Congratulations to Feyhan Kaprali, our newest Kevin Forde Spirit Award recipient. 

Feyhan is the owner of Tekser Tourism and Travel in Istanbul, Türkiye, and plays an instrumental role in both her local SITE chapter and the wider SITE community. 

Here are some award-worthy inSITEs from Feyhan, in conversation with SITE’s Head of Membership & Chapter Engagement Dallas Lyons III. 

Q: How can others follow in your footsteps to cultivate a similar presence in SITE and blend of relevant industry skills? 

A: My commitment to volunteer work with SITE focuses on enhancing our industry and fostering greater collaboration amongst members. Upon reflecting on my 35 years in this field, I see that dedication, along with a focus on real relationships and integrity, has made a significant difference.

I encourage others to actively listen and appreciate diverse perspectives. By engaging with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and volunteering to support others, we can cultivate a more productive environment. 

While professional skills naturally develop over time, it is vital not to overlook the importance of soft skills, which are equally essential. Encouraging teamwork and open communication lays the groundwork for building trust and strengthening connections. Being approachable and supportive will naturally draw people together and enhance our community.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence or mentor along your journey? 

A: While I do not have one specific mentor, my mother has had a profound impact on my journey. As the founder of Tekser DMC, she instilled in me core values such as ethics, fairness, and honesty. 

Throughout my career, I have also been significantly influenced by my peers, colleagues, and team members. The most valuable lessons have come from engaging with others in the field — observing, listening, and remaining open to new ideas. 

Each interaction and collaboration has offered opportunities for growth and development, shaping my professional outlook. I believe that maintaining an inquisitive mindset and a willingness to adapt has been essential to my learning, and I continue to be inspired by the insights of those around me.

Regarding my involvement with SITE and volunteer work, I must highlight the invaluable influence of a very prominent leader, Jane Schuldt. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to SITE inspired me to elevate my own level of engagement and contribution to the community.

Q:  If you could describe your journey in one word, what would it be and why? 

A: "Growth." 

Embracing opportunities for growth allows me to adapt and evolve, both as an individual and a professional in the incentive travel industry. This journey has deepened my understanding of the industry and shaped my perspective, enabling me to approach situations with greater wisdom and empathy. 

I believe that embracing continuous growth allows me to contribute more effectively to my community and fosters a positive environment for collaboration. 

Q:  How do you hope to continue making a difference as a SITE member? 

A: As a proud SITE member, I am passionate about promoting the core values of SITE in our local community in Türkiye. My goal is to help these values become deeply ingrained in our industry culture. I firmly believe in the power of cooperation and collaboration and would love to see more synergy among various stakeholders, including industry associations, NGOs, and public offices related to the incentives and events industry.

During the COVID pandemic, SITE Türkiye successfully united 18 local associations. This collaboration extended to the 2024 SITE Global Conference in Istanbul, where we gathered cooperation and support from diverse offices, municipalities, convention and visitor bureaus, and governmental ministries. I firmly believe that "together we are stronger," and this experience reinforced my conviction.

Moreover, attracting young leaders to our industry is crucial. I am committed to mentoring emerging professionals and university students alongside my colleagues, and I actively encourage my peers to invest in developing  the next generation of leaders within their own organizations.  

I have been closely following the progress of the SITE Young Leaders program, and I believe we need to promote and encourage it more within the local market. By leveraging such initiatives in Türkiye, we can create impactful pathways for leadership development and drive meaningful change in our communities.

Congratulations again to Feyhan, and thank you for all you do to support SITE throughout Türkiye and around the world!