Media Expo New Delhi 2019 introduced new trends and was an exciting platform to network and source innovative advertising applications. With a count of 17,711 business visitors crowding the aisles and exhibitors with enquiries, the 45th edition displayed 15% surge in the total number of attendees from its previous edition. The inauguration of the event also gave a sneak peak of the Media Excellence Awards 2020.
Media Expo New Delhi 2019 witnessed a rise in quality exhibitors with their range of technological applications displayed at the show. Growing segments of the industry like 3D printing, digital signings, and environmental-friendly alternatives for printing materials and POPs were the talk of the show for three days.
Talking about creating a market for 3D printing in India, Prakash Chopra, senior vice president, Arrow Digital, shared, “We have been in the industry for the last 30 years. But as technologies like UV printers are now very common to the Indian market, we decided to introduce Massivit 3D printer at Media Expo New Delhi. The 3D concept is very popular worldwide and we are trying to create a market for this technology in India. The visitors here are excited and we are sure once they understand and adopt the technology, it will start selling. This edition, our main aim is to create a market for 3D printing and we are happy to get serious enquiries for the same.”
The ban on PVC and flex has created a need for new alternatives that offer environmental benefits without compromising the quality of the brand advertisements. With rising awareness in the industry, exhibitors are not only working towards meeting market demands, but also creating applications and tools that will fit environmental needs and regulatory norms set by the government. Exhibitors dealing in advertising alternatives for PVC, Japneet Sethi, director, Amrit Sales Corporation, said, “We are in a transition period and the industry is moving itself from PVC based fabrics to polyester based fabrics. We have updated ourselves from using PVC fabrics to di-sublimation products. It is our mission to discard 100% PVC and use only polyester based fabrics for all our products. It will take a few years but we are moving in the right direction and the future is fabric.”
Talking about the industry needs, he further added, “The corporates are always looking for something that is reusable, modular and can be executed multi-city. Our products can be used more than 100 times in different cities. Brands like Airtel, Bira and other FMCG companies are using these products that we are pioneers in.”
Visitors, on the other hand, were equally pleased with new product launches and live demonstrations of 3D printers, letter cutting machines, water-resistant LED lights, movable digital signage, and 3D holographic fans. With 220 exhibitors, the show floor displayed more than 10 product launches with deals for over 200 machines and applications closed.
Ronak Khandelwal, director, Baari Labs, said, “This is my first time and it has been wonderful. I was particularly looking out for companies who are exhibiting 3D printers and UV curing machines. I have also found a great deal of interest amongst the crowd and overall, there is a good diversity of options available for all kinds of industry related to media. From flex printing to 3D printing and channel bending, you will find everything here.”
The burgeoning market in India has always been a major attraction for international players. China has been one of the major participants at the show and this year there was an increase in the number of exhibitors from China. Talking about why India is a lucrative market, Colin Chen, sales manager, Shanghai Totem Exhibition, said, “Media Expo is the main exhibition for this industry in South Asia. Our company pays more attention to this market as it is welcoming and growing every year.
The three-day show also had an insightful and interactive workshop that saw speakers and delegates highlight trends and discuss problems faced by the industry. As the workshops were also based on progressive topics like 3D printing, digital signage and other sustainable options, the platform proved to be a seamless combination of ideas generated and solutions displayed under one roof.”
Elaborating on the sustainable printing market, Santosh Nair, Country Lead and Category manager – India, HP, expressed, “The regulations will double in three years and industry will have to re-invent with sustainable applications as their option.”
The show also hosted closed door sessions for ‘All India Meet of Flex Manufacturers Association’ and ‘All India Meet of Fabric Manufacturers Association’. With rising awareness about environmental damage, it is high time for manufacturers, suppliers and users to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. The 45th edition of Media Expo promoted and encouraged growing segments and supported green advertising.
