As IIJS Premiere 2025 approaches, Solitaire sits down with Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC, to discuss the overarching vision, key objectives, and exciting new initiatives for this highly anticipated edition.
As we look towards IIJS Premiere 2025, what is the vision for this edition and what are the key objectives that GJEPC has in mind?
The singular vision for IIJS has always been to “make business happen for the industry,” as our tagline suggests. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive platform for all manufacturers, from the smallest to the largest, and similarly, all retailers, to connect and collaborate seamlessly in one place. We strive to organise the show in the easiest possible way, focusing on the quality of retailers and the merchandise. Additionally, we offer insightful training and knowledge sessions like “Innov8 Talks” and networking evenings. It’s a beautiful place to conduct business, and this vision has evolved and grown over the years. This year, IIJS is set to be the biggest ever, with 2100 companies and 3600 stalls – we’ve never had so many booths before.
Could you elaborate on the scale of this year’s show, particularly regarding different sections like colour gemstone, machinery, and the Select Club?
This year marks several milestones. The colour gemstone section is our largest ever, featuring 250 booths. The Select Club, which we initiated to bring together fine and premium jewellers, has also expanded significantly to 313 booths. The machinery show, IGJME, is by far the biggest, with 415 booths. Looking ahead, our vision for the machinery show is quite ambitious. We aim to host the world’s largest machinery and tech event, potentially as early as next year. This might be held a few days before or after IIJS, focusing not just on machines, but also on technology, software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI-based digital solutions. We envision it as a hub where architects for stall design and curators for showcase counters will also be present, making it a one-stop destination for global machinery and technology needs.
Regarding Innov8 Talks and the potential for a Santa Fe Symposium-like event, what are the plans?
This year, as a pilot, Innov8 Talks will be held concurrently in the machinery hall, specifically in the brand-new Hall Number 6 at Nesco. We are creating an Innov8 pad auditorium there for TED-talk style two to three sessions daily over five days. For the next edition, we plan to implement a grander vision, incorporating world pavilions (Italian, Spanish, German, Indian, Chinese) with corresponding culinary experiences. There will be multiple smaller auditoriums hosting sessions, demonstrations, and technology presentations. We are curating a diverse group of participants, with the aim to double the current 400 exhibitors to 800, making it the world’s largest machinery show.
The Brilliant Bharat theme continues with the “Architecture of India” integration. How will this be incorporated into the show experience?
Brilliant Bharat has been incredibly successful in showcasing India’s diversity and offerings to the world, connecting effectively with both exhibitors and visitors. This year’s theme, “Architecture of India”, will be integrated throughout the show, from the entry gates and signboards to the booth layouts. You will see architectural elements highlighting our monuments, temples, and historical architectural achievements. We’ve also encouraged manufacturers to create jewellery based on this theme through a contest. We’ll have a gallery showcasing these pieces and a competition to announce winners in various categories. Our manufacturers are truly innovative, creating exotic products that we believe will be a highlight.
What logistical enhancements and exhibitor/visitor experience improvements can we expect this year?
This year, we are launching the “IIJS Promise”, a significant initiative focused on enhancing the overall experience beyond just business transactions. We’ve addressed pain points to ensure “ease of business”. While we are still finalising the precise commitments, key areas of focus include:
We aim for a seamless experience, with maximum waiting times of 10-15 minutes at peak hours, and 5 minutes otherwise. Shuttles between venues will run every 10 minutes. Bathrooms will be cleaned every 20 minutes, and cafeteria tables will be cleaned immediately after use. Any litter will be promptly removed. We also guarantee that every booth will be 100% ready before exhibitors enter the hall on the first day, eliminating any setup issues.
My team has given me their assurance on these commitments, and I’m announcing this for the first time. Our goal is for exhibitors and visitors to simply come, smile, and focus on their business in a good ambiance with good food, temperature, and cleanliness. We are working hard to deliver on these promises and will add more as we progress.
