Handan Boyce appointed to manage Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) has announced the appointment of Handan Boyce as its new general manager. She has replaced Güniz Atis Azrak, the former GM. Boyce is an experienced industry operator who has been the GM of the Halic Congress Center in Istanbul since 2011 and has held key positions in international industry associations ICCA and AIPC. Istanbul’s international conference numbers have been hit in recent times and Boyce was upbeat about the challenge: “It is our mission and responsibility to revive and contribute to the reputation and to the potential of Istanbul being one of the world’s leading meeting industry destinations benefiting our industry’s leverage effect. “I consider myself fortunate and am excited to have the opportunity to lead such a prestigious venue.” Handan Boyce started her career as an hotelier in 1987 in Ramada International Istanbul and went on to work at Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau-ICVB becoming general manager. Boyce was elected ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Chair in 2006. In 2007, she was elected to the Board of Directors of ICCA, representing the destination marketing sector. She was appointed as Management and Finance Committee Board member and the 3rd vice-president of ICCA in 2010 serving a four-year term. Handan Boyce is the founder of Turkish Meeting Professionals Association and MPI Turkey Club. She is the honorary member of Turkish Hotelier and Investors Association, member of trustee of Tourism Development and Education Foundation of Turkey and the Board Member of Istanbul CVB. ICEC is in the heart of Istanbul’s Congress Valley with a view of the Bosphorus at its location of the cross section of Istanbul’s elegant restaurants, luxury brands and fashion district.