Addressing the need for “water conservation” as the current pressing topic for the building technology sector, Messe Frankfurt India’s first digital trade fair - ISH India powered by IPA Virtual Edition showcased 980 products from 48 brands, including 15 live product demonstrations and 6 knowledge sessions. Establishing itself as a focused b2b digital marketplace for buyers and sellers, the platform recorded 2,052 active attendees and serious business meetings over two days.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the spotlight on hygiene and sanitation as key measures for healthy living, changing climatic trends are an approaching threat that urgently need to be addressed with safe, smart, sustainable building technology solutions. The b2b digital trade fair of ISH India powered by IPA brought back the focus on water as a scarce resource and the imperative need for sustainable and water efficient plumbing accessories and sanitation technologies.
The premiere show for plumbing, sanitation, bathroom fitting and water management system marked its virtual launch on 17 – 18 September 2020 showcasing products by industry leaders like Birla HIL Ltd, Aquaviva India Pvt Ltd,Sekisui Speciality Chemicals, Watertec (India) Pct Ltd, Wilo Mather & Platt, Ebara Machinery India Pvt Ltd, Bradford White Water Heaters, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, Zoloto Valves, Brilloca Ltd (HSIL), Astral Pipes among others.
The first-ever virtual edition brought together the plumbing, real estate, architecture and design to discuss efficient usage of water conservation technologies in buildings of the future. The trade fair was officiated by Mr Avinash Mishra, Adviser, (Water & Land Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Panchayati Raj, Tourism, Culture, Law & Justice, I&B) NITI Aayog, Government of India together with the National presidents of the Indian Plumbing Association, CREDAI-MCHI, Institute of Indian Interior designers (IIID).
Elaborating on the steps taken in the real estate sector, Mr Deepak Garodia, President CREDAI MCHI said: “Sewage treatment plants and recycling of water is our major concern. Every project above 20,000 sq feet has a sewage treatment plant (STP) that recycles water to use in flushes, gardens and car washes. Although conservation of water is not easy, we are doing our bit by educating our consumers about the latest technologies available in the market to use water more efficiently.”
Highlighting the need for strong policies, Ms Jabeen Zacharias, President, IIID stated: “Being an architect, we have to balance between a customer’s demands and the need for water conservation. To make this a uniformed practise we need to institutionalise strong policies that highlight the importance of water as a resource. Once these policies are in place, builders, architects and associations can enforce it.”
Talking about the importance of right plumbing in any construction project, Mr Gurmit Singh Arora, President, Indian Plumbing Association said: “The plumbing industry today is pegged at INR 5 Lakh Crores in India. The corona virus onslaught has brought in an increase in the water demands with requirements of frequent hand washing, disinfection and hygiene. With water supply already facing acute shortage, this brings about a necessity for the construction industry to focus on reduction in use of water resource and enhance water supply by methods like rain water harvesting and waste water management. Right plumbing mechanisms not only supplies fresh water but also takes away your waste water in a hygienic way.”
The online edition of the show reflected the paradigm shift witnessed by the industry with the live demo feature demonstrating smart and efficient technologies. The busy digital market place enabled exhibitors and visitors to create a total of 4,650 contacts with 215 e-meetings scheduled and 175 business calls made. A series of 6 knowledge sessions covering the fundamentals of design and materials used in buildings and its interiors, touched upon important topics such as waste water matters and sustainable luxury attracting 532 attendees.
Although the current restrictions in the country have slowed down business sectors, the positive response received by ISH India powered by IPA Virtual Edition proves that industries are back to business and ready to network and continue trade conversations seriously. Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd shared: “The digital wave swept us into unchartered waters – and while the virtual trade fair was something very new and exciting for us, we knew we had to be equally focused on delivering business value to our exhibitors. The feedback from our customers has re-instilled confidence, both, in the trade fair brand and the need for a virtual platform for business to continue in any given situation. We now aim to strengthen these virtual connections and turn them into face-to-face business encounters through our physical edition of ISH India powered by IPA exhibition in May 2021.” ISH India powered by IPA will take place on 20 – 22 May 2021 at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai.
