Nation-building to be the focal point at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2023

– BHUPINDER SINGH

CEO, bauma CONEXPO INDIA

What are the ground factors and objectives behind hosting the 6th edition of the bauma CONEXPO INDIA?

The Government of India is spending $1.4 trillion on infrastructure development during 2019-23, resulting in vibrant demand for advanced construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicles. Construction equipment plays a major role in building time-bound critical infra for the country within budgets. Hence, we are witnessing growing interest and increasing participation from exhibitors to showcase solutions that will surely excite the builder and contractor community in India. Our show features some of the most advanced solutions related to all-around construction sites; mining, extraction, and processing of raw materials; production of building materials; and component and service suppliers. Additionally, North India is the epicentre of infrastructure development in the country today. Therefore, we are hosting the upcoming edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. As one of the largest trade shows in India in this segment, we have earned the industry’s trust in creating a world-class exhibition space where our stakeholders can exchange ideas, align interests, and conduct their business.

Can you describe the progress made by bauma CONEXPO INDIA?

The upcoming edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2023 is bigger compared to our previous editions in terms of exhibitor participation and expected visitor footfalls. bauma CONEXPO INDIA will be held from 31 Jan to 3 Feb 2023 at the India Expo Centre. We are expecting participation from more than 600 exhibitors from 20+ countries, showcasing 10,000+ products and solutions, and drawing more than 50,000 visitors during the four-day event. For the upcoming edition, our project and marketing teams have raised the bar high through extensive promotional activities to attract domestic and international visitors. We are engaging with local equipment buyer communities such as infra developers and contractors of roads, railways, and mining projects through several feet-on-the-street campaigns. We are majorly targeting buyers from smaller geographies where there is an upswing in construction activity. For instance, we are planning the Bharat Nirman Mahotsav, a vehicle that will travel to the Northern territories in UP, Punjab, and Haryana among others. Apart from this, we have planned promotional roadshows across major markets such as Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bangladesh, and Nepal to stimulate visitor footfall. We are certain that these activities will culminate in visitor interest in our show.

What in your view is the importance attached globally to events such as bauma CONEXPO INDIA as we enter the 6th edition? And tell us about its brand value.

The show focuses on heavy vehicles and equipment that have the capability to drive India’s infra-development ambitions. It aims to bring together all the stakeholders and important decision-makers in the construction and infrastructure sector under one roof. Infrastructure development is critical to India’s economic growth story and the world today recognises India as a key investment destination for its capability in developing world-class infrastructure. There is a growing interest among global OEMs to manufacture and source from India. bauma CONEXPO INDIA provides an opportunity for global OEMs to engage meaningfully with the Indian market. Hence, we are witnessing increased participation from international players. The brand bauma CONEXPO INDIA has an international appeal as the show has its roots in Munich and China and partners with one of North America’s largest fairs CONEXPO, organised by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

How different will be this edition from the previous editions of bauma CONEXPO INDIA in terms of programs, trade show practices, facilities, and infrastructure? 

We are offering an exclusive experience to our visitors through live product demos, 20+ knowledge-rich conferences, and business-to-government sessions. bauma CONEXPO INDIA is a vibrant meeting place for exhibitors and visitors. On this front, we are executing 5000+ buyer-seller meetings that would enable meaningful handshakes and unlock business opportunities. This edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA will have a special focus on machinery innovations for the mining sector, especially pertaining to energy efficiency and safety measures. The show will also focus on skill-building initiatives to create quality jobs in the construction equipment space. In this regard, we are collaborating with associations and skill development councils to conduct special training programs, including classroom programs and practical sessions. One of the reasons our exhibitors and visitors are excited about the upcoming edition is its venue. India Expo Centre is particularly suited for a show of this scale involving heavy machinery and high footfall. The location offers good connectivity through public and private transport, adequate parking space, e-charging stations, and the availability of good quality hotels, restaurants, and recreational centres near the exhibition venue. By choosing this venue, we are hoping to create a seamless experience for all our visitors. 

What are the challenges while hosting an event on such a bigger scale and what kind of support are you receiving from various industry stakeholders including the Centre and the State governments?

bauma CONEXPO INDIA returns after four years with innovative products and technologies and there is a flurry of excitement amongst the stakeholders to witness these new technologies first-hand. However, when you execute an event of this scale with heavy machinery as the prime focus, there are operational challenges such as risk assessment and mitigation. We need to detect potential problem areas, identify solutions to prevent them, and put safety measures in place. We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to safety at the site. We will also be having our colleagues from Munich ascertain whether safety and security measures are in place. We are gratified that the upcoming edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA is being endorsed by the Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri. Nitin Gadkari, National Highways Association of India (NHAI) and National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). Apart from these, the show enjoys extensive support from important policy influencers in the Central and State governments, and key industry associations like ICEMA, NAREDCO, Builders’ Association of India (BAI), Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Crane Owners Association of India (COAOI), and Aerial Platform Association of India (APAI) and others.

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