

Yes, complimentary transportation will be provided between official event venues. More details will be shared on the platform closer to the event date. For buyers only, airport transfers are provided on the event arrival and departure dates.

Contact our team directly for assistance. We will provide a visa support letter and hotel confirmation for Buyers requiring documentation.

As a hosted Buyer, you will enjoy:

• Three nights’ accommodation in a luxury Istanbul hotel

• Complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure days

• A personalised agenda of pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments

• Lunch and evening networking receptions

• Unique experiences and activities

For Connections Luxury Middle East, we will be welcoming luxury FIT agencies from GCC, India as our priority markets. We also welcome applications from agencies from other markets who can demonstrate a strong business interest into the GCC and in particular Türkiye (applicants will need to prove business placed).  Preference will be given to existing members of the community who apply in a timely manner. Each application is reviewed based on level of business spend (both current and potential) as well as compatibility with the suppliers who will be represented.

You can update your flight details directly on your profile via the event platform. If your transfer details have already been sent and your flight changes at the last minute, please notify our team immediately so we can rearrange your transfer.

Please contact our team to discuss options for additional attendees.

Yes, Suppliers can access exclusive discounted hotel rates under the ‘Special Rates’ tab on the event platform. Please note that deadlines apply, so book early to secure your rate.

In addition to pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments, there are networking receptions, lunches, and unique activities designed to foster meaningful connections.

You can access all attendee's contact details through our event app throughout the event and 1 month after the event date.

Our team will be available on-site at the event helpdesk. Ahead of the event, you can email us (enquiries@weareconnections.com) for assistance.