“Koelnmesse India has ambitious plans, focusing on not only expanding its existing portfolio but also bringing in leading brands from its global portfolio to India.”
ES. How has Koelnmesse evolved from its inception to become one of the world’s leading trade fair companies?
Milind Dixit. Koelnmesse’s evolution over the past 100 years is a fascinating story of growth and adaptation. The success of our early fairs laid a strong foundation for future expansion. As we grew, we did not just stick to Europe. We took our expertise to international markets, tailoring our events to meet the unique needs of each region. Today, we are proud to host trade fairs in all major growth regions worldwide, making Koelnmesse a truly global player.
Technological advancements have played a crucial role in our evolution. The creation of a dedicated digital division during the pandemic was a game-changer. It helped us stay relevant and connected, enhancing the experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Plus, our continuous investment in infrastructure, like the Confex, shows our commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities and services. This transformation from a traditional trade fair organizer to a comprehensive solution provider reflects our dedication to meeting the ever-changing needs of our clients and staying ahead in the industry.
ES. Reflecting on Koelnmesse’s 100-year history, what do you believe have been the core values that have sustained the company over the decades?
Milind Dixit. Looking back on our 100-year journey, several core values have truly stood the test of time and helped sustain Koelnmesse. First and foremost is adaptability. Our CEO, Gerald Böse, often emphasizes that our ability to embrace change has been crucial. Whether it is navigating through geopolitical shifts or overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, adaptability has been our driving force. Innovation is another key value. We have always sought to embrace new technologies and approaches to improve our offerings. The launch of our digital division and the development of the Confex are perfect examples of how we continually innovate to meet modern demands. We also place a high value on quality. From the very beginning, we have been committed to delivering high-quality events that meet the needs of our exhibitors and visitors.
This commitment has built a strong reputation and trust among our stakeholders. Lastly, customer-centricity has been at the heart of everything we do. We strive to understand and anticipate the needs of our customers, providing tailored solutions and top-notch services. This focus on our customers has helped us build strong, lasting relationships and maintain our leading position in the industry.
ES. What message does Koelnmesse India hope to convey through its participation in the EEA2024 as a Celebration partner?
Milind Dixit. Koelnmesse India’s participation in the EEA2024 as a Celebration partner marks a significant milestone, celebrating its 100-year legacy of commitment in fostering innovation, sustainability, and excellence within the events and exhibitions industry. Through this participation, Koelnmesse India aims to highlight its dedication to supporting industry growth, facilitating networking opportunities, and promoting cutting-edge developments. This partnership underscores its leadership role in driving forward-thinking initiatives and contributing to the industry’s future success and resilience. By aligning with the EEA2024, Koelnmesse India emphasizes its ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration and showcase its expertise in organizing world-class events that inspire and connect professionals globally.
ES. Please take us through the journey of Koelnmesse in the India region and what have been the key highlights so far.
Milind Dixit. Koelnmesse’s journey in the India region has been marked by significant milestones and continuous growth, reflecting its commitment to building industry-leading platforms that foster innovation, enhance business opportunities, and create excellence within the industry. Since its entry into the Indian market in 2006, Koelnmesse has proven its market leadership with key trade fairs such as Anuga Select India, Anuga FoodTec India, and International Hardware Fair India, while aiming to enhance its presence in multiple other segments. Strategic partnerships with industry associations and government bodies have enhanced our event offerings, and digital transformation and sustainability initiatives have kept our events cutting-edge and eco-friendly.
ES. What are some of the key metrics or indicators that Koelnmesse India has used to measure its success in India?
Milind Dixit. Koelnmesse India measures its success using key metrics such as the growth in exhibitor and visitor numbers, the expansion of exhibition space, and the volume of business transactions and deals made during events. The double-digit growth of its food portfolio in last couple of years testifies to its industry leadership. Additionally, track participant satisfaction through surveys and Net Promoter Scores, media coverage, and industry recognition. Strategic partnerships, implementation of sustainable practices, and financial performance indicators like revenue growth and profit margins are also crucial metrics for assessing our success in the Indian market.
