Media Expo Delhi rallies for wide-format

At the 2014 edition of Media Expo, the international exhibition on indoor and outdoor advertising and signage solutions, which was held just after the General Elections, the stakeholders were hopeful about the future of the industry. There were talks about growth in the wide-format segment. There were also talks about new technologies, from flatbed wide-format machines to the use of eco-solvent, dye sublimation and UV, among others. And, there was a hope that after the economic downturn, the mar

31 Jul 2015 | By Dibyajyoti Sarma

The change is visible at Media Expo 2015, which was held on 24-26 July, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The hope for the future has turned into confidence in the market, with machine manufactures offering a wide range of solutions, and converters leaping up to new technologies.
 
Spread across 4,500 sq/m exhibition space, the show hosted over 160 exhibitors from China, Dubai, Japan, Korea, India and Singapore, who showcased their latest products, services and technologies with a special focus on sustainable solutions in printing and signage. The show also highlighted a mix of traditional and digital media.
 
So, what was new?
There was some talk about 3D printing, of course. Also, signage on fabric, as promoted by Colorjet, caught the attention of many a visitors. There were also number of solutions on dye sublimation. Exhibitors also talked about going eco-solvent with their products. However, as PrintWeek India prodded, several manufacturers agreed that for a market like India, where cost is major concern, especially for print buyers, going fully eco-solvent will take time. For this, first and foremost, there has to be an environment guideline from the government.
 
Among other trends, PrintWeek India also noticed how a range of wide-format machines came with multiple printheads, for faster printing. And, there were also talks about digital signage taking over. Yet, the market right now is surging, and it is in the mood for experimentation, where each and every player will have a fair chance. So, we had Indian manufactures competing with their overseas counterparts, even as Chinese manufactures tried their best to woo customers. The future is here.
 
Under the aegis of a new management, the latest Media Expo Delhi was compact and well organised. And, when you see visitors lining up for the exhibition on a Friday morning on the opening day, you know, there is a genuine interest.
 
The 37th edition of the show, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs, was inaugurated by Satyender Jain, cabinet minister for industries, power, health, home and public works department, Government of Delhi. “I had the opportunity to see so many interesting printing and signage displays and solutions, which are not possible to see elsewhere. Media Expo makes it possible for the media and signage industry. I would like more members of my department to visit Media Expo to see these new technologies and products here,” said Jain.
 
Reinforcing the growing importance of exhibition industry in today’s age, he added, “We envision to make Delhi the Frankfurt of Asia and hope that Messe Frankfurt will continue to bring their most premier fairs to the capital.”
 
“As trade fair organisers, we understand the importance of connecting businesses to their target markets. Even as the world goes digital, conventional advertising mediums and face-to-face interaction hold tremendous value,” said Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding. “Bringing the best of this traditional and digital media mix from over 160 companies from India and abroad, Media Expo once again drew attention to what will define the future of signage, printing and marketing across industries.”
 
Also seen at the fair was Jarnail Singh, MLA, Delhi Legislative Assembly, along with printing, signage and advertising industry leaders, including, Venkat, country head, Roland; Bhavna Saluja, marketing head, HP; Gulshan, director, Colorjet, Pradeep Ram, marketing head, Esko Graphics, and Tomohiro, managing director, Mimaki.