Name: Istanbul Slush'D 2026
Start: 2026-10-12
End: 2026-10-14
Location: Rixos Tersane Istanbul

Question 1

Who is this event for?

Accepted Answer

Founders building at any stage, investors deploying into Türkiye, Europe, and MENA, operators who've shipped, and future founders still in school. Every track is curated for fit, so the room stays high-signal rather than mass-market.

Question 2

How many people attend?

Accepted Answer

The first edition hosted 2,000+ attendees from across Europe, MENA, and the US across two days. Edition 02 is built around the same principle: quality of room over headcount, with a target of 3,000+ attendees in 2026.

Question 3

What about VAT and the ticketing fee?

Accepted Answer

Every ticket price shown on this page is **exclusive of 20% VAT** and a **5% ticketing fee**.

The 5% ticketing fee is mandatory — it is charged by the ticketing platform we work with and is added at checkout, so the final amount you pay is the listed price + 20% VAT + 5% ticketing fee.

Question 4

How do I apply for a ticket?

Accepted Answer

Pick a tier on the Tickets page and fill out the 2-minute application. Investor, Startup, and Future Founder tracks are curated — most decisions go out within 5 business days. General Admission is open and you can buy directly.

Question 5

Why do I have to apply instead of just buying?

Accepted Answer

ISTANBUL ignited by Slush’D is a curated event — we mix founders, investors, and operators with intent, not by volume. Applications take 2 minutes and let us match you into the right rooms, dinners, and 1:1s once you arrive. General Admission is open if you'd rather skip the queue.

Question 6

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

For curated tiers (Startup, Investor, Future Founder), only after you're approved. You'll receive a payment link by email with a 7-day window to complete the purchase before the seat is released. General Admission is pay-on-purchase.

Question 7

Are tickets refundable?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable to another person up to 14 days before the event. Email info@istanbulignitedbyslushd.com to transfer a seat — we'll re-issue the badge under the new name.

Question 8

Do you offer team or group rates?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't offer any discounted rates. The ticket price is the same for everyone within each ticket category.

Question 9

I'm a student. How do I prove it?

Accepted Answer

Apply with a valid .edu or university email, or upload a current student ID photo during application. The Future Founder is reserved for currently enrolled students only.

Question 10

Are side events included in my ticket?

Accepted Answer

As a main-event attendee, you can reserve a spot at our official side events. Most are capacity-capped and open on a first-come, first-served basis through the event app once you're registered, so claim your spot early.

Question 11

Where exactly is the venue?

Accepted Answer

Rixos Tersane Istanbul, in the historic Tersane (shipyard) district on the Golden Horn (Haliç), on the European side of Istanbul. The venue sits on a 600-year-old working shipyard converted into a waterfront resort.

Question 12

How do I get to the venue from the airport?

Accepted Answer

From Istanbul Airport (IST), expect ~45–60 minutes by taxi or Uber (~41 km) depending on traffic. From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, allow 60–90 minutes. The M11 metro from IST connects to the city centre and onward to the M2 line near the venue.

Question 13

Is the venue accessible?

Accepted Answer

Rixos Tersane is a fully accessible modern resort with step-free routes, accessible restrooms, and reserved seating in every stage. If you have specific access needs, email info@istanbulignitedbyslushd.com after your ticket is confirmed and we'll coordinate.

Question 14

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Most UK, EU, US, and GCC passport holders can enter Turkey for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — either visa-free or via a quick e-visa from evisa.gov.tr. Always check your specific passport against mfa.gov.tr before booking. If you need an invitation letter, email info@istanbulignitedbyslushd.com once your ticket is confirmed.

Question 15

Which airport should I fly into?

Accepted Answer

Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is closest and best-connected internationally — direct flights from most European, MENA, and US hubs. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side works too but adds 30–45 minutes of transfer time to the venue.

Question 16

What's the weather like in mid-October?

Accepted Answer

Mild autumn: daytime highs around 18–22°C and evenings 12–15°C. Pack layers, a light jacket for the sunset cruise, and shoes you can walk in: Istanbul's cobblestones are unforgiving.

Question 17

When does the full agenda go live?

Accepted Answer

The full 3-day agenda lands in early September 2026. Until then, the Speakers page lists confirmed headliners as we announce them, and the Agenda page shows last year's sessions you can watch in the meantime.

Question 18

How are speakers selected?

Accepted Answer

A mix of inbound applications and curation by our program team — we look for operators who've shipped, investors who've actually written checks across Türkiye, Europe, and MENA, and founders building category-defining companies. If you want to speak, pitch us at info@istanbulignitedbyslushd.com with a 100-word abstract; we review on a rolling basis.

Question 19

Will sessions be recorded?

Accepted Answer

Main-stage keynotes and panels are recorded and posted to YouTube within ~2 weeks of the event. Closed-door workshops, peer dinners, and Chatham House sessions are off the record and never recorded.

Question 20

How do I become a partner or sponsor?

Accepted Answer

Email info@istanbulignitedbyslushd.com or use the inquiry form on the Partners page — we'll send the partnership deck with the five offering blocks (Partner Booth, Partner Pod, Lead Generation, Side Events, Startup Booths) within 2 business days and book a 30-minute call.

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