Mumbai editions of Gartex & Screen Print pushed ahead

On account of the
developments around the COVID-19 vaccine roll out plan which has seen jumbo
covid care centres doubling up as vaccination centres, trade fairs scheduled at
the Bombay Exhibition Centre in March have been pushed ahead. Currently in
discussion with venue authorities, the organisers intend to announce new dates
for the Mumbai editions of Gartex Texprocess India and Screen Print India in
the coming weeks. The Delhi edition continues to be on schedule for the two
fairs.

 

With the rapid roll-out of
vaccines in India’s fight against COVID-19, business sentiment in 2021 is
upbeat together with enhanced resumption of economic activities. However, in
preparation for the upcoming vaccination drives, mega facilities such as NESCO
(Bombay Exhibition Centre, in Goregaon) is expected to be restructured as a
state-run vaccination centre. This makes the venue inaccessible for large-scale
trade shows in the month of March. In view of the recent developments, the
organisers – Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt
Ltd, have had to act swiftly to reschedule the launch of its upcoming fair
Gartex Texprocess India which was scheduled to open its doors in Mumbai, this
March.

 

Messe Frankfurt India
additionally shared that the Mumbai edition of Screen Print India will also be
rescheduled. As companies gear up for business revival, the organisers shared
that a final decision will be taken in consultation with venue operators to
host the show in the first half of the year, as soon as the venue is made
safely accessible.

 

Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe
Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd: “With positivity returning in the trade community amidst
the positive news of the vaccine roll out, our goal ahead is clear – to create
a safe and conducive environment for business exchange. We’re working in close
co-operation with venue authorities and service providers on next steps to
implement a comprehensive safety concept, under the ‘MFISafeConnect’
standards.”

 

Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd added: “With the start of
local vaccination drives and gradual scaling back of lockdown, we see
confidence returning in the market. Gartex Texprocess India will be a catalyst
in the recovery of trade momentum for this sector and its new hybrid format
will go a step ahead to ensure onsite exhibitors can increase their product and
brand exposure and match with potential clients through their digital presence.
We are glad to have the support from the industry and our exhibitors who’s
interests are at the center of this decision; and our efforts are now focused
on finalising the dates and meeting the safety imperatives.” 

 

Exhibitions: A shot in the arm for business revival

 

While 2020 has undoubtedly
been a challenging year bringing economic activity to a near standstill, there
is a clear indication of optimism among India companies with news of
vaccination drives starting locally. Re-starting the business year under the
new normal, the 2021 edition of the fairs will undoubtedly be marked in trade
calendars as three days of face-to-face business networking – for meeting
buyers and suppliers in-person, closing deals and sourcing solutions for the
‘new normal’ demand.

 

“As the Indian economy
gears up for the ‘big business reset’, the exhibition industry is ready to
provide a shot in the arm to businesses by bringing buyers and sellers back
together to revive trade discussions.” added Manek. Through Gartex Texprocess India’s
new hybrid format and its co-location with the premier fair for screen,
textile, sublimation and digital printing technologies – Screen Print India,
the platform aims to bring the entire textile value chain together and will be
of key business significance for the textile and printing sectors.

 

Delhi editions on schedule

 

Slated to take place in
the second half of the year, the Delhi edition of the two fairs continue to be
on schedule from 6 – 8 August 2021 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The targeted
business matchmaking through the integrated virtual and physical formats,
together with the MFISafeConnect standards will enhance the exhibition
experience and make the fairs a “crucial meeting point” in 2021.