‘Trade exhibition is an incomparable issue for trade and economy of a country’

What is the impact of pandemics on the exhibition industry?
Yes, it’s massive. In trade exhibitions, generally, participants or exhibitors join from different parts of the world, mostly from the manufacturing regions. Due to travel restriction and quarantine issues, this exhibition industry has been struggling globally since 2020 after the covid outbreak. Physical exhibitions are extremely interrupted.
We heard that some exhibitions are happening virtually on online platforms. What’s your view on that?
Yes, Some exhibitions are happening virtually. Most trade and export promotion agencies of different countries have been conducting online exhibitions and hunting buyers from different countries. It’s just a contingency plan for some of the organizers to be in touch with the enterprises. But it can never be a replacement for a physical Exhibition. Physical exhibitions are related to manifold dimensions of trade, direct interaction of marketers and buyers, buyers get the scope to know about technologies and innovations coming up. So, online exhibitions couldn’t attain the goal of trade shows fully. But no other alternatives were there. Something is better than nothing.
Though physical exhibitions are already started in different countries international footfall is less. In your view, how can this response be more?
There are some ways to make the shows more impactful. In some countries, hybrid shows are taking place. Those who can’t travel or are not willing to travel can join online. Domestic industries are also a big portion of the trade exhibitions. They can easily participate. And moreover, travel convenience in this pandemic differs from country to country. So, starting up again is very important. Pandemic is a big issue, so the industry will revive slowly for sure.
Though physical exhibitions are already started in different countries international footfall is less. In your view, how can this response be more?
There are some ways to make the shows more impactful. In some countries, hybrid shows are taking place. Those who can’t travel or are not willing to travel can join online. Domestic industries are also a big portion of the trade exhibitions. They can easily participate. And moreover, travel convenience in this pandemic differs from country to country. So, starting up again is very important. Pandemic is a big issue, so the industry will revive slowly for sure.
Will the massive growth of the e-commerce industry supersede exhibitions?
I don’t think so. If it is so then in China Canton fair would have lost its importance after Alibaba came. Rather they supplemented each other. As I told you earlier, the exhibition is all about the direct interaction of marketers and buyers, product & service demonstration, and many more. Moreover in my view, trade exhibition is an incomparable issue for trade and economy of a country.
In your view, what is the most important part of an exhibition?
Visitor footfall. And definitely quality visitors. If visitor footfall is good, both exhibitors and organizers are happy.
Are seminars important in exhibitions?
Yes, definitely. Collocated seminars, knowledge-based sessions, hands-on sessions, conferences boost synergy to the exhibition. Visitors and exhibitors get the scope to learn more about the industry. So, these are very important concurrent activities.
What is your suggestion for the newcomers to this industry?
A solid passion is required to become successful here. It’s all about national & international networks & connectivity and passion to do events efficiently. Those who have an interest in that can enter this industry and possibility is high to do well.