Handan Boyce has been appointed General Manager of Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center, ICEC

Bringing with her a wealth of experience in the conventions, meetings and events industry and the center management, Boyce will continue to contribute in the development of business both for the venue and the destination of Istanbul combined with her destination marketing experience in Istanbul CVB. 

Mrs Boyce expressed that with the support of Center’s new board and her strong team of experienced professionals, Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centerwill pursuit excellence in center management by implementing international trends, standards and best practices. She also stated that “they will closely workwith all stakeholders, contractors and solution partners to revitalize the well-established and reputable image of ICEC to be the center of learning, entertainment, art and culture and provide innovative solutions and focus on engaged delegate and visitors experience. It is our mission and responsibility to revive and contribute in 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. In this regard, I consider myself fortunate and am excited to have the opportunity to lead such a prestigous venue. 

 Handan Boyce has been the General Manager of the Halic Congress Center since January 2011. She started her career as an hotelier in 1987 in Ramada International Istanbul. Prior to joining Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau-ICVB she experienced 16 years of the hospitality and tourism industry working in international and national hotel chains at various management levels, the last one being the Corporate GM of Klassis Hotels and Golf and Country Club.

She committed herself to the meeting industry and worked for its development and advocacy both on national and international levels since she took over the position as the General Manager of Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2003. Her vigorous and dedicated efforts with sector partners as well as with local and national governments and institutions pioneered the development of meeting industry in Turkey also fostered its integration with global markets and accelerating involvements in international industry associations.

Handan Boyce was elected ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Chair in 2006. In 2007, Handan Boyce 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 and served for the members’ best interests getting involved in future projects and the strategic direction of ICCA during her 4 years term.

Taking the General Manager position of the Haliç Congress Center in 2011, she took a new role in another distinctive sector within the meeting industry: venue management. She expanded her experience in this field by also becoming an active member of AIPC.

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.  

Handan Boyce was born and grew up in Turkey. She was graduated from Galatasaray High School and Bosphorus University Tourism and Hotel Management. She speaks English and French.