With steadily declining active cases coupled with world’s largest vaccination program underway in India, yet another positive development shaped up with the Government of India lifting off sanctions on all kinds of exhibitions. And as it has also started exporting vaccines to many other countries, India surely is a bright ray of hope for the world. Aero India 2021will mark the beginning of first major B2G exhibition since COVID in India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the upcoming Aero India show is billed as the ‘Runway to a Billion Opportunities’. The 13th Aero India, to be held from February 3 to 5 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru will be hosted in a Hybrid format.
This edition of Aero India will promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative and here we take the opportunity to catch up with someone who has made it big in the exhibition industry by staying firmly fixed to his roots and promoting India strongly in his journey. He is also someone who has a rich legacy of working with the Aero India show and we catch up with him amidst his top-notch preparations for the 13th edition of the show.
Exhibition Showcase talks to Ravinder Sethi, CMD, RE Rogers India, as he waits at the airport for his flight to Bengaluru. He tells us that R.E. Rogers India are again sole appointed for Aero India in 2021. More importantly, he says “Aero India is the first global exhibition to reopen in India and R.E. Rogers are a critical part of this reopening process. Aero India 2021 sends a powerful message to the local and global industry – Indian exhibition industry has reopened. HISTORY IS IN THE MAKING !!” On being asked about his reaction to Government’s recent announcements, he says, “Reopening of India’s exhibition industry is the biggest achievement in our 35 years history. Build-up has started and we’re full of emotions to be back in the midst of boxes, containers, forklifts, and cranes.
On being inquired about the safety protocols, he says, “needless to say, the organizers and all the stakeholders are abiding by the strictest Covid protocols for the event.” Ravinder shared that their company has been associated with the Aero India show since its very inception – an impressive feat indeed!
On being asked about his memories of the early days, he shares, “In the early days, the organizers (Ministry of Defence) and the venue (Air Force base) had no clue of the exhibition industry and this was a huge challenge. Kudos to them for mastering our know how so fast and becoming one of the very best today. Air and defence shows are unique, requiring huge operational coordination where more than the volumes, it’s also the very sensitive nature of the products being handled which needs attention. I have some really fond memories and lifetime learnings working with this show.” Soon after, as Ravinder hurried to catch his flight to the show site, we were left inspired by the hope of resuming of physical shows once again – a sight that all of the industry professionals are so in love with!
Exhibitions Are Back To Foster Business & Trade
