The global pandemic of Covid-19 caused serious disruption in the industry, bring it to a complete halt. With time, organisers penetrated into the virtual space but it was soon to be realized that there is no alternate to physical events. You just can’t substitute human to human connections made at a trade show floor. With digital fatigue setting in, people took the re-opening very positively and we have been witnessing good turnouts at almost every physical exhibition held since the re-opening. And the same can be said for shows being held at India Expo Mart, Gr. Noida.Since the time Government of India allowed re-opening of Exhibitions, India Expo Mart has been buzzing with the cherished sounds of trade show activities. IEML has hosted a number of on-site and hybrid events since the reopening and the facility team just keeps getting busier.
But things have not been smooth for the industry and the fraternity at large has been reeling under tremendous stress. The heat was definitely felt even more by event venues who have investments in hundreds of crores on their infrastructure and maintenance. Despite this, IEML was among the first venues in India to offer special waivers and incentives to the organizers.
In an announcement to the industry in Exhibition Showcase in April 2020, Sudeep Sarcar, CEO, India Expo Mart had said, “ The exhibition industry all around the world is going through the most challenging times. The event P&L and ROIs have gone haywire. That as an event venue, our P&L sheets have taken a serious blow too. However, we all at India Expo Mart are deeply concerned about the well-being of our industry. Being India’s leading purpose-built MICE venue and having received such overwhelming admiration & respect all these years, it is our responsibility to stand firmly with both, our industry and our nation, during these tough times! I would like to assure everyone that me and my team will fully cooperate, and we will do our best to make a mutually agreeable situation for all our valued organisers & partners.I would also like to assure that IEML will take utmost care to ensure best-in-class hygiene and sanitization at the venue. We are ready to go more than an extra mile for you. Needless to say that all SOP’s are being followed at the venue”.
On another occasion while speaking about IEML, Sudeep had said, “Our consistency in delivering services to the organizers in the standard and format experienced abroad through proven policy; wins us many hearts. I am sure, this has changed the thought process of organizers, exhibitors and visitors that the facility here has not compromised and meets the international standards, which at the same time is affordable, sustainable and reliable (safe & secure). India Expo Mart is a purpose-built MICE Venue that is at-par with the globally best. The quality of our venue can be assessed by the fact that the number of renowned events being hosted here is increasing consistently and also the shows being held here are constantly increasing in size, year on year”
The future looks bright
The development of Jewar Airport has been ringing a lot of bells in many ears. While the airport construction will surely add brownie points to the Noida & Greater Noida Real estate market, it will also increase the connectivity for the business visitors to the India Expo Mart. The Jewar Airport opens up hopes for multinationals, corporations & builders to mark their presence in the neighbourhood. The airport, the second international aerodrome in Delhi-National Capital Region, is expected to be operational by September 2024 with an initial capacity to handle 1.2 crore passengers per annum. The airport at Jewar will help decongest the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in the national capital. It is strategically located and will serve the people of cities including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Agra, Faridabad and neighbouring areas. The airport will also be the country’s “first net zero emissions airport”.
Adding to the significant announcements about the Toy Park, Film City, Medical Device Park and Leather Park, the Uttar Pradesh government is now gearing up to develop an ‘Electronic Park’ for electronic devices and accessories along the Yamuna Expressway near Noida. The park is expected to attract an investment of Rs 50,000 crore and will provide employment to thousands of locals and this certainly is going to be a positive development for the exhibition industry in the region.
Some shows held at IEML since re-opening
REI Expo
Informa Markets in India concluded the three-day Renewable Energy India Expo in its 14th edition at the India Expo Center on 17 September 2021. The expo was the 1st Renewable Energy Show in the world to go live with 100% physical attendees in the new normal. The Expo was marked by the presence of ministers, ambassadors, CXO’s and media, all under one roof. It had over 12,987 buyers from various locations, along with fully occupied buyer seller meets, house full conference welcoming more than 70+ speakers and + 500 plus delegates. The event saw more than 170 brands being represented including a UK, German, and European Union pavilion.
IHE Expo
India International Hospitality Expo (IHE) hosted its fourth edition from 24-27 Sept 2021.IHE expanded its reach with 170+ exhibitors, showcasing the best from the global hospitality industry. IHE organised several programs like the ICF Young Chefs Culinary Challenge and master classes to engage the hospitality stakeholders.
Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair
On October 28, the 52nd edition of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF-Delhi) was held in its physical form after a gap of 18 months at India Exposition Mart with business inquiries worth Rs 1,850 crore.The biggest exporter of Indian handicrafts was the USA which remained the traditional buyer at 38% high. “Approximately 1,250 overseas buyers from 90 countries and over 1,100 buying consultants visited the fair, conducting the business of around Rs 1,850 crores,” said RK Verma executive director of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) that organised the B2B fair.
BIOFACH India
The 13th edition of BIOFACH Indiatook place from 28-30 October, 2021 at the India Expo Mart. Organised by NurnbergMesse India in collaboration with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), the event witnessed congregation of leading Organic companies and Stakeholders together.Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, NurnbergMesse India, said ” BIOFACH INDIA has established itself as a strong brand. It is a must-attend event for the organic sector and is a testament of our commitment towards the industry, to create a networking platform which fosters dialogue and business. Our collaboration with APEDA – together with the active support of other leading associations – ensured that we had a great edition.”
IndiaCorr Expo
The IndiaCorr Expo and India Folding Carton concludedsuccessfully at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida on 25th October 2021. The show was organised by RX India (Reed Exhibitions). IndiaCorr Expo and India Folding Carton catered to the Indian market as one of the leading B2B events for corrugated case manufacturing, converting, package printing, box making and folding carton segments, connecting buyers-and-sellers to build business relationships and learn from industry experts. The showcase of live machinery continued to take the centre stage with key players including Bobst, BHS Corrugated, EMBA Machinery, Astron Paper, Westrock, Fuma Machinery, Fosber, Natraj Industries, Erhardt + Leimer, Re Equipment (India), Nitta Corporation India, JS Corrugating Machinery, Robus India and others participating at the event.
CPHI India
14th edition of the show concluded on 26th November 2021 at India Expo Centre. With the impressive response received from the industry, over 534 exhibitors from 16 countries participated and over 20,000 visitors gathered over the 3 days. CPhI& P-MEC continued to provide an all-inclusive platform to scores of domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the Pharmaceuticals and Manufacturing space.
HGH India
HGH is India’s most leading annual trade show for home textiles, home decor, houseware and gifts. The 10th edition of the four-day trade show for home products, which is held every year in Mumbai, was hosted in Greater Noida for the first time from 30 Nov – 3 December. The event received visitors from over 460 cities and towns across India.
Fire India
India’s leading fire & safety show came back with its 15th edition at IEML from 02 December to 04 December 2021. In its 25 years journey, Fire India has become “a must-attend” event for fire & safety industry players to exchange ideas and develop their business.
Media Expo 2021
Messe Frankfurt kicked off the 47th edition of Media Expo at India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, held from 18th to 20th November 2021. Commenting on the restarting of in person exhibitions, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd stated, ‘Extremely delighted to be a part of a physical exhibition after such a long time. The return of face-to-face exhibitions is quite a major event as it not only signifies the revival of the exhibition industry, but also plays a huge role in supply chain development of local businesses and contributes to the overall economic growth of India. Through Media Expo New Delhi 2021, Messe Frankfurt aims to deliver strong value to advertising segment by providing a perfect avenue for product sourcing, networking and knowledge sharing.’
