Convener, Exhibition (National), GJEPC, reveals his thoughts behind holding the first mega IIJS Premiere physical show from the 15th of September 2021, at BIEC, Bengaluru. “The action has moved to the Garden City, and this is an opportunity for several retailers from the nearby southern states to visit the show for the very first time!
Shailesh Sangani’s conviction matches his actions! His positive attitude and exceptional managerial skills have kept him at the helm of affairs as Organiser-in-Chief of two of GJEPC’s biggest trade shows – IIJS Premiere and IIJS Signature – for several years. In fact, he is one of the longest serving exhibition conveners at GJEPC.
The word ‘impossible’ does not exist in his dictionary. When Covid brought the world down to its knees, last October GJEPC conceived and held the world’s first ever virtual show, which breathed life into the industry that had come to a near standstill. GJEPC has planned the first physical IIJS Premiere since the onset of Covid with an underlying message: the industry must be cautious but continue to evolve during the current times by staying connected through virtual or physical shows to perpetuate growth.
Why was the IIJS Premiere moved to Bengaluru?
This is the first time, India and Asia’s premiere show is moving to a new destination. The decision was taken primarily due to the unavailability of our regular venue, the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, as it has been booked by the State Government until March 2022.
We explored several options in the country and finally decided to hold the show in Bengaluru. The Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) has exceptional infrastructural facilities and can accommodate exhibitors and visitors with enough space to maintain safe social distance.
Why did you feel the need to hold a physical show?
The industry was demanding for a physical show, and during the second virtual show itself, we started getting feelers. The requests from visitors started growing and we couldn’t ignore that.
Holding an in-person show and hosting nearly 1,300 exhibitors at the venue can present a huge challenge, especially since we are still not out of the grip of the pandemic. Above all, the venue has shifted, too. Your thoughts.
I am very confident that there will not be any problems. The trade show will permit entry only to those who are vaccinated at least once! There will also be a mandatory thermal scan and hand sanitisation on entry.
Plus, we have advanced machines to count the number of people entering each hall to ensure that the Government’s social distancing protocol is maintained.
We all must follow the safety and health protocols. If those present at the show are disciplined in their approach to maintain social distance and wear masks all the time, then I am sure it will be a good show without any hitch.
How has the visitor response been so far?
It has been very good! Visitors insisted for a physical show because they were missing the ‘touch and feel’ factor when booking jewellery orders as they are unable to gauge quality, wearabality and functionality of the piece through digital means. Buying decisions were getting a bit difficult and orders could not be placed in bulk.
The IIJS Premiere is being held to help retailers replenish their inventory for the largest jewellery buying festivals such as Dhanteras and Diwali, followed by the wedding season that drives bridal jewellery sales in our country.
Any word of caution for the participants and visitors?
We are still in the midst of Covid, and the problems are far from over. Yet, the show must go on and for that, people need to follow the orders and maintain the strict measures.
Also, the roll-out of vaccinations is moving at a fast pace and by the time we all meet, many of us would already be fully vaccinated. GJEPC will ensure that everyone wears protective masks at all times because it’s the first line of defence.