Can you provide an update on the “One Earth” initiative and other sustainability efforts?
The “One Earth” initiative is performing exceptionally well and has even received recognition from the central government. We have already planted 2.5 lakh trees and expect to plant another 1-1.5 lakh this year, bringing the total to over 4 lakh trees. This initiative goes beyond just carbon neutrality; these trees provide fruits and vegetables to marginalised farmers for 20 years, generating substantial income.
Furthermore, the show will continue to run on green energy. We have eliminated flex banners, opting for digital displays everywhere, including booth design and advertising. We also prioritise recycling, particularly for the approximately 3 million water bottles consumed at each show. We’ve partnered with bottle manufacturers and recyclers to ensure all bottles are collected and reused, minimising environmental pollution. Our aim is to announce within a year a specific date by which IIJS will be completely carbon-neutral, possibly by 2030 or 2032. We are working with consultants to calculate our carbon footprint, including travel emissions, to achieve this goal through tree planting and other initiatives like rain harvesting, etc.
What advice would you offer to new exhibitors and visitors, especially MSMEs and emerging designers, to maximise their experience at IIJS? Are there any GJEPC initiatives to support them?
This year, we’ve introduced smaller, more accessible marketing and digital marketing packages, including sponsorship opportunities, specifically designed for MSMEs, single-booth participants, and emerging designers to help them reach our audience. We also have dedicated, separately made stalls for young, budding designers, and we heavily promote this segment to visitors.
To help companies connect with retailers, we offer various window display options such as backlit displays, stands, and TV screens where even smaller companies can showcase their designs and promotional material. Our networking evening, featuring singing sensation Sonu Nigam this year, provides excellent opportunities for connection and collaboration. Attendees can also benefit from Innov8 Talks and network with experts.
We provide a robust platform, facilitating connections with over 15 international delegations and 3000 international visitors who are easily identifiable on the floor plan. With India’s favourable e-commerce policy, smaller companies can leverage websites and explore export opportunities. GJEPC provides hand-holding support and data. We encourage participation in initiatives like IJEX in Dubai, which has enabled companies to open offices there after gaining experience. Additionally, the InnovNXT seminar is an ideal venue for young entrepreneurs, CEOs, and family jewellers to network in a less busy environment than the main show.
What is your personal message to the industry stakeholders eagerly awaiting IIJS Premiere, and what are you most excited about for this upcoming edition?
In today’s volatile world, with global uncertainties and challenging times for the Indian jewellery industry, IIJS stands out as a shining star. My message is one of optimism: prepare your best products, take full advantage of this platform, and I am confident that everything will begin to look positive and brighter once IIJS starts. We anticipate business worth ₹60,000 crores.
I am most excited about the sheer scale and the opportunities it presents. Do visit the machinery show and all pavilions across our two venues, Nesco and Jio World Convention Centre. The Select Club is substantial, and the machinery and silver sections are now in the new Hall 6 at Nesco. Encourage your production managers, designers, and operations heads to visit the machinery show’s 400+ booths. Start your day early, as there’s an hour’s difference between venues, allowing you to maximise your time. Make use of the pocket guide and online exhibitor details to pre-schedule appointments.
Finally, I strongly encourage everyone to explore SAJEX in Saudi Arabia. Despite current market saturation and dwindling growth in other regions, there’s a significant $5 billion market where India currently has very little stake. Saudi Arabia is a fabled market with immense wealth, and GJEPC, with government and consulate support, can help you navigate it. At SAJEX we already have over 350 booths, a significant increase from the 70-odd booths in our previous IGJS Dubai show, demonstrating the growing interest in the market. We are committed to attracting top retailers from GCC, Northern Africa, Middle East, CIS region, Brazil, and Europe, ensuring a mix of Arab and non-Arab buyers. We are also taking delegations to Saudi Arabia and bringing Middle Eastern designers to India for collaboration and product development. Trust GJEPC; just as you’ve flourished with IIJS, you will flourish with SAJEX as well.