ES. What key issues does PHDCCI plan to address in the industry?
Naveen Seth. As you may be aware that, Industry associations often engage in policy advocacy to represent the interests of their members and work towards creating a favorable business environment. They advocate for policy reforms, regulatory changes, and initiatives that promote industry growth, competitiveness, and sustainability. Other important subjects include Skill Development and Training, Market Access and Trade Promotion, Technology Adoption and Sustainable Development. Apart from this, we are also inclined towards the more recent trending issues such as:
- Digital Transformation: With the rapid advancement of technology, PHDCCI aid businesses navigate the digital landscape. We also support members in adopting digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing strategies to stay competitive in the digital age.
- Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable business practices is becoming increasingly important. PHDDCI promote environmentally friendly practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. We also advocate for policies that support sustainability and help businesses transition to greener practices.
- Diversity and Inclusion: PHDCCI play a role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the business community. We support initiatives to promote equal opportunities, inclusivity, and representation across different sectors and industries.
- Workforce Development: As the job market evolves, PHDCCI support workforce development efforts by facilitating partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. We also try to help bridge the skills gap by promoting training programs, apprenticeships, and collaborations that align the skills of the workforce with industry needs.
- Global Trade and Investment: We focus on facilitating international trade and investment opportunities for businesses. PHDCCI promote networking events, trade missions, and provide resources and information on export-import regulations, market trends, and investment opportunities in different regions.
- Economic Recovery and Resilience: We play a vital role in supporting businesses during times of economic uncertainty or crises. We provide resources, access to funding, and advocacy to help businesses navigate challenges, recover, and build resilience.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation and supporting entrepreneurship is crucial for economic growth. PHDCCI promote innovation ecosystems, provide mentorship and support programs for startups, and advocate for policies that foster innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
- Regulatory Reforms: We work towards identifying and addressing regulatory barriers that hinder business growth. We also advocate for reforms to streamline bureaucracy, simplify procedures, and create a more business-friendly environment.
ES. What trends do you foresee for the Exhibition sector in India?
Naveen Seth. When it comes to foreseeing the exhibition sector in India, I feel all my fellow colleagues in India would agree to the following key takeaways:
- Hybrid Exhibitions: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual and hybrid event formats. Even as in-person exhibitions resume, the integration of virtual components may continue to be popular, allowing for broader reach, increased accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Hybrid exhibitions can combine physical and virtual elements, enabling exhibitors and attendees to participate both in person and remotely.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Given the ongoing concerns related to health and safety, exhibition organizers are likely to implement stricter protocols and safety measures. This could include measures such as increased sanitation practices, crowd management strategies, temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing, and compliance with government guidelines to ensure the safety of exhibitors and attendees.
- Digitization and Technology Integration: The exhibition sector is likely to witness increased digitization and technology integration. This can involve the use of advanced registration systems, digital signage, interactive displays, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, mobile apps, and analytics tools to enhance visitor engagement, data collection, and overall exhibition experience.
- Focus on Sustainability: With growing environmental awareness, there could be a greater emphasis on sustainability in the exhibition sector. Organizers may adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, implementing recycling programs, using energy-efficient technologies, and promoting sustainable materials and construction methods for exhibition setups.
- Targeted and Niche Exhibitions: As businesses seek to maximize their marketing efforts, there may be an increase in targeted and niche exhibitions catering to specific industries, sectors, or interests. These focused exhibitions can provide more relevant networking and business opportunities for exhibitors and attract a highly targeted audience seeking specialized products or services.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics: The utilization of AI and data analytics can provide valuable insights for exhibition organizers and exhibitors. AI-powered matchmaking algorithms can facilitate better connections between exhibitors and attendees, while data analytics can offer actionable insights on visitor behaviour, preferences, and trends, enabling exhibitors to optimize their offerings and marketing strategies.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Exhibition organizers may forge strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and government bodies to enhance the credibility, reach, and impact of exhibitions. Such alliances can provide additional resources, networking opportunities, and industry expertise, contributing to the success of exhibitions.
