In talk with IPAMA President Mr.Rakesh Sodhi as the industry’s wait ends with the arrival of 15th edition of the grand PRINTPACK India 2022.
Due to COVID-19 and the lockdowns imposed by the respective State Governments during the last two years, the 15th PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition had to be postponed on two different occasions, after conducting a survey and also taking into account, the recommendations of the Exhibitors, Business Visitors, Partner Associations and all other concerned parties. “The 15th PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition has received overwhelming response from the Trade and Industry for participation,” says Rakesh Sodhi, President, IPAMA (Indian Printing Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association). During the 14th edition of the Exhibition, which was organised at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida from February 01-06, 2019, a total display area of 24,500 was booked by the Exhibitors. However, the current edition has already crossed this figure. The total space for this Edition will be around 25,500 Sqms. This shows that the industry was desperately waiting for this premier Show for the last more than two years. Besides there are many companies that have been kept in the waiting list due to non-availability of space and may get accommodated should there be any cancellations. “With all this we can see the craze and importance of PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition amongst the Trade and Industry,” observes Mr.Sodhi.
The key attractions
The preparations for the current Event are on the right track. The Works Manual which contains the guidelines for the Exhibitors and Business Visitors have been uploaded on both the Websites of the Association for the information of all concerned. Explaining the preparations, Mr.Sodhi says, “The Service providers have already been selected for executing various works relating to the Exhibition. We have also made arrangements for arrangement of meetings between the Exhibitors & the Business Visitors Online. We have also made arrangements for placing of orders for additional services by Exhibitors directly on the Services providers Online. We have earmarked the Halls segment-wise, keeping in view the convenience of the Exhibitors and the Business Visitors. For the first time, we have included some more segments of the Graphic Arts Industry in the Exhibition profile. During the current edition, apart from display of latest technology, latest models of machinery and related products, Conferences and Seminars will also be organised by a number of Associations/ Organisations. The Exhibitors, Visitors and associate Partners can also attend such programmes. All necessary arrangements for the Inauguration Ceremony have already been finalised.”
The net display area for the current Edition is 25,500 Sqms which was 24, 500 Sqms during the 14th PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition. There will be around 450 Exhibitors (the exact number of Exhibitors will be known only in the first week of May, 2022).
During the 14th Edition, a record number of 90,720 Business Visitors including a good number of them from 82 different countries visited the exhibition. This year the presence of foreign Visitors may be a bit less due to COVID-19 and other related factors. Online registration of visitors is on. “We have sent invitations to Asia Print and Global Print Member countries for visiting the Exhibition. We have also sent invitations to the affiliate Associations of AIFMP, Partner Associations and related organisations for attending the Exhibition. Some of the Business Visitors from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE etc., have already confirmed participation at the Exhibition,” informs Mr.Sodhi who is expecting an encouraging number of Business Visitors at the exhibition. Besides, keeping in view the response from the Trade and Industry and the number of Exhibitors participating in the Exhibition, the business results should also be encouraging.
There was severe impact of COVID-19 on the industrial operations in the country during the last two years. Hit by economic crisis, supply, demand, material shortage and similar issues, most of the industry segments suffered saving for a few that managed to move. The industry suffered much in investment decisions too lately. Consequently, it affected the general employability of the industry. “The industry has suffered a lot as far as the investment is concerned,” observes Mr.Sodhi. “It has also affected the general employability of the industry. Due to closure of industrial operations in the country, there was a large-scale exodus of labour force. However, in spite of all odds and problems, the Industry is now returning to normalcy at a much faster speed,” he assures.
Offerings by the Greater Noida venue for the exhibitors and visitors
The Greater Noida venue is equipped with all the modern facilities for organising international events, conferences, exhibitions etc. There are a sufficient number of Hotels around the venue. Markets for meeting the requirements of the Exhibitors and Business Visitors are also within a radius of 2 to 5 Kms. The venue is well connected by Road, Metro, Rail and Air.
Keeping in view the record number of Business Visitors visiting the previous edition (90,720 including those from 82 countries), IPAMA has made elaborate arrangements to provide Hotel Accommodation and pick-up and drop facility to the invitees of Asia Print and Global Print member countries on complimentary basis. All other foreign visitors will be provided complimentary pick-up and drop-facilities in case they come in groups of 20 and more.
Speaking about the hot May, Mr.Sodhi confirms, “The climate during May will be 40 plus in the entire Delhi NCR. In spite of the hot season, the 15th edition will set new landmarks in many respects, including space booking.”
Packaging, Digital Technology and Digital Printing machines will be the key attraction for PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition and we would see them significantly influence the future course of the industry.
The role of IPAMA President is challenging which requires coordination between the Members, Government agencies and Trade & Industry. After Mr.Rakesh Sodhi’s nomination as President, a number of policy decisions have been taken relating to PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition and the day-to-day functioning of the Association. Apart from this, IPAMA is also in the process of forming a Federation of the Graphic Arts Industry so that the difficulties being faced by the industry can be taken up with the Government Agencies in a more effective manner. IPAMA is also in the process of setting up of a Lab in IPAMA premises. “On receipt of the Project report, further action will be taken,” discloses Mr.Sodhi.
During the recent few months a number of Exhibitions/Shows have been successfully organised in different States, including in Pragati Maidan Exhibition Complex. “IPAMA representatives had, in the last 2 / 3 months, have attended a number of Exhibitions/Events for promoting PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition. IPAMA Teams not only interacted with the Exhibitors and the Business Visitors but also invited them to visit the Exhibition. The situation is upbeat. We have been encouraged by the recently organised Exhibitions/Business Meets in different parts of the country. I strongly believe that 15th PRINTPACK INDIA Exhibition will break some of its previous records, particularly in space booking,” declares Mr.Sodhi.
“For the first time, IPAMA has included some new segments of the Graphic Arts Industry in the Exhibition profile. Each Hall has been earmarked segment-wise for display purposes. This has been appreciated by the representatives of Trade and Industry, Exhibitors and Business Visitors,” he adds.
Government’s support for the growth of the industry is always crucial. Though IPAMA has not asked for any Government support in organising the 15th PRINTPACK Exhibition, however, DC, MSME will be reimbursing space charges for 15 Sqms to the MSME Units participating in the Exhibition.
Three Conferences have already been finalised which will be organised by different Associations during the Exhibition. These are related to Ink, Label and International relations.
The 15th PRINTPACK INDIA is going to be a grand showcase of five days. “Keeping in view the present conditions and the demand of the Trade and Industry, the five-day exhibition is enough,” perceives Mr.Sodhi. Regarding preparations, the Members of the Governing Council and the Exhibition Committee are monitoring each and every item personally or under their direct supervision relating to the Exhibition. The Minute-to-Minute programme are being finalized; arrangements have been made for conducting smooth meetings between the Exhibitors and the Business Visitors Online. The Exhibitors can also place orders Online for additional services. The Registration Service provider has also been finalised. Special arrangements have been made for Parking of the Vehicles of the Exhibitors, Business Visitors, Special Invitees and VIPs. There are many such services which the interested people can know by contacting the organizers or visiting the exhibition website.
Mr.Sodhi concludes with this message for the exhibitors and visitors: “I would like to say one thing to the Exhibitors: Please display maximum range of your products. And to the Visitors: Please do online registration for hassle-free entry and witness the India’s biggest Exhibition.”
