Corporate Events, Incentives, Conference Management | First Event

Connecting An Industry In Istanbul BMF Conference 2023

Client

Overview

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is the UK’s only trade association representing builders’ merchants and suppliers in the construction sector. With over 950 members and a £44bn combined annual turnover, it’s a cornerstone of the industry.

For more than 30 years, the BMF All-Industry Conference has been a key date in their calendar; the go-to event for strengthening supplier-merchant relationships, sparking collaboration, and driving the industry forward.

In 2024, the brief was clear: take the conference overseas to Istanbul and make it the biggest and best yet.

A brightly lit conference boat sails on the Bosphorus at night in Istanbul, with the illuminated Bosphorus Bridge and a mosque on a hill in the background. City lights and buildings are visible along the waterfront. All Industry Conference in Istanbul All Industry Conference in Istanbul A large group gathers at an outdoor waterfront conference venue, watching a whirling dervish perform on red-carpeted stairs. Boats glide by in the background, while ornate stone railings and potted flowers enhance the vibrant scene.

The Challenge

For over three decades, the BMF All-Industry Conference has been a trusted space for building relationships in the construction sector. But after so many successful years, the 2024 brief raised the stakes:

  • Move the conference to Istanbul, a vibrant city bridging Europe and Asia, and make it feel fresh and exciting without losing the familiar spirit of the event.

  • Unite 400+ delegates. Ensure suppliers and merchants could meaningfully connect through structured networking and organic social opportunities.

  • Elevate expectations. The client wanted it to be the biggest and best in its 30+ year history.

  • Balance insightful keynotes and workshops with authentic local culture, creating a programme that felt seamless, inspiring, and truly memorable.

Our Solution

We designed an experience that fused flawless organisation with meaningful moments of connection.

  1. Seamless journey

    A branded registration site, clear pre-event comms, and meticulous delegate management ensured everything ran smoothly from sign-up to arrival. Onsite, cohesive branding and AV created a professional, polished backdrop.

  2. Impactful programme

    Across three days, the programme perfectly balanced business with culture; from leisure activities and a vibrant Turkish-themed welcome on day one, to impactful keynotes, workshops, and high-energy merchant-supplier “speed dating” on day two and valuable networking opportunities throughout.

  3. Show-stopping finale

    The Gala Dinner at Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace delivered unforgettable entertainment, fine dining, and a charity auction, the perfect close to the weekend.

A large digital display at the conference reads CREATING CONNECTIONS BMF CONFERENCE 2023 in a spacious, modern event hall with a podium and screens. A large crowd gathers for a conference on the elegant marble terrace of a grand, historic waterfront palace with intricate architecture, red carpets on the stairs, and a scenic river beside the building under a cloudy sky.

Why

It Worked

The conference didn’t just meet expectations, it smashed them.

  • 83% of attendees said it was the best-organised conference they had ever attended.

  • 80% rated the hotel facilities as the best yet.

  • Feedback across the board confirmed this was the standout event in the BMF calendar.

“Truly memorable event and definitely our best ever!” – BMF Client

“Best conference we have ever attended; the whole event was perfect.” – Sponsor

“Best event ever – you and the team knocked this out of the park.” – Delegate

Because we focused on what matters most: human connection. By blending world-class logistics with immersive local experiences, we created an environment where real conversations, new partnerships, and lasting memories could flourish.

A large outdoor conference unfolds under an archway adorned with flowers and banners, with many people seated at tables and mingling in a festive, garden-like setting. A large digital display at the conference reads CREATING CONNECTIONS BMF CONFERENCE 2023 in a spacious, modern event hall with a podium and screens.

Explore More

Want to see how we create an unmissable event? Explore our conference services or get in touch with our expert event team.