The 47th edition of Media Expo was held from 18 – 20 November 2021 at India Expo Center, Greater Noida, just across the river from New Delhi. Indian Printer & Publisher correspondent Priyanka Tanwar got a chance to interact with Raj Manek, executive director, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings. Here are edited excerpts from the interview:
Indian Printer & Publisher – Is this your first exhibition after the Covid-19 pandemic?
Raj Manek – After two years of no exhibitions, this is our very first exhibition along with LED Expo which is taking place in the other hall.
IPP – What challenges did you face while organizing the Media Expo New Delhi 2021?
Raj Manek – The biggest challenge is the supply chain – there are a lot of exhibitors who are waiting for parts and everything. That has been our biggest challenge. We have very, very strong loyal customers for the Media Expo. The show is extremely good and it is still good today. I think many of our exhibitors had a supply chain problem.
The second challenge is that it is just the beginning of the new normal, so exhibitors and visitors are now getting the confidence to come back to live events.
IPP – What special precautions have you taken for Media Expo New Delhi 2021?
Raj Manek – As you can see, we have ensured mandatory mask use. Everybody in the halls is wearing masks across the halls. We have temperature checks at every point. We also have Covid-19 centers. We have ensured social distancing. Everything is contactless now – there is no more form filling. There is contactless entry into the halls. We have invested a lot of money in our systems for registration so that people can smoothly come into the exhibitions without any form filling or touching of any objects.
IPP – What are the areas that you are covering through the Media Expo New Delhi 2021?
Raj Manek – The Media Expo covers a range of printing, signage, and outdoor advertising. All the key players are here – all the big boys of Colorjet, HP, Mehta Cad Cam are here. They are supporting the exhibition in a big way. So, we cover the whole spectrum for the outdoor and indoor signage and the digital side as well.
IIPP – What are your expectations from this event?
Raj Manek – The expectation is that we re-create the platform that has been missed for two years. We bring the industry together with a face-to-face connection and our exhibitors have good interactions with business and we raise morale. Ultimately, we have all been either working from home or working remotely. I just want to get back the feeling of being with your colleagues, your partners, your suppliers, and your friends once again in a face-to-face environment.
IPP – What are your other upcoming events?
Raj Manek – In 2022, we have a host of events including the Media Expo, LED Expo, and Paper World exhibitions.
IPP – Are you planning to organize any new fairs in the upcoming months?
Raj Manek – We have a portfolio of about 12-15 existing fairs and we will continue with those. The new fairs will have to wait till there is a little bit more normality in the marketplace, and then we will, of course, be announcing some new fairs.
