Logistics |
|||||
|
micro( primarily new state of the art exhibition venues) makes it a conducive environment for the exhibition industry.
• The huge‘ Demand’ coming from an almost half a billion middle class and above population with buying power is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
• The world’ s capital for‘ Digitalisation’ puts India way ahead in the coming years of growth linked to the AI revolution.
• And the dynamic‘ Demography’ with India being the youngest economy in the world puts the final seal for the vibrancy.
The Indian economy’ s growth at an unparalleled 8 % in today’ s stagnant world is having a similar effect on our exhibition industry. The GIPR report confirms this.
I would add a few important mantras foreign investors should look to when planning for India. Invest in India for the long haul; have boots on the ground; and show patience. Global players who have adhered to these are today smiling.
EW: Where are the regional hotspots in India and how do they differ from each other for sectoral strengths and ease of doing exhibition business? India is like the European Union in Asia: One country with diverse cultures, languages, regional industrial hubs, common trading / business laws – but, unlike Europe, united by a common language( English). As examples, a machine tool exhibition would do great in the south, pharma in the west, garments / handicrafts in the north.
Ease of doing businesses in all hotspots( even second-tier cities) is similar and the country is very well connected travel wise. Organisers would do well to study the new environment( culture, language, food habits, etc.) before venturing into different areas.
|
EW: What strategies have changed on this market and how is R. E. Rogers’ work and approach changing? Until 20 years ago the focus of the industry was only on two main metros, Delhi and Mumbai, with some events happening in Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The situation today has changed drastically with all the above cities becoming prominent in hosting events. In addition, there are several second tier cities also that hold exhibitions. The Indian market is huge and now going beyond just the main metros. To be in line with this geographic expansion, we also expanded our presence by opening offices to cover many of these new cities.
EW: Is there much M & A activity on the Indian market now and how do you think that will pan out in 2026 / 27? M & A activity continues on a good scale. Most of the Messes and Informa Markets are the major players on the buyers end.
|
EW: India is charting an independent line in world politics, managing to trade with Russia and Iran. Do you expect any‘ dividend’ from that for India, or alternatively any negative effect? I highly applaud our government on the balancing act they play in today’ s volatile global situations. Be it Russia or the Middle East, we manage to‘ get our way’ for the benefit of our economy and, in turn, for our events industry. Also, in the last five years India and China have been going through political challenges affecting bilateral trade. Chinese presence at several Indian |
Left: Blue is the colour; teamwork is the game for the R. E. Rogers team |
events, once accounting for almost 20 % percent had diminished completely.
Rapprochement between the two countries has started in 2026. This is encouraging news for both the economies and very good for the events industry. EW
n www. rogersworldwideindia. com
Ravinder Sethi Ravinder Sethi and R. E. Rogers play an active role in India and globally for the exhibition industry, including:
• IEIA( Indian Exhibition Industry Association) – Founder member and past vice-president.
• UFI( Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry) – Past member of the Executive Committee, past chair of the Industry Partners Working Group, and presently active in the Associations Committee.
• IELA( International Exhibition Logistics Association)- Past chairman.
• AFECA( Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations)- Board member and responsible for international liaison.
• IAEE( International Association of Exhibitions & Events) – Member and past vice-president of its India Chapter.
|
|
www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |
Issue 2 2026 13 |