International Carpet Forum 2026

Join us at the International Carpet Forum 2026, a key professional platform at the International Carpet Festival in Baku, bringing together leading experts, industry practitioners, and cultural stakeholders from around the world. This year's forum will examine the evolving position of carpets beyond their traditional perception as cultural artefacts, considering their potential as competitive, value-driven products within global markets.

Explore Key Topics of the Global Carpet Industry

Design, Collections and Product Development
Discover how artistic vision, curatorial thinking, and strategic product development can elevate handmade carpets for collectors, cultural institutions, and international buyers.

Branding, Narrative and Market Value
Consider how identity, storytelling, and cultural meaning inform perception, enhancing both the symbolic and commercial value of carpets on a global scale.

Production Models and International Collaboration
Explore how different countries and institutions support artisan communities, scale handmade production, and create sustainable models for growth.

Museums, Audiences and Cultural Positioning
Reflect on the role of museums, exhibitions, and public engagement in expanding appreciation for carpets as both carriers of heritage and forms of contemporary artistic expression.

Sustainability and Economic Impact
Gain insight into the contribution of handmade carpet weaving to local economies, its role in sustaining artisan livelihoods, and how it responds to today's growing global demand for responsible and authentic production.

Engaging with International Experts

The forum will bring together speakers from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and Japan. Their diverse perspectives offer valuable insight into how different cultural, institutional, and market contexts continue to shape the contemporary carpet industry.

Meet our Speakers