An interview with Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman and Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC
In his second innings as Convener of National Exhibitions at GJEPC, Shaunak Parikh, returns at a moment when the industry is pushing for higher efficiency, stronger global engagement, and a visitor experience that keeps pace with an increasingly digital world. Speaking to Solitaire International, he reflects on how IIJS has evolved, what’s new for IIJS Bharat Signature 2026, and the path ahead for India’s biggest jewellery trade platform.
How has the experience changed in your second stint as Convener of National Exhibitions at GJEPC?
IIJS Bharat has grown every single year, not just in scale but in the way it functions. The previous experience helped because I already understood the challenges and opportunities. This time, organising has become smoother and more efficient. My focus remains the same: delivering strong ROI to exhibitors and creating a seamless, intuitive world-class experience for visitors. Everything we do revolves around those two pillars.
When you say IIJS aims to be on par with leading global exhibitions, what does that benchmark stand for?
It’s a mix of quality and scale. India is one of the fastest growing jewellery markets globally, but infrastructure remains our biggest constraint. If we had double the space, we would still fall short. Within what’s available, we’re building the best user experience we can. The refurbished halls at Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) are encouraging, but Mumbai still needs a much larger convention centre. Jio World is a good venue, but it isn’t large enough for our requirements.
Have you planned any curated experiences for visitors at IIJS Bharat Signature?
Visitors should make time for the new Crafts Pavilion in Hall 4 at BEC, which shines a light on India’s heritage jewellery techniques. It will promote Benarasi pink meenakari, tarkashi filigree work, Hupari silver jewellery, and thewa, where 23-karat gold is fused onto glass. Artisans will be conducting live demonstrations throughout the duration of the show. The initiative aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to preserve and promote India’s handcrafted jewellery traditions.
IIJS has consistently been ahead on digital adoption. What innovations debut this year?
Every booth will feature a scannable QR code, so visitors can log enquiries even when exhibitors are occupied. Exhibitors receive a consolidated list for follow-ups, helping them capture potential business they may otherwise miss. The IIJS app now offers enhanced buyer-seller matchmaking, aligning product needs with exhibitor offerings more effectively.
The 3D interactive floor plan gets a major upgrade with real-time navigation. Facial-recognition entry and exit continue to improve as technology advances. Connectivity remains a work in progress, especially at BEC, but upgrades under way should ease that over time.
What new features and services can visitors and exhibitors expect at Signature 2026?
Several structural changes are in place. The Select Club with 100-plus companies moves to the Jasmine Hall. The Silver category shifts to a brand new location at Jio and expands significantly with 88 companies occupying 159 stalls. IGJME continues in Hall 6 with 150-plus exhibitors, and other sections like diamonds and jewellery see added space. We’re also redesigning certain pavilions as product categorisation deepens, making navigation easier for buyers.
How is GJEPC attracting international visitors to this edition?
Exports remain a core mandate, so international promotion is always a priority. We expect over 1,500 overseas visitors from around 60 countries and 12 international delegations. Promotion has been extensive across the Far East, Middle East and Europe, from door-to-door outreach to focused roadshows. Markets like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as Italy and other European centres, remain key growth regions.
What is your reading of the business outlook for Signature 2026, given high gold prices and mixed global demand?
Despite elevated gold rates, the Indian market continues to outperform most countries. While certain global regions are soft, US retail remains steady, and India’s jewellery demand stays strong. As the first major show after the calendar year, Signature becomes a crucial barometer for trends and market sentiment. We’re optimistic about strong outcomes.
With AI influencing every sector, do you see the exhibition format evolving?
AI will enhance the exhibition ecosystem but not redefine it overnight. It will bring efficiency and better user experience, though the technology is still new and changing rapidly. GJEPC has already begun evaluating AI tools for internal use and for member benefits.
What milestones do you envision for Signature over the next couple of years?
Growth depends heavily on physical capacity. BEC’s renovation improves quality, but not the total available area, and the destination now houses multiple non-exhibition elements. Until Mumbai gets a significantly larger venue, expansion will be incremental. Even so, the ambition is to keep refining user experience and efficiency, ensuring Signature remains a trend-setting show.