Messe Stuttgart India is determined to establish itself as a pivotal player in the Indian trade fair and exhibition sector. Their vision revolves around creating dynamic and influential platforms that stimulate innovation, foster collaboration, and drive growth across diverse industries.
ES. We are excited to discuss Messe Stuttgart’s presence in India and the launch of three significant shows. Can you elaborate on Messe Stuttgart’s vision for its role in India and the significance of these shows?
Ans. Sachin Patil: Messe Stuttgart India is determined to establish itself as a pivotal player in the Indian trade fair and exhibition sector. Our vision revolves around creating dynamic and influential platforms that stimulate innovation, foster collaboration, and drive growth across diverse industries. The introduction of three major shows, MOLDEX India, FASTNEX, and LogiMAT India, underlines our unwavering commitment to facilitate substantial interactions within the moulding, fastener and fixing, and logistics sectors. We are dedicated to promoting the expansion of businesses and industries, thereby making a meaningful contribution to India’s economic development through our trade fairs and exhibitions.
I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of Messe Stuttgart India. Drawing from the remarkable 80-year legacy of our parent company in the global trade fair and exhibition arena and the dedication of our Indian team, I am confident that we are poised to transform India’s trade fair and exhibition landscape, ushering in an era marked by innovation and prosperity.
ES. What particular market prospects prompted Messe Stuttgart’s decision to venture into the Indian market?
Ans. Sachin Patil: Messe Stuttgart entry into the Indian market was influenced by the abundant market opportunities inherent in India’s diverse and dynamic business environment. India is projected to be a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025 as stated by the hon’ble Prime Minister of India. We recognized the potential for substantial economic growth in India, coupled with a growing demand for platforms that facilitate connections between international and domestic stakeholders. Messe Stuttgart India has a vast portfolio of events that have a great potential in India.
India’s expanding economy has created a substantial market for manufacturing and logistics sectors, underscoring the need for knowledge exchange, innovation, and business networking. Messe Stuttgart India identifies emerging markets and establishes subsidiaries within them. In the past, we have successfully launched subsidiaries in countries like USA, China and Turkey, and our most recent endeavour has led us to establish a subsidiary in India. Our exhibitions and trade fairs aim to bridge the gap between international and domestic businesses, offering opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations.
Our research revealed significant potential in sectors such as tools, pattern, die, and mould making, fastener manufacturing, and logistics. This insight led to the launch of MOLDEX India, FASTNEX, and LogiMAT in India. By facilitating these connections, we contribute to India’s economic growth while enabling businesses to explore new horizons, share insights, and establish valuable partnerships. Our overarching goal is to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s economic landscape by leveraging the power of trade fairs and exhibitions to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth.
ES. Your love for this industry reflects the fact that you have spent over two decades of your professional journey working in it. Please recount your professional journey with us. Can you share with us some major milestones achieved over the years?
Ans. Sachin Patil: I have been deeply committed to the trade fair and exhibition industry for many years. My journey in this sector has been a thrilling and rewarding one, culminating in my current role as the Managing Director and CEO of
Messe Stuttgart India Pvt. Ltd. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to create intellectual properties, launch successful events, shape corporate strategies, and drive business development endeavours.
My association with Messe Stuttgart began when I served as the Official Representative in India where I disseminated the news of the German trade fairs in India and also was responsible for bringing exhibitors and visitors to the shows in Germany. It was during this time that I showcased my ability to orchestrate successful preliminary launches, conceptualise and develop intellectual properties, and strategically shape corporate directions.
My journey in this industry has been marked by various milestones and significant experiences. Before joining Messe Stuttgart India, I founded Messe India, where I played a crucial role in shaping the company’s direction and creating successful events. Prior to that, I held the position of Director of Production and Operation at the India Art Fair. My journey also led me to the role of Director of Business Development and Corporate Strategy at Messe Dusseldorf India Pvt Ltd., where I was responsible for strategic planning and business development. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into the global trade fair industry. Prior to my involvement in the trade fair sector, I occupied senior positions at Bloomberg TV India and Reliance Broadcast Network, where we organised India Manufacturing Show along with the Government of Karnataka and Laghu Udyog Bharti. These roles equipped me with a deep understanding of the media and broadcasting landscape, a valuable asset in my current capacity. This knowledge enables me to effectively orchestrate the desired media coverage and draw significant attention to our trade fairs and exhibitions.
