Interview with Messe Stuttgart India’s MD & CEO Sachin Patil
It’s a grand entry of another German Organiser Messe Stuttgart in India, with 3 Shows on the horizon. The Associate Editor speaks with Sachin Patil, MD and CEO India in this exclusive interview for TFT.
Can you share your professional journey in the exhibition industry, and how it led you to your current role as CEO and MD of Messe Stuttgart India?
My professional journey in the exhibition industry has been both enriching and rewarding, culminating in my current role as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Stuttgart India Pvt. Ltd.
Messe Stuttgart India is a distinguished subsidiary of Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH, renowned for curating and organizing world-class events that bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders across various sectors. My association with Messe Stuttgart began as the Official Representative in India, where I was able to establish a deep understanding of the exhibition industry’s dynamics and unearth its potential in the Indian market.
Drawing upon my extensive 18-year tenure in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of shaping this crucial leadership position through my roles at Messe Düsseldorf India, India Art Fair, Bloomberg TV India, and Reliance Broadcast Network.
My professional journey has been marked by a commitment to creating intellectual properties, orchestrating successful preliminary launches, shaping corporate strategies, and driving business development endeavours.
In my new role, I am honoured and excited to lead Messe Stuttgart India. My vision is to further elevate our position as trailblazer in the Indian trade fair and exhibition industry. Through strategic collaborations, innovation, and a keen focus on value creation, we aim to create impactful platforms that connect industries, drive growth, and foster meaningful partnerships.
Can you tell us about Messe Stuttgart’s vision for its presence in India and what the three shows represent?
Messe Stuttgart is committed to becoming a key player in the Indian trade fair and exhibition industry. Our vision is to create vibrant and influential platforms that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth across various sectors.
The launch of these three major shows, MOLDEX India, FASTNEX, and LogiMAT India, signifies our dedication to facilitating meaningful interactions within the moulding, fastener and fixing, and logistics industries. We aspire to foster the expansion of enterprises and industries, making a meaningful contribution to the nation’s economy by means of our trade fairs and exhibitions.
I’m enthusiastic about Messe Stuttgart India’s future. With the backing of our parent company’s remarkable 80-year legacy in the global trade fair and exhibition industry and the dedication of our India team, I am confident that we will revolutionise India’s trade fair and exhibition landscape, ushering in an era marked by growth and innovation.
India is known for its diverse and dynamic business landscape. What specific market opportunities did you identify that prompted Messe Stuttgart’s entry into the Indian market?
Messe Stuttgart identified significant market opportunities in India driven by the country’s diverse and dynamic business landscape. Our entry into the Indian market is primarily motivated by the immense potential for economic growth and the increasing demand for platforms that connect international and domestic buyers.
India’s rapidly expanding economy presents a vast market for manufacturing and logistics industries. This growth has fuelled a need for knowledge sharing, innovation, and business networking. Our exhibitions and trade fairs aim to bridge the gap between international and domestic businesses, creating opportunities for profitable ventures. We recognized the need for high-quality platforms that cater to the evolving needs of Indian industries. Our research revealed immense potential in sectors such as tools, pattern, die and mould making, fastener manufacturing, and logistics, which led to the launch of MOLDEX India, FASTNEX, and LogiMAT. By facilitating these connections, we contribute to the growth of the Indian economy while enabling businesses to explore new horizons, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships. Our goal is to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s economic landscape through the power of trade fairs and exhibitions.
Building credibility and trust in a new market can be challenging. How did Messe Stuttgart approach this aspect while entering India, and what sets your exhibitions apart?
Building credibility was a top priority for us. We leveraged Messe Stuttgart’s global reputation for excellence in exhibition management. We also collaborated closely with industry associations, such as IMTMA and FMAI, to gain trust within the local business community. What sets our exhibitions apart is our commitment to providing a world-class experience for exhibitors and attendees, ensuring that the content is tailored to the specific needs of Indian industries.
Can you shed some light on the role of strategic partnerships with industry associations like IMTMA and FMAI in the success of your exhibitions?
Our partnerships with IMTMA, FAI and FMAI have been instrumental in our success. They provide industry expertise, extensive networks, and advocacy support. These associations help us curate relevant content and ensure that our events align with industry trends. Additionally, they enhance our credibility and reach within the manufacturing and fastener sectors, strengthening our position as a trusted platform.
Messe Stuttgart is known for its commitment to sustainability. How is sustainability incorporated into the planning and execution of your exhibitions in India?
Messe Stuttgart’s commitment to sustainability in India is a fundamental aspect of our exhibition planning and execution. We adhere to eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste, optimizing energy usage, and reducing our carbon footprint in collaboration with venue partners. Our exhibitions also encourage exhibitors to showcase sustainable products and practices, promoting awareness and positive change within industries.
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our sourcing process, where we prioritize sustainable materials and services, from booth construction to promotional materials. We take a proactive approach to educating exhibitors and attendees through seminars and workshops, fostering a culture of sustainability.
Collaboration with industry associations and partners who share our sustainability values strengthens our impact. In the context of India’s growing environmental awareness and the importance of sustainable practices, our initiatives align with the nation’s goals and values. Our commitment resonates with exhibitors and attendees who increasingly value environmentally responsible actions.
Looking ahead, what can exhibitors and attendees expect from Messe Stuttgart India in terms of future shows and initiatives?
Our commitment to India remains strong, and we plan to expand our portfolio with more shows that address emerging industry trends and opportunities. We will continue to foster collaborations, innovation, and sustainable practices. Exhibitors and attendees can expect a growing and dynamic platform for business growth and knowledge exchange.
Looking ahead, exhibitors and attendees can anticipate an exciting line-up of future shows and initiatives from Messe Stuttgart India. We are delighted to introduce renowned global shows like LogiMAT and Moulding Expo to the Indian market. These exhibitions have garnered a tremendous reputation worldwide. Building on our success with shows like LogiMAT, MOLDEX India, FASTNEX, and VISION, we are eager to venture into rapidly growing sectors in India.
Our commitment to providing valuable platforms for business growth, knowledge exchange, and innovation remains unwavering. As we expand our portfolio, exhibitors can expect opportunities to showcase their products and services in these high-potential sectors. Attendees can look forward to gaining insights into the latest industry trends, networking with key players, and exploring new business avenues.
In addition to expanding our show portfolio, we will continue to prioritize sustainability, echoing our global commitment. We aim to create exhibitions that not only facilitate economic growth but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
Exhibitors and attendees can expect Messe Stuttgart India to be at the forefront of industry advancements, offering a dynamic and vibrant platform for meaningful interactions and profitable business ventures in India’s rapidly evolving market. Stay tuned for our upcoming shows and initiatives that will shape the future of various sectors in the country.
Finally, as the CEO and MD of Messe Stuttgart India, what is your personal vision for the future of the company in India, and what message would you like to convey to our readers?
My vision for Messe Stuttgart India is to be the catalyst for positive change and innovation in the Indian exhibition industry. We aim to be the trusted partner for businesses, a source of knowledge, and a platform for growth. To our readers, I would like to convey that Messe Stuttgart India is committed to delivering excellence, and we look forward to collaborating, learning, and growing together with the Indian business community.
Thank you for your support and trust in our journey.