As India strides towards a US$ 5 trillion economy, stakeholders in the MICE industry must equip themselves with essential skills while upholding high standards and values to ensure recognition for excellence.
HITEX has been a key player in organizing B2B and B2C expos. Could you share how HITEX has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the exhibition industry?
Srikanth: Over the years, HITEX has grown beyond being merely a venue provider by organizing a wide range of B2B and B2C events and forming strategic partnerships with leading trade associations. We have built a strong portfolio with events like Hyderabad International Machine Tool & Engineering Expo (HIMTEX), India Process Expo & Conference (IPEC), Eco Sustain Expo, Hyderabad Kids Fair, PETEX India, and SportEx India, among others. By organizing events in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, lifestyle, sports, and technology, we endeavor to cater to varied needs.
This transition from being a venue provider to a key event organizer has allowed us to better understand and address the evolving needs of both businesses and consumers. Our pursuit through B2B events is forging industry connections and fostering knowledge sharing through conferences, discussions, and networking. In B2C events like Hyderabad Kids Fair, we emphasize consumer engagement, offering wholesome, family-friendly experiences.
In short, HITEX’s transformation into a full-service event organizer underscores its commitment to being ahead of the curve while shaping the future of both business and consumer events.
With nearly three decades of experience in manufacturing and now leading HITEX, how do you see the role of trade expos in bridging the gap between supply and demand, especially in today’s digital age?
Srikanth: Businesses have evolved over time, and it is crucial to keep pace with industry advancements to gain a competitive edge. Having worked in the manufacturing sector for over three decades, I understand the need for continuous process upgrades to maintain and improve efficiency. Trade fairs are one of the best platforms to showcase the latest technologies and innovations. These events also enable knowledge sharing through conferences and networking opportunities with industry peers.
It has been proven that in-person events are irreplaceable. They enable one to closely see a product, explore its versatility, and gauge its suitability to their requirements. While digital platforms can share information, decisions are possible only after gaining experience from physical events. As a marketplace, expos are natural platforms to effectively bridge the supply and demand of the industry.
HITEX is one of the premier venues for hosting large-scale events and exhibitions. How do you manage the occupancy levels throughout the year, and what strategies do you employ to maximize venue utilization, especially during off-peak seasons?
HITEX, established in 2003, is one of the purpose-built trade fair venues, featuring three air-conditioned halls, each measuring 3,500 sq mt, along with an 8,000 sq mt air-conditioned hall. Additionally, the venue boasts 30,000 sq mt of paved open space. With multiple entries and exits and a large parking space for over 2,500 cars, multiple events can be hosted at the venue simultaneously. Its prime location in Hyderabad’s best business district, coupled with over 5,000 guest rooms within a 5 km radius, adds further convenience for event organizers.
At HITEX, we understand the needs of an organizer. We provide space to service providers for an event inside the venue campus. We have provisions to accommodate stand constructors, event managers, travel agents, event decorators, caterers, and printers, within the campus. This helps organizers and exhibitors to efficiently set up their events at HITEX. We also follow a strict maintenance protocol for the venue infrastructure to provide the best experience to organizers, exhibitors, and visitors. HITEX’s Venue Sales Department, headed by Ms Priyanka Reddyar, has a highly professional team that ensures all requirements are met for event organizers to hold successful events.
For MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) stakeholders, what are some innovative approaches HITEX has taken to enhance the overall event experience and ensure successful partnerships for exhibitors and visitors alike?
Srikanth: A highly professional and trained organizer support team and a courteous venue maintenance staff are always deployed. A friendly security team efficiently guides the entry, parking, and exit process. Our highly capable housekeeping team ensures a litter-free environment. Carefully curated food and beverage options are provided for all at the venue. Vibrant landscapes are maintained to provide a pleasant experience. Electric buggies are always around to assist those in need.