My professional trajectory has been fuelled by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. As I step into my role as Managing Director and CEO at Messe Stuttgart India, I am excited to leverage this wealth of experience to drive our organization’s growth, foster innovation, and create impactful platforms that connect industries, drive growth, and nurture meaningful partnerships.
ES. An event involves the pulling together of many different facets and so teamwork is the key that unlock the door to unforgettable events. After taking the helm as the captain, we’d like to know how you managed to carry out your responsibilities with a new team.
Ans. Sachin Patil: Executing successful events indeed relies on seamless teamwork, and it’s a principle I deeply value. When I assumed my role as the lead for Messe Stuttgart India, my approach was centred on fostering collaboration and unity within the team. I initiated a structured onboarding process, ensuring that every team member understood their role and responsibilities clearly. Open communication channels were established to encourage the free flow of ideas and feedback.
Furthermore, I emphasised the importance of shared goals and a collective vision. We hold regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions to nurture a sense of ownership and camaraderie among team members. This cohesion allows us to leverage our individual strengths effectively while working towards a common objective. I encourage a culture of continuous learning and development. We provide opportunities for skill enhancement and knowledge sharing, enabling the team to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.
I have also initiated the “CEO for the Day” program, a remarkable initiative crafted to provide our team members with an exceptional opportunity. This program allows them to step into the CEO’s role, offering valuable experience in leadership, decision-making, and insights into our organization, depending on their performance during the previous month.
Through this collaborative and empowering approach, I am able to lead the team in a way that not only meets but exceeds expectations, resulting in the successful culmination of events that are set to revolutionise the Indian trade Fair industry. Teamwork remains at the core of our endeavours, driving our commitment to excellence in the trade fair and exhibition industry.
ES. What are your upcoming plans? Any expansion plans or maybe the launch of the new shows in 2024 and beyond?
Ans. Sachin Patil: We have an exciting lineup of events planned for 2024 and beyond, aimed at revolutionizing the trade fair and exhibition landscape in India. As mentioned, we’re thrilled to bring the world’s biggest intralogistics show, LogiMAT, to India, being hosted at IEML in Delhi NCR. Additionally, we’re introducing MOLDEX India, showcasing Europe’s renowned Moulding Expo, and FASTNEX 2024, a dedicated platform for the fastener and fixing industry, both co-located with IMTEX FORMING at BIEC, Bengaluru from January 19-23, 2024. We are also in a phase of acquiring existing trade fairs in India, and you will hear the exciting news soon from us. We are here for the long haul and look forward to catalysing innovation and excellence in the Indian trade fair and exhibition industry.
ES. Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues in all sectors. Messe Stuttgart has been committed to sustainability and setting many sustainable trends for a long time. Following Stuttgart’s footsteps, what are your plans in this regard?
Ans. Sachin Patil: Sustainability serves as the cornerstone of Messe Stuttgart India’s ambitious mission to reshape India’s trade fair and exhibition landscape. We are resolutely committed to establishing new benchmarks in the realm of sustainability while we expand our business and contribute to the economy. Messe Stuttgart is the only exhibition company in the World that is Carbon Neutral and publishes a yearly sustainability report providing transparency on our sustainability initiatives.
Messe Stuttgart’s commitment to sustainability in India is a fundamental aspect of our exhibition planning and execution. We adhere to eco-friendly practices by prioritising green venues, minimising waste, optimising energy usage, efficient waste management and reducing our carbon footprint in collaboration with venue partners. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our sourcing process, where we prioritise sustainable materials and services, from booth construction to promotional materials. Collaboration with industry associations and partners who share our sustainability values strengthens our impact.
Our commitment transcends mere rhetoric. The Messe Stuttgart India office is situated in a LEED-certified green building, operating as a shared office space, substantially reducing our carbon footprint. Furthermore, we utilise energy-efficient LED lighting throughout our office space. It epitomizes Messe Stuttgart’s enduring vision for creating responsible, transformative trade fairs, and exhibitions that will leave an indelible mark on India’s event landscape.
For more information on Messe Stuttgart India and their flagship exhibitions visit https://messe-stuttgart.in
