At IDMA Istanbul, the industry witnessed the debut of two initiatives by Parantez Media: IDMA Today and BBM Mutfak, These projects, designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide valuable industry insights, have garnered significant attention. Mohammed Freij, Vice General Manager of Parantez Media, and the visionary behind these projects, shares insights into the inspiration and future plans for IDMA Today and BBM Mutfak.
In a dynamic and innovative shift, IDMA Istanbul not only hosted groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities but also saw the launch of two exciting new initiatives: IDMA Today, an industry-focused newspaper, and BBM Mutfak, a vibrant culinary corner that captivated attendees. IDMA Today, printed separately in Turkish and English, presented daily content from the fairgrounds, including news, articles, interviews, and updates. BBM Mutfak showcased a unique vision for the future of food by innovating tastes and experiences within the evolving agriculture and food industry. Sponsored by Özmen Flour, the event featured croissant, pizza, and bread demonstrations alongside discussions that illuminated the future of the sector. It was the most colorful and sweetest stand at the expo. Engaging discussions were held at the stand, moderated by Mine Ataman, with expert guests such as TUSAF President Haluk Tezcan, former Turkish Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ayşe Ayşin Işıkgece, and TURİB Deputy General Director Assoc. Prof. Necla Küçükçolak.
We spoke to Mohammed Freij, Vice General Manager of Parantez Media and the visionary behind these two projects, which added flavor and dynamism to the IDMA Expo. Here are his answers to our questions.
Mr. Freij, what inspired you to create IDMA Today, and what vision did you have for it from the start?
When you have a professional work team supported by open management that is always looking forward to new developments, you begin to reap the fruits of cooperation through ideas that effectively keep pace with events. From this standpoint came the idea of IDMA Today. We live in an age of speed, where everyone seeks accurate news and information from reliable sources. At Parantez Media, we strive to provide our readers with timely and relevant services. With a desire for a different kind of engagement this time, we implemented the idea of IDMA Today. This platform allows readers, visitors, and participants to stay informed about events and happenings at the exhibition. We share news as it unfolds through the magazine’s website, social media platforms, and printed editions, such as those distributed on the opening day. Additionally, we offer participants the opportunity to present their news directly to their customers.
How has the response been from exhibitors and visitors to IDMA Today? What feedback have you received?
The response to IDMA Today from exhibitors and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a sense of enthusiasm and optimism for future projects. Both exhibitors and visitors have shown great interest in the daily, indicating a strong engagement with its content and design. One notable aspect of the feedback is the surprise expressed by the protocol delegation at the expo’s opening. They were impressed to see photos and coverage of the opening ceremony available within a few hours.
The rich content and page design of IDMA Today have received high praise from visitors. Many visitors appreciated the newspaper’s up-to-date content, which effectively captured the lively atmosphere of the expo. Additionally, interviews with industry leaders such as Moulay Alalaoui, President of the Moroccan Federation of Flour Industrialists; Rodion Rybchnskyi, Director of the Ukrainian Millers’ Association, and Suncica Savovic, Director of the Serbian Grain Association, have been particularly well-received. The positive feedback reflects the effectiveness of IDMA Today in meeting the informational needs and expectations of both exhibitors and visitors at the expo.
What are your future plans for IDMA Today? Do you foresee any new initiatives?
We will continue to provide our services appropriately, and we promise everyone to appear in a sophisticated way and with new ideas that serve our customers and readers. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of industry news and insights, adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of our audience. By staying proactive and innovative, we are confident that we will continue to thrive as a leading platform in the grain and milling industry.
What was the main idea behind creating the BBM Mutfak at the IDMA Expo?
The main idea behind BBM Mutfak’s presence at the Expo was to offer a unique and interactive experience to our audience. While traditional participation methods are common, we aimed to differentiate ourselves by leveraging our experience and knowledge, along with the expertise of our dedicated team. To achieve this, we organized interactive workshops in collaboration with Mrs. Mine Ataman and special guests. These workshops provided attendees with valuable insights and enriched their overall experience. The success of the idea was evident from the high level of interaction and engagement it received from the audience. We are grateful to our official sponsor, Ozmen Flour, and Mr. Erhan Özmen, Chairman of Ozmen Flour, whose belief in the idea from the outset contributed significantly to its realization.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in bringing BBM Mutfak to life?
The main challenge we encountered was aligning our media operation with the exhibition’s format and presenting media ideas in a unique and diverse manner. We aimed to integrate various media and academic experiences into our approach, alongside the culinary aspect of the kitchen. Essentially, we aimed to replicate the content presented in our magazine within the physical space of the kitchen at the exhibition.