January-2019-EXHIBITS-Magazine

INTERVIEW: RAVINDER SETHI
Plain and simple exhibition
site management meetings
among all the players on a
daily basis are the answer.
micro challenges for almost all events
today are the very short build-up and
even shorter breakdown periods.
If you have to choose one single
change in the logistics business,
what would that be?
The very short build-up and breakdown
periods are becoming a common
mind-set of exhibition organizers. I
fully appreciate the immense cost the
organizers have to incur to do this;
but it is a great safety risk for us. We
must return to the days of reasonable
build-up and breakdown periods.
Leaving pricing aside, does modern
technology play any role in giving
logistics companies a competitive
edge?
Absolutely! Digitisation and advanced
technologies are becoming an
integral part of the logistics business.
Those who do not adopt it will get left
behind.
What helps you to visualize the
likely challenges that you may
face on-site and prepare better to
mitigate them?
The most important aspect on-site is
coordination between the organisers,
stand fitters, service providers and
exhibitors. It’s important to know that
site management does not start when
build-up starts – it starts several
months in advance.
In my opinion, plain and simple site
management meetings among all
the players on a daily basis are the
answer. You do not need any hightech
digitalised technology for this!
With large multinationals
establishing a large footprint in
India through cloning and M&A,
what does the future hold for
home-grown organisers?
A free economy, deregulation,
growth, and a good infrastructure are
bound to bring in foreign investments.
This applies to every industry and
not just the exhibition vertical. One
sees home-grown, owner-based
organisers going in for joint ventures
and/or outright sales.
At the same time, almost all Indian
product-based association events
are growing immensely. However,
we will still see a mix in the growth of
the home-grown organizers and the
multinationals.
What are the trends you see in the
exhibition industry worldwide?
“Glocalisation” and “Digitisation” are
the buzzwords worldwide. India is
already adopting them.
How do you think IEIA can champion
and advocate the exhibition
industry cause?
IEIA has a twofold objective. On
the home front, we are taking up
industry-focussed issues with various
government bodies. On the global
front, we are ensuring that the face of
India and our industry is projected in a
healthy and positive manner.
I bring to your attention that the
IEIA office bearers are serving on
a voluntary basis, spending a huge
amount of their own time and money.
In my opinion, the biggest change
needed here is that more volunteers
should come forward.
What is the future of face-to-face
events in 10 years from now?
Face-to-face meetings and
handshakes will never fade away, no
matter where digitisation, technology,
and glocalization take us.
How do you keep yourself
motivated to juggle
responsibilities?
My wife, Kiran, and the highly dedicated
and professional colleagues in my
Rogers Family keep me motivated on
a day-to day basis.
What would you say is the ‘mantra’
for your success?
My mantras are: Lead the way and set
the rules; set quality standards for
others to follow; keep pace with the
fast changing digital and technical
revolutions; maintain relationships,
both internally and externally; and
retain our culture and our humility.
JANUARY | 2019
37