In the new normal, businesses must pivot their strategies and business models to adapt to the digital economy and incorporate innovation and technology in order to remain resilient. However, there are the multi-faceted challenges and concerns of going digital, including data privacy, cybersecurity, digital fraud and the digital divide. In the new normal, businesses must pivot their strategies and business models to adapt to the digital economy and incorporate innovation and technology in order to remain resilient. However, there are the multi-faceted challenges and concerns of going digital, including data privacy, cybersecurity, digital fraud and the digital divide.
Thankfully, the government of India has given its nod for the B2B exhibitions to restart w.e.f. 15 October, 2020. A much-awaited decision indeed. This has rung positive notes in the fraternity and we have captured industry reactions and comments in this issue. We also bring to you an exclusive interview with Mr. Yogesh Mudras, MD, Informa Markets in India. We hear that Informa Markets India has planned a series of physical exhibitions starting from December 2020. Informa Markets in India has been leading in the virtual events too with initiatives like Super September and we have utilised this opportunity to understand their perspectives and gain valuable insights on various issues for our readers.
There is good news for the conference industry and events sector too. For conferences, now the cap has been increased to 200 pax (previously 100 pax). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently further relaxed visa restrictions enabling foreigners to come to India for various purposes including business & conferences.
“The Government has now decided to make a graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indian nationals who wish to enter or leave India. Therefore, it has been decided to permit all OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) card holders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a Tourist Visa to enter by air or water routes through authorized airports and seaport immigration check posts. This includes flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission, Air Transport Bubble arrangements or by any non scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the MHA said in a statement. In another significant development for the industry, The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), a national apex body focused on promoting India as an attractive MICE destination, under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, will organise its flagship event, the 13th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) – as a hybrid event with the theme – ‘Physical & Digital Meetings – A Harmonious Blend’. This unique hybrid event will be held on 30-31 October 2020.
