Technology is ushering in a new and exciting way for brands to connect with audiences – and new research has found that experientialism is the way to consumers’ hearts. Over half (59%) of European consumers want to physically participate in events – not just watch them.
New European research, commissioned by global technology firm Epson, entitled “The Experiential Future”, has highlighted the attitudes of consumers towards participating in events and attractions. The research sought views on the use of immersive technologies at events and attractions including large-scale projections, interactive displays, holograms, virtual and augmented reality.
Millennials are the demographic most attracted to this type of event. Over two-thirds (67%) of survey respondents in this age range have taken part in or attended an experiential event or attraction over the last 12 months, whilst more than half (56%) of Millennials believe that immersive technology isn’t used enough at events. Over a quarter of Generation Z (29%) and Millennials (27%) have even attended an experiential event outside their home country, versus 23% of Generation X and 21% of Baby Boomers. This shows that businesses employing these elements stand to gain clear financial advantages, whilst highlighting how the wider tourism economy stands to benefit as a result. More than half (58%) of Millennials also agree that they prefer events or attractions that include an experiential element, followed by 57% of Generation X and 51% of Generation Z and Baby Boomers.
A visitor experience that triggers emotions and creates a powerful connection is not just crucial for venues and hospitality businesses to attract new consumers; it’s also key to drawing people back. Over two-thirds (65%) of Millennials would revisit an experiential event, as well as two-thirds of Generation X (63%) and over half of Generation Z (57%) and Baby Boomers (56%) – demonstrating that experiential technologies help drive customer engagement for return visits.
“New technologies are drastically changing the nature of attractions and events. These findings show that businesses must harness the power of experiential elements not just to drive footfall, but to encourage repeat business. Millennials, Baby Boomers and Gen-Zers all want immersive events and attractions; now it’s up to organisations to deliver on those expectations,” comments Neil Colquhoun, Vice President CISMEA and Professional Displays, Epson Europe B.V.
International Seafood Show in Kochi from 7-9 February 2020The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in association with the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), is organizing the 22nd edition of India International Seafood Show (IISS) 2020 in Kochi from 7-9 February 2020.
The theme of this year’s seafood show is “Blue Revolution- Beyond Production to Value Addition”. Over 200 exhibitors, 350 stalls and more than 5000 delegates, including foreign delegates, are expected to attend the three-day event at Kochi.
The delegates include seafood processors, buyers and stakeholders, from other related sectors, representing firms in India and abroad. Buyer delegations from countries focused on mutual tie-ups in the sector of seafood processing and value addition will also be participating in IISS 2020.
The biennial show returns to Kochi after 12 years and will provide a platform for Indian exporters and overseas importers of Indian marine products to interact.
It will also give an opportunity for display and sale for manufacturers and suppliers of processing machinery, packaging systems, processing ingredient dealers and cold chain systems.
The seafood show will also give service providers like the logistics and certifying and testing segments an opportunity to showcase their products.
IISS 2020 will highlight the technological advances and sustainable practices followed in seafood processing sector in India. Indian seafood processors have to make their mark in the sustainable league with the cooperation from the fishing and farming sectors.
Further, the processing industry always looks to upgrade its technological backup for value addition. This will result in increase in the percentage of exports of value added products in this decade from the current level of 6 % in the total exports.
During 2018-19 India has exported over 14,37,000 tons of marine products worth USD 6.70 billion as per provisional figures.
With a multi-pronged strategy, addressing capture fisheries and aquaculture, it is expected to achieve an export turnover of USD 15 billion in next five years. Sustainable fishing methods, value addition and increased aquaculture production through diversification will support this target set out for export of India’s marine products.
The IISS is one of the oldest and largest seafood events in the world. It attracts seafood traders from the major markets like USA, EU, Japan, South East Asia and other countries.
Apart from this, foreign machinery manufacturers will showcase their cutting edge equipment/machineries.
The Show will pave way for Foreign Direct Investment in India and will contribute significantly to the Make in India programme.
The 21st edition of IISS was held in Goa in January 2018.
The 7th Edition of SVUM 2020 International Trade Show is being organized from 11th – 13th February 2020 at Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Come February, at least 150 delegates from 30 countries will descend in Rajkot to take part in International Business Show, organised by Saurashtra Vyapar Udyog Mahamandal (SVUM), a Rajkot-based non-government organisation. The five-day show, touted as first of its kind in Saurashtra region, will be held on NSIC ground starting February 11.
Several stalls will be put up, both by foreign and domestic companies, as part of the exhibition. According to Parag Tejura, president of SVUM, foreign companies have booked more than 30 stalls at the event, a first for the region. This includes 10 stalls of Slovakia, 15 of Afghanistan and six of Iraq. The events will include presentations by foreign delegates, seminars, presentation of exporter’s award under 57 different categories, etc. Among the participating countries are 15 African and five European (Belarus, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Portugal and Czech Republic), said Tejura. Besides these, delegations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others will also attend the trade show. The delegates will be in Rajkot for at least five days.
There will be an exhibition on the first three days, while on the next two days, SVUM will provide free service and assistance to delegates to visit factories/offices of local businesses for one-to-one meeting and plant visit of companies they are interested in doing business with. A special workshop to educate and provide assistance and knowhow to farmers/entrepreneurs to explore lucrative farming opportunities in African countries will also be organised. It is expected to be attended by around 100 farmers. Apart from foreign delegates, domestic organisations like Gujarat.
State Plastic Manufacturers Association, Vadodara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Indian Institute of Architects, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SME Chamber of India are also associated with the expo. Dignitaries, including high commissioners and political leaders from African countries, will also be present.
