The Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show (IFJAS), in its first-ever virtual edition, proved to be an ideal podium that brought together buyers and exhibitors on the same ground. In a conversation with ExhiBits, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, DG, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, talks about the virtual edition, overall experience and the Council's future strategy. 

Thank you for the wishes and yes, the first virtual fair on Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories show (IFJAS) concluded successfully with the visitation of 1200 overseas importers from about 81 countries besides 500 buying agents, wholesalers and retailers. More than 200 member exporters of fashion jewellery & accessories participated in the show from across the country on the virtual platform reaffirming their faith in EPCH’s ability to provide a viable alternative marketing platform to the exporters. 

 

Also, during the virtual event models displayed fashion jewellery and accessories of Mir Handicrafts, Beads Kingdom, Ahuja International, QTL Exports, Sardar Exports, Maharana of India, G.K. Exports and also Buying Agents Association of India. 

 

The last day of the show remained hectic with ramp shows, webinars and 'Ajay Shankar Memorial Awards' held on the best virtual stands set up by the participants.

 

With an attempt to recreate the experience for the visitors in terms of networking opportunities and physical interactions that is similar to live events, the virtual fair on IFJAS wrapped on a satisfactory note. Serious inquiries worth Rs. 150 crores were generated. The first edition of the virtual fair has been a great learning experience for everyone, including exhibitors, buyers and organisers and will surely guide us in organizing more virtual shows in the future. 

While accepting the 'new normal', I believe that the virtual format has indeed helped in rowing through the difficult times and it can be considered as a regular event format to encourage industry networking and engagement during this crisis, however, it cannot be recognised as a long-term option.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled everyone to maintain distance and stay away from any sort of physical interaction, the digital platform is playing a pivotal role and helping the industry to stay in touch and transact businesses. 

Looking at the importance of digital platforms, EPCH will be organising series of fairs, including virtual shows on 'IHGF-Textiles' to be held from June 15 – 18, 2020 and the 49th edition of 'IHGF Delhi Fair' - Virtual '2020 to be held from July 13 – 18, 2020. EPCH will also encourage many more exporters to come on-board on the virtual platform, thus, paving a way for holding successful future events. It is expected that going by the successful organisation of the first edition of the virtual show, a large number of member exporters of the Council will be participating in the upcoming shows.

Though the economic conditions have worsened, a slow and steady re-opening of business with the acceptance of 'new normal' in the coming quarters will surely see the rising curve. To curb the occurred losses innovative solutions and new business dimensions will play a crucial role.

There is no denying to the fact that our trade fair industry, being a face-to-face sector, is among the worst-hit in this pandemic. Due to Covid-19, the global exhibition industry has seen significant damage with nearly 10,000 trade fairs being affected and India is not spared from this. However, every crisis has a silver lining. Exhibitions are vital business platforms for rebooting the Indian economy sustainably and efficiently. They are the platform for innovation and negotiating partners. Moreover, they act as the backbone for the MSME sector, which contributes 29% of the GDP. 

With the Government initiatives like PM’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' - a post-pandemic financial package of Rs 20 lakh crore, and Finance Minister unveiling a major booster dose that will entail 16 broad measures for MSME’s, including Rs 3 lakh crore worth of collateral-free automatic loans for businesses, the economy is expected to improve.

Since exhibitions can act as a catalyst for economic growth, they can be promoted as an "industrial visitors gathering' rather than 'mass gathering' with foolproof event proactive and cautionary measures.

Truly, technology has been a saviour! Things like video mapping, spatial augmented reality, and event apps that give visitors a better plan to visit the venue and reduce unnecessary social interaction, and crowd control screenings devices and artificial intelligence like advanced technology will help in maintaining social distancing, and at the same time enhance the exhibiting experience.

Apart from this, the combined efforts of all industries like the tourism industry, which is all set to promote domestic travel targeting short distance travel to beat the 'lockdown fatigue' and the efforts of the entire MICE industry along with the initiatives taken from each end of the supply chain will re-boost the economy.