ES. Can you tell us about your early careers and the journey that led you to become the directors of HIFF?
Favas Paravakkal. Our journey began with each of us running our own furniture businesses. I noticed a significant gap in the industry where there wasn’t a strong community to drive change and benefit everyone involved. This realization was a common experience among us. Siyaz, for instance, was deeply involved in his own business and saw the need for a platform that could unite various stakeholders. Abbas also identified the fragmentation and lack of collective effort in his business. Favas found that a cohesive approach could unlock great potential, and Umerali, through his business, underscored the need for a united front. Our combined experiences and shared vision led us to establish HIFF as a platform to unite, innovate, and propel the industry forward.
ES. Could you share some key milestones in your careers that have been particularly influential in your professional growth?
Siyas MT. A pivotal moment for us was when we collaborated to launch HIFF. Seeing the event grow from 5,000 visitors in 2016 to over 20,000 today has been incredibly rewarding. This growth validated our vision and demonstrated the industry’s need for such a platform. Another significant milestone was witnessing the continuous expansion of HIFF, both in terms of exhibitors and attendees, which shows that our joint efforts are truly making a difference.
ES. Can you give us an overview of the Hindustan International Furniture Fair (HIFF) and its main objectives?
Abbas Varikkodan. HIFF is a premier B2B furniture fair held at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore. Our main objectives are to provide a platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and drive the industry forward. We aim to showcase industry excellence, set new benchmarks, and foster a culture of innovation and sustainability within the furniture industry. HIFF also focuses on creating networking opportunities and facilitating knowledge exchange among industry professionals
ES. Can you describe some of the key features and highlights of HIFF that set it apart from other furniture exhibitions?
Favas Paravakkal. HIFF features a wide array of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge designs and sustainable materials. The scale of the event, with over 200 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors, sets it apart. We offer interactive displays, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that provide an immersive experience for attendees. Additionally, the launch of approximately 500 new furniture products at each event adds excitement and showcases innovation. Our strong focus on networking and collaboration opportunities distinguishes HIFF from other exhibitions.
ES. What role does HIFF play in bringing the latest technology, modern instruments, and contemporary designs to the Indian furniture market?
Ummarali. HIFF serves as a crucial conduit for introducing the latest technology, modern instruments, and contemporary designs to the Indian furniture market. By bringing together leading industry experts and innovators, HIFF provides a platform for showcasing the latest advancements and trends. This exposure helps local manufacturers and designers stay ahead of the curve and integrate cutting-edge solutions into their offerings. We aim to ensure that the Indian furniture industry remains competitive and innovative on a global scale, driving the adoption of new technologies and designs.
ES. Can you discuss the potential for the Indian furniture industry to expand internationally, and how HIFF can support this growth?
Jaleel Valiyakath. The Indian furniture industry has tremendous potential for international expansion due to its rich heritage, skilled craftsmanship, and growing design innovation. HIFF supports this growth by providing a global platform where Indian manufacturers and designers can showcase their products to international buyers and investors. Our event facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration, helping Indian companies adopt global best practices and compete internationally. By connecting local businesses with international partners, HIFF helps unlock new markets and opportunities, positioning the Indian furniture industry as a major player on the global stage.
ES. Could you please share any upcoming projects or initiatives by HIFF that you are excited about?
Siyas MT. We are excited about several upcoming initiatives, including the introduction of a dedicated section for eco-friendly and sustainable furniture solutions at HIFF 2024. We are also planning to launch an international outreach program to attract more global participants and buyers. Additionally, we aim to introduce more interactive workshops and seminars led by industry experts to provide deeper insights into the latest trends and technologies. These initiatives will enhance the overall value of the event and provide significant benefits to our participants.
ES.What are your long-term goals for HIFF?
Abbas Varikkodan. Our long-term goals include establishing HIFF as the leading furniture fair in Asia, known for its innovation, sustainability, and industry impact. We aim to continually grow our network of exhibitors and attendees, fostering stronger international collaborations and driving the Indian furniture industry towards greater global recognition. Ultimately, we want HIFF to be synonymous with excellence and a catalyst for transformative change in the furniture industry. Our vision is for HIFF to become a benchmark for other industry events, setting standards in innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
