13th International Management Information Systems Conference Hosted by Our University

The 13th International Conference on Management Information Systems (IMISC 2026), which brings together academics, researchers, and industry representatives from Turkey and abroad in the field of Management Information Systems, was held October 22–24 at the Prof. Dr. Uğur Oral Cultural Center, hosted by our university’s Erdemli School of Applied Technology and Business Administration (UTİYO) in collaboration with the Institute of Management Information Systems.

Organized this year under the theme “Tourism Informatics” and supported under the TÜBİTAK 2223-B Domestic Scientific Event Organization Grant, the conference addressed current developments in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart tourism, sustainability, and management information systems.

During the conference, companies operating within Mersin Technopark had the opportunity to showcase their products and activities at booths set up in the foyer of our cultural center. Projects carried out by Erdemli UTİYO that were awarded TÜBİTAK funding, as well as various technology projects, were also presented to the participants. Meanwhile, our University’s Library and Documentation Directorate informed participants about electronic databases and academic information resources at its booth.

Academic Achievements Highlighted at the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony, which began on Thursday, October 22, with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem, continued with the screening of promotional videos for our university and Erdemli UTİYO. This was followed by a piano and violin recital performed by Iuliia Iurchenko, an instructor at our University’s Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, along with students Abdüllatif Jalkhi and Öykü Kanül, which treated attendees to a musical feast.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, highlighted our University’s academic development and the achievements of Erdemli UTİYO. Noting the importance of the “Tourism Informatics” theme in terms of Mersin’s tourism potential and regional development, Rector Prof. Dr. Yaşar emphasized the opportunities that digital technologies offer to the tourism sector. Noting that international scientific events contribute to our University’s academic visibility and scientific collaborations, Prof. Dr. Yaşar thanked the Institute of Management Information Systems, the organizing committee, and all stakeholders for their efforts in organizing the conference.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buğra Sarı, Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee and Director of Erdemli UTİYO, highlighted the progress the college has made in recent years in terms of academic achievement and student preferences. Noting that the departments within Erdemli UTİYO rank among the University’s most successful programs in the “equal weight” scoring category, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarı stated that they are continuing their efforts toward the goal of transforming the college into a faculty. Expressing his pleasure at hosting the Management Information Systems community in Mersin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarı thanked all stakeholders—particularly our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar—as well as the students involved in the organization for their support in organizing the conference.

The Vice Chairs of the Conference Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. İzzet Gökhan Özbilgin and Prof. Dr. Vahap Tecim, also delivered opening remarks. The speakers emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in the field of Management Information Systems and expressed their gratitude to our University for hosting the conference.

The opening ceremony, during which the late academic Prof. Dr. Haldun Akpınar was also commemorated, concluded with the presentation of plaques to the speakers and a group photo.

102 Scientific Papers Presented with International Participation

During the conference’s scientific program, held on October 22–23, a total of 102 scientific papers were presented in concurrent sessions held in four separate halls. During the two-day sessions, current research in the fields of artificial intelligence and its applications, the Internet of Things, Industry 5.0, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data analytics, human-AI interaction, and smart tourism was shared.

Internationally renowned academics and industry representatives also participated as guest speakers at the conference. Prof. Souad Sassi Boudemagh from Constantine 3 University in Algeria, Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis from Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, Prof. Dr. Athanasia (Nancy) Pouloudi from the Athens University of Economics and Business in Greece, and Mehmet Ünal from SAP Germany offered participants diverse academic and industry perspectives through their presentations.

Following the conclusion of the scientific sessions, the 3rd Meeting of Department Chairs of Management Information Systems was held to exchange views on academic education and collaboration opportunities.

Scientific Collaborations Strengthened Through Social Events

Academics, researchers, and industry representatives gathered at the gala dinner held on the second day of the conference. A musical performance by students from our University’s Music Ensemble added a special touch to the evening. On Saturday, October 24, a special tour was organized for participants to introduce them to Mersin’s historical and cultural heritage. The program, which included visits to the Kanlıdivane Archaeological Site, the Ancient City of Elaiussa Sebaste, the Cennet-Cehennem Sinkholes, and Astım Cave, concluded with a sunset event at Kızkalesi. The 13th International Conference on Management Information Systems, which hosted scientific and social events over three days, provided participants with the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences, develop new academic collaborations, and get to know Mersin.

Press and Public Relations Department