Congratulations on your appointment as the CEO of Messe Stuttgart India. Could you share more about your key priorities?
Messe Stuttgart has made remarkable strides in India, particularly with the success of shows like LogiMAT India. Our portfolio also includes DIDAC India, Asia’s largest education-focused exhibition. My immediate priority is to continue strengthening these flagship events, while exploring opportunities to expand our event portfolio and deepen industry partnerships.

This year, we are launching a new show, DIDAC Skills, which will address the growing demand for skilling, reskilling and upskilling India’s workforce. We also aim to introduce more of Messe Stuttgart’s global portfolio to the Indian market in the near future.

What is the current state of the exhibition industry in India and which key business sectors are driving its growth?
The exhibition industry in India has witnessed significant growth post-Covid. Most companies have not only recovered but have surpassed their pre-pandemic performance.

According to data from the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, the sector is currently growing at a CAGR of approximately 10.3 per cent. The industry is projected to reach a value of US$1.3 billion by the end of this year, up from US$700 million in 2019.

This upward trajectory reinforces the crucial role exhibitions play in India’s economic progress. Several sectors are fuelling this growth namely e-commerce, FMCG, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, IT and pharmaceuticals. As these sectors expand, exhibitions are becoming vital platforms for business development, networking, showcasing innovations and tracking industry trends.

What are the key factors contributing to the current momentum?
Rapid industrialisation, digitisation and continuous technological innovation play a major role. The vibrant startup ecosystem and government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ have further boosted manufacturing and its ancillary industries.

Exhibitions have evolved into dynamic platforms where companies can present new products, engage with clients and distributors and receive direct market feedback. Unlike other marketing channels, exhibitions offer real-time insights and create immersive brand experiences that foster stronger industry connections.

Are there many international exhibitors at these exhibitions?
We are seeing a steady increase in international participation at Indian exhibitions. At some of our recent events, up to 20 per cent of exhibitors have been international, accompanied by strong overseas visitor delegations. Countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Singapore and the US are actively participating.

This is encouraging, but to significantly scale India’s position in the global exhibition circuit, we must consistently deliver world-class events with compelling content, curated experiences and robust infrastructure. It is also essential to foster deeper international collaborations, promote trade alliances, and implement supportive government policies that simplify travel and business operations for foreign participants.

With the economic and infrastructure development of India’s secondary cities, how do you see these markets evolving as exhibition venues?
The growth of tier-two and tier-three cities has led to a decentralisation of economic activity, creating new opportunities for the exhibition sector. Improved connectivity via air and rail and increasing commercial activity in these regions are opening doors to untapped markets and industry clusters that were previously underserved.

While these emerging cities present promising avenues for hosting exhibitions, infrastructure remains a challenge. Compared to metro cities, tier-two and tier-three markets often face limitations in terms of venue quality and reliable suppliers. However, with thoughtful planning and strategic focus on regional industries, these markets are becoming increasingly viable for exhibitions. We are already seeing major players exploring and organising events in these locations.

Recently, India has seen the addition of modern event venues like Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) and Bharat Mandapam. How are such developments impacting the ability to host large-scale events?
These state-of-the-art venues are a tremendous boost for exhibition organisers like us. They enable us to host large-scale, high-quality events seamlessly and significantly improve the overall experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Additionally, these venues help position India as a serious contender in the global business events arena. With better infrastructure, we can attract more international participation and execute events that meet global standards.

What are the key challenges that need to be addressed?
One of the critical issues we face is the lack of a streamlined approval process. We are advocating for a single-window clearance system, which would simplify permissions and improve the ease of doing business.

Currently, organisers have to liaise with multiple government bodies for approvals, which slows down the planning process. Another challenge which I also mentioned earlier is the limited availability of quality exhibition venues in tier-two and tier-three cities. While there is interest in expanding to these markets, we need better infrastructure to support such efforts. Furthermore, quality suppliers are often concentrated in metro cities, making it harder to execute premium events in smaller towns.