- Igor Palka, CEO, bC Expo India

bC India (now BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA) started with a brilliant first edition in 2011 and has grown to be recognised as a brand, strengthening its reputation among exhibitors and visitors alike. Calling it the feast of the Indian construction industry, Igor Palka, CEO, bC Expo India, shares more in conversation with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN and SERAPHINA D´SOUZA.

What are the unique attractions one can expect at the expo this year?
The attractions are definitely the unique equipment and new developments our exhibitors are showcasing - in terms of new technologies, product launches and unveiling of machine lines - that are the most attractive crowd-pullers. And, of course, we wanted more value-adds for exhibitors and visitors.

So besides the new venue in Gurgaon, which is a positive development in itself, there is high interest in the accompanying programme with conferences and awards happening for the first time, where topics such as financing models, skill development and the future roadmap of the industry will be discussed. Additionally, for the first time, we will be setting up the demonstration area, which will show construction equipment live in action, in a way that cannot be presented at the individual exhibitor stall. This will be all surrounded by smaller attractions.

With an enhanced focus on India in terms of ease of doing business, what response have you received from international countries in terms of participation?
With our globally known brands - BAUMA and CONEXPO - we always receive a huge international response and the interest of exhibiting in India remains high. In fact, 45 per cent of our exhibitors are from outside India; even the 55 per cent on the Indian side included companies with headquarters outside the country.

We will have country pavilions from China, Italy, Spain, Germany, the US and Canada; in total, we will welcome 26 or more countries at our international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles.

As an organiser, how would you position BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA as a platform for exhibitors and visitors?
It is a mix of everything; for each customer, there may be a different reason to participate in the fair. The world knows BAUMA and CONEXPO, and so does the Indian subcontinent when it comes to construction equipment. Companies will, of course, utilise the trade fair for branding, to generate new leads all over India, showcase their newest product launches to an untapped audience and generate business contacts, which, eventually after a particular timeframe, will translate into a sale. So, it is definitely a platform where business is happening.

With North India being one of the prime zones, how does the location of the expo serve strategically as a networking platform for the entire construction sector?
We decided to move to Delhi after having the first two shows in Mumbai; these cities naturally attract business and government representatives. Especially as the North did not have such a platform for the infrastructure sector, it was the right choice. Plus we have the chance to expand with our trade fair space wise. The new location is centrally located, and gives exhibitors and visitors the chance to combine business trips with a visit to the trade fair.

It is well connected via the metro and is near to the airport and many hotels. We are definitely not attracting only northern contractors and builders but would like to see visitors from the west, south, east and northeast, coming to Delhi to celebrate with us the feast of the Indian construction industry.