Media Expo 2019: With 17,711 visitors, show records 15% rise in number

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 this edition also saw a sneak peak of the much awaited Media Excellence Awards that will be hosted in 2020.

There was also a paradigm shift in the technological applications displayed at the show, which included growing segments like 3D printing, digital signings, and environmental-friendly alternatives for printing materials and POPs.

Prakash Chopra, senior vice-president, Arrow Digital, said, “As technologies like UV printers are now common in the Indian market, this year, we decided to introduce Massivit 3D printer at Media Expo New Delhi. The 3D concept is popular worldwide and by bringing the product here, we are trying to create a market for this technology. The visitors here are excited and we are sure once it clicks with the buyers, it will start selling in large quantities. This year, our main aim was to create a market for 3D printing and we are happy to get serious enquiries for the same.”

The ban of PVC and flex has clearly created a need for new alternatives that offer environmental benefits without compromising the quality of the brand advertisements. With awareness in the industry, now, 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.”

He added, “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.”

Visitors, on the other hand, were equally pleased to check out new product launches and live demonstrations of 3D printers, letter-cutting machines, water-resistant LED lights, movable digital sigange, and 3D holographic fans.

Focused business visitors were also aware of the new product developments entering the markets and were happy to find the details at the show. With 220 exhibitors, the showfloor had 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 over 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, the number of exhibitors from China has continued to see a positive surge. 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 growing every year.”

The three-day show also had an insightful and interactive workshop that led speakers and delegates to highlight various trends and discuss problems faced by the industry. As the workshops were also based on progressive topics like 3D printing, digital signings 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, said, “The regulations will double in three years and industry will have to re-invent with sustainable applications as their option.”

The show also played an important role in hosting closed-door sessions for All India Meet of Flex Manufacturers Association and All India Meet of Fabric Manufacturers Association, which was attended key decision-makers from the exhibitor and visitors.

With the world being on high alert for environmental damage, it was high time for manufacturers, suppliers and users to adopt alternatives that can contribute to a healthier environment.