“Print is not dying, its only evolving and changing its from”

The exhibition was a huge success even though with drupa 2024 round the corner. The registration counters were completely crowded though we had over 20 kiosks in both the halls. Online registration was over 27,000 and unique visitors more than 38,000 i.e. almost 20% more than 2023. Feedback from all the exhibitors was overwhelming as business was happening beyond their expectations.

Pamex 2024 was back after 11 months since its earlier show in 2023, the result was beyond expectation in terms of the exhibitors, the footfalls and the business done by most of the exhibitors. Here, Tushar Dhote, Chairman, PAMEX 2024, shares more.

P&P: What were the major highlights of PAMEX 2024?

Tushar: The highlight of the show was definitely the flow and the design of the exhibition, which had the mix of technology, equipment and consumables spread in all the verticals, be it the conventional print, labels, digital, flexible and post press. Over 750 machines were running live in the two halls at all times. Pamex 2004 literally had all that was needed for the Small, Medium and the Large Printers. The innovation Pavillion provided a glimpse to the future of print.

P&P: How was the experience at Innovation Pavilion?

Tushar: Well it was at a very Nascent stage, but provided with the Glimpse to the Future of Print. It was well received by the interested few as it was not showcasing equipment, but just sharing of knowledge. In the four days sessions, we had over 500 visitor delegates at the conference. Next time we might add a few more activities to make it more interesting.

P&P: What were the major successes of the event?

Tushar: The exhibition was a huge success even though with drupa 2024 round the corner, The registration counters were completely crowded though we had over 20 kiosks in both the halls. Online registration was over 27,000 and unique visitors more than 38,000 i.e. almost 20% more than 2023. Feedback from all the exhibitors was overwhelming as business was happening beyond their expectations. I feel the real success of Pamex 2024 was that it now had become a brand and printers were looking forward to join in once again with huge numbers. Also I feel the marketing strategy going for digital marketing and other means of reaching printers like branding on buses all over the country and even having a jingle on FM in Mumbai and some parts of Maharashtra was one of the reasons for reaching out to the nook and corner of India where roadshows would not be possible.

P&P: Were there any specific challenges faced during the planning and execution of the expo?

Tushar: Challenges were plenty, mainly due to time constraints as there was only 11 months gap between the last two exhibitions. Moreover getting bigger exhibitors who were participating at drupa this year was a real issue, many reduced their stall areas very near to the exhibition or even backed out at the very fag end of the show. Fortunately there were many new exhibitors who filled in the spaces and that saved the day.

P&P: How many visitors attended the show and what was the general feedback from attendees regarding the event?

Tushar: As said earlier there were more than 38000 unique visitors and more than 27000 online registrations received till a day before the exhibition opened. The feedback was fantastic from the visitors as well as exhibitors. The crowd on day 2 was so huge that the cafes and caterers were out of food, which left the visitors no choice but to go to nearby restaurants for food.

P&P: What are the envisioned plans for PAMEX 2026?

Tushar: Well the success at Pamex 2024 saw our advance bookings almost 70% blocked, it explains that now because of the brand that Pamex has attained since it came to Mumbai in 2015 has changed every exhibitor’s view and now there is a fear of missing out. The testimonials says it all. Even the most critics had to finally accept that Pamex today delivers what it promises.

P&P: Can you elaborate on the theme “Future is Eco-tech” planned for PAMEX 2026?

Tushar: As the world is moving towards more sustainable solutions, so is print and we as a Team saw it coming and hence the Tag line “Future is Eco-Tech”. The contemporary children and our future business owners are very particular to the environment and will go any length to support the cause of Saving the Earth.

We have yet to plan our strategy and how we should carry the theme forward till the exhibition opens in 2026.

P&P: Anything else you would like to share or comment on?

Tushar: I will certainly like to say that Print is not dead or dying, its only evolving and changing its from. Technology will be the front driver to the print and early adopters and innovators, will be the future leaders in print. Exhibitions such as Pamex provide the knowledge and the experience first-hand. It’s a never to miss opportunity for today’s Printer.