Istanbul Software Testing Conference

Richard 'Richie' Seidl is a Software Testing Expert, Agile Quality Coach, and Podcast Host. Over the past 25 years, he has encountered a vast array of software throughout his professional journey: from the good to the bad, the large to the small, the new to the old. He's experienced software so magnificent it could bring one to tears, and others that make one cringe. Richie has helped teams and projects in various industries (administration, finance, automotive, and logistics) to improve their software quality, implement agile testing, and establish test automation. Richie is the author of several books on software testing, host of two Software Testing podcasts, and an international keynote speaker. In 2025, he was awarded the German Prize for Software Quality.

Rik Marselis is a Principal Quality Consultant at Sogeti Netherlands, with over 40 years in IT and 25 years specializing in quality engineering and testing. A dynamic presenter, trainer, author, and coach, he has empowered numerous organizations with practical tools and insights. Accredited in TMAP, ISTQB, and TPI, Rik co-authored “Quality for DevOps Teams” and “Testing in the Digital Age – AI Makes the Difference,” contributing significantly to www.TMAP.net.
Honored with the ISTQB Software Testing Excellence Award (2022) and EuroSTAR Testing Excellence Award (2023), Rik is a global speaker, having keynoted at ISTC 2024 and EuroSTAR eight times. As ISTC 2025 Program Chair, he leads a tutorial on Day 1 and delivers the opening keynote on Day 2, blending his GenAI expertise with hands-on quality engineering guidance.

Vildan Turnalar İnal has approximately 25 years of experience in the technology sector, working across finance, telecommunications and retail. Her background spans software quality and testing, IT governance and process management, the software development lifecycle, agile management, IT risk and compliance, and leadership.

Throughout her career, Vildan has developed a strong interest in how technology organizations work and how they can improve their outcomes.

She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Computer Engineering, where her research focuses on how artificial intelligence is changing software engineering practices and the competencies engineers need. Alongside her academic work, she provides consulting and training.

Outside her professional and academic life, Vildan enjoys spending time in nature, has a fondness for animals, and follows a variety of art forms and sports.