The 2025 edition of Media Expo Mumbai saw a stronger footfall and a broader range of offerings compared to previous years, according to Winston Pereira, executive director of Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India. In an interview with Indian Printer and Publisher on the last day of the expo, Pereira said the event had evolved significantly from being viewed merely as a “print or ink” exhibition.
“Media Expo has become a calendar event for the signage and advertising industry,” he said. “This year, visitors saw much more than just printing machines and inks. One of the key highlights is our car wrap demo ramp.”
Messe Frankfurt aims to position the expo as a comprehensive showcase for the entire ecosystem surrounding print, signage and advertising. While growth has been strong — typically 15-20% annually — Pereira highlighted the continuing absence of Chinese exhibitors for what he said were “obvious reasons.” However, he noted that Indian manufacturers were stepping up to fill the gap, signaling welcome diversification.
Digital OOH signage is gaining urban skyscape
Pereira pointed out that digital signage is expected to be a key growth segment in the advertising and visual communication media sector. “There’s a significant opportunity in this space, especially with growing infrastructure in airports, metros, railways and commercial real estate,” he said. “The digital signage market is currently estimated at over US$ 2 billion, and that could rise to US$ 5 to 6 billion by 2035.”
He said that while digital out-of-home signage is taking off in metro cities, expansion in smaller towns is constrained by power supply issues, though solar energy could help overcome this in the future.
The 2025 edition of the show drew over 135 participants, and the organizers are conservatively projecting more than 15,000 visitors. “There’s a genuine rush this year,” Pereira said. “With no other shows happening simultaneously at Nesco, everyone walking in is here specifically for Media Expo.”
New regional push in Chennai
The company is expanding its footprint with a new edition in Chennai, launching later this year alongside the well-established Print Expo. “The idea is to start small—around 1,500-1,800 square meters with 60-70 exhibitors—and build from there,” Pereira said. “Chennai gives us the chance to provide to the southern market and potentially Sri Lanka as well. It’s a long-term investment, not a short-term push for profits.”
Face-to-face still matters
Commenting on the revival of in-person trade shows post-pandemic, Pereira said the exhibition industry in India had fully recovered. “The bounce-back started in late 2021 with our Delhi edition. That event had fewer exhibitors, but visitor turnout exceeded expectations. By early 2023, we were back on our growth trajectory.”
He dismissed suggestions that virtual events could permanently replace physical trade fairs. “People still want face-to-face interactions. When you are selling large-format machinery or customized solutions, buyers want to see, touch and understand what they’re getting.”
According to Pereira, Media Expo aims to be more than just a space for product display. “Buyers today are looking for end-to-end solutions. Our vision is to make Media Expo a go-to platform for the entire print, signage and advertising ecosystem,” he said.
