August 13, 2025

Get ready, India’s exhibitions industry is gearing up for a blockbuster growth phase! Sooraj Dhawan, President of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), revealed at the India Expo Shop 2025 event that revenues are expected to double within three years. This massive jump means big opportunities, but also a call for a speedy and smart supply chain. Speaking at the event organised by the Indian Exhibitions, Conferences & Events Services Association (IESA), Dhawan said the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) market is a whopping $870 billion and will boom to $1.5 trillion by 2030. With India only holding less than 5% of this giant pie, there's a goldmine waiting to be grabbed! But there’s a catch. Dhawan outlined five must-haves for this growth to happen: "adopting technology to work ten times faster without losing human creativity, building sustainable and innovative infrastructure, developing venues beyond metros, upskilling our workforce to global efficiency levels, and embracing sustainability as a non-negotiable." Sustainability isn’t just fancy talk. Ashish Jain, Founder of the Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA), reminded everyone, "Sustainability at exhibitions is not just about today, it’s about the world we pass on to the next generation." His message is clear: events need smart waste management, carbon footprint cutting, and eco-friendly materials to protect our planet long term. Skilling is another hot topic. Sonia Prashar, Managing Director & Chairperson of NürnbergMesse India, stressed, "Skilling should be close to everyone’s heart, not just a select few." She praised the efforts by IESA and IEIA but called for stronger industry standards, policies on health and safety, and the use of sustainable materials. "To truly transform, we must create Centers of Excellence across regions, starting small but building steadily," she added. Plus, businesses earning profits now should use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to fuel this growth. Technology is weaving magic too. Punit Jhaveri of LUCKY-TECH Membranes noted that over 60% of event organizers now pick eco-friendly materials. Their secret weapons? Lightweight, reusable fabrics with leak-proof welding and smart automated cutting tools — making events both green and grand! Wrapping up with lots of enthusiasm, Jatinder Kapur, President of IESA said, "India Expo Shop 2025 demonstrates the scale and ambition of India’s MICE sector, a market poised to cross $100 billion by 2030. With over 35,000 corporate events taking place each year, this year’s edition is especially significant as it brings the industry together at a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity." So, hold tight! The Indian exhibitions industry is on the launchpad, ready to zoom into a future full of innovation, sustainability, and skillful talent.

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Tags: Indian exhibitions industry, Mice industry, Sustainability, Technology, Skill development, India expo shop 2025,