Round-the-clock medical attendants and a fully-loaded ambulance are always available to take care of any emergencies during setup, event, and dismantling phases. Free WiFi is provided to all visitors, and the venue is under constant surveillance with over 400 CCTV cameras managed from a central command control station. Any untoward incidents of theft or accidents are immediately attended to and resolved.
HITEX will soon be able to share a list of hotels and serviced apartments of all budgets along with an attractive rate contract. This initiative is to help outstation exhibitors and visitors to select suitable accommodations during events.
With sustainability becoming a crucial focus in the events industry, how is HITEX incorporating eco-friendly practices, and what are your future plans to further enhance sustainability in the exhibitions and conferences hosted at your venue?
Srikanth: At HITEX, sustainability is our core focus for which we have taken several initiatives. For example, we have taken a lake on the campus for maintenance from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, adopting green practices to preserve the lake’s flora and fauna. The latest addition to the venue is a pre-certified LEED Platinum-rated hall, designed for optimal energy efficiency. To reduce plastic usage, many branding spaces are being transitioned to digital screens. Furthermore, waste generated at the venue is meticulously segregated and sent for recycling, minimizing the strain on landfills. A green sewage treatment plant (STP) has also been established to treat wastewater for recycling and reuse.
What are some upcoming initiatives or expansions HITEX is planning to further strengthen its position as a leading trade expo center in India, especially about international collaborations and industry-specific expos?
Srikanth: Post-pandemic, India has seen a surge in MICE activities. To cater to this growing demand, HITEX has recently added an 8,000 sq mt multi-purpose hall to the existing 10,500 sq mt of the covered space. Plans are on to add 5,000 sq mt of luxurious event spaces. To address parking issues, a multi-level car park is being planned.
HITEX is a member of prestigious international MICE associations like IAEE, UFI, and ICCA. Efforts are on to strengthen our ties with these associations. Additionally, as a board member of the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB), where the Government of Telangana’s Ministry of Tourism is an active partner, HITEX is well-positioned to attract international events to Hyderabad and the HITEX venue.
HITEX has been the host to a wide variety of shows across multiple industries. Could you highlight some of the key events HITEX has successfully organized, and share details about any upcoming shows or new sectors you’re targeting shortly?
Srikanth: A diverse range of fascinating events is being hosted at HITEX, including AICOG (All India Congress of Obstetrics and Cardiologists), Annual Conference of AORA (Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India), Federation of All India Caterers (FAIC), South India Wedding Planners Congress (SIWPC), Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Expo, Battlegrounds Mobile India Series Finals, Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl & Gem Fair, Property Shows, Dairy Industry Conference, Poultry India, and RenewX.
As the Business Head of HITEX, how do you position and promote HITEX as a premier conference destination in the region, especially in a competitive MICE landscape? What unique offerings or strategies set HITEX apart for attracting large-scale conferences and events?
Srikanth: The rapidly growing city of Hyderabad, with its robust infrastructure and thriving business environment, is a key factor in attracting events to the city. The city’s unparalleled global connectivity, pleasant climate, exotic tourist destinations, culinary and cultural heritage, and welcoming local population make it a prime choice for international events. Apart from being the world’s vaccine capital and a pharmaceutical hub, the city’s IT and manufacturing sectors are also experiencing rapid growth. The state’s consistent ranking among the top states for ease of doing business further enhances its appeal for investments and trade fairs.
Currently, HITEX stands among the top two large venues capable of hosting international and major national events in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. With its commitment to maintaining international standards and values that prioritize providing the best experience for organizers and visitors, HITEX continues to be the venue of choice.
As a leader in the exhibition and events space, what message would you like to share with the industry, especially with organizers, exhibitors, and other stakeholders as they navigate the evolving landscape of trade shows and expos?
Srikanth: As India is racing towards becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy, it is believed that the MICE industry in India is poised for a big leap forward. Hence, this is the time for the stakeholders to rise to the situation and get equipped with the requisite skills. It is highly crucial to not compromise on standards and values and get acknowledged for our excellence.
