IIPPF 2013: all set to make a mark

To be held from August 6-9, 2013, the debut show of India International Printing & Packaging Fair (IIPPF) 2013, is all set to open its doors. Organised by ITPO, the nodal agency of the Government of India for promoting the country’s external trade, the show is poised to mark its presence in this segment. Here, Rita Menon, chairperson and managing director, ITPO shares about their plans for this annual show, in conversation with Varsha Verma. The backdrop…

“With huge developments taking place in the printing industry, which is valued at US$12 billion and is growing 12 percent annually, and with the immense focus on the packaging industry valued at US$ 14 billion and growing at 15 percent annually, IIPPF 2013 is the calculated and determined debut of ITPO in this segment,” started off Rita Menon, the dynamic chairperson & managing director of ITPO. “Besides, there are more than 8,000 periodicals being brought out in India which are definitive out put of print industry. The printing industry is witnessing rapid technological innovations.”

The aim…

Rita MenonITPO has always been in the forefront for playing a proactive role in catalysing trade, investment and technology transfer processes. “We are committed to promote entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurs in their efforts to provide employment and boost economic growth at their own levels. The printing and packaging industry has seen many entrepreneurs and it is a labour-intensive industry,” explained Rita.

“Infact, ITPO has supported a generation of entrepreneurs and with IIPPF we wish to take it further,” added Prabhat Chandra Sharma, general manager, ITPO, who was also present in the conversation.

The USPs…

“IIPPF 2013 has a unique proposition, as we are organizing the show to facilitate interaction between the exhibitors and the visitors. This is our avowed aim and is critically important for the small scale and medium scale sector in India. Besides, the show is being held at the most convenient and centrally located venue – Pragati Maidan, which is well connected by public transport including the Metro Rail, apart from abundant parking space, etc. The exhibitor space is attractively priced at Rs 4,000 per sq m for bare area and Rs 5,000 per sq m under shell scheme,” informed Rita.

The expanse…

The show will be held in Halls 10 & 11 and Rita hopes that they would be able to cover nearly 6,000 sq m of space, attracting around 100 exhibitors. “Over 300 visitors have already registered for the show on our website,” she added.

Industry support…

ITPO has received support from the Delhi Printers’ Association (DPA), who are knowledge partners as well as from the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), who are the conference partners of the show. Besides, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is also supporting the show.

“DPA is helping us in promoting the show with its own channels, creating awareness in the industry through their newsletters, helping in organizing road shows at different locations, etc. While, PHDCCI has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing seminars on various relevant subjects. The event will help the industry brainstorm amongst itself and also suggest policy initiatives for the consideration of the government,” told Rita.

Marketing initiatives…

ITPO is leaving no stone upturned to popularize the show, be it print/electronic media, B2B portals, road shows, newsletters, etc. Road shows have been planned at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Faridabad/Delhi, Karnal etc, besides the regular media vehicles like press advertisements, e-mailers, direct mailers, telemarketing, etc. “We are also planning to release TV spots on major channels as also the radio spots on FM radio,” added Rita.

Besides, DPA and ITPO are conceptualizing an ‘Excellence in Printing Awards’ which would generate a lot of interest in the industry. There would be three prizes for best display as well.” We will also give an evaluation form to exhibitors to give us feedback to improve our show further,” she added.

On competition…

Asking about the competition faced from other printing shows, Rita confidently replied, “In a world dominated by competition, there is a room for whole lot of initiatives. We deliver a potpourri of experience which is unmatched and have effective partners to make each event a world-class one. There is so much entrepreneurship and talent available across the industry and we wish to give them a boost. We are fairly confident that IIPPF would make a place for itself.”

“ITPO is committed to make IIPPF the largest printing and packaging show in India while facilitating the industry to keep its costs of promotion very affordable. We are also trying to bring in some renowned brands in India to partner with ITPO. We welcome all to come and enjoy this show,” concluded Rita.