SCN Annual Conference 2025 – Istanbul
SCN once again managed to join ideas, shipments and enthusiasm together in a new city as we explored the logistics of Istanbul and the world in general with a Turkish flavour.
There are few better ways to open an SCN Conference than by stepping straight into the city itself with a city tour. After a brief visit to Galata Tower, we later gathered for the city tour as a perfect ice-breaker—part history lesson, part bonding session, and part “who can avoid the bazaar without buying spices.”
The Welcome Reception that evening was classic SCN—warm greetings, clinking glasses, and enough laughter to forget about jet lag. The buzz was back, and so were the stories of journeys to get to Istanbul and those made during the past year
Conference day opened with a bang: new members proudly introduced and Turkish market experts offering sharp insights. Time for the veterans to lean in and see what’s new and happening around SCN and the region.
SCN continues to encourage all the network to participate with their views, for which the break out sessions allow for multiple inputs and group conversation. This time on AI implementation in quoting, Sales management, procurement and developing in Africa. Our thanks to all who made the conversations productive.
Then came the one-to-one meetings—the true engine of SCN. Tables filled, hands shook, and business cards flying fast. The atmosphere was serious but never stiff: deals in the making, partnerships forming, and plenty of “Thanks” for successful collaborations.
The evening saw everyone dressed to impress for the Gala Dinner. Turkish flavours on the table, music in the air, and yes—dancing. Some moves traditional, others… less so. But all in good spirit.
Day two doubled down with more meetings, fuelled by coffee and ambition. Then, just as the energy peaked, the Bosphorus dinner cruise took over. Bridges glowing above, the city sparkled. Thanks to Istanbul for a great backdrop to more dancing (both from members and the offical ones). Networking at its scenic best.
Final meetings wrapped it up—tired faces, fuller notebooks, stronger connections. Istanbul gave us culture, flavour, and a backdrop for collaboration that will ripple through the year ahead.
The SCN Community once again proved it can blend business, friendship, and a little fun into one unforgettable mix.
