The July edition of IIGF is moving to the sprawling Expo Mart in Greater Noida, as Lalit Thukral, MD, Maharana of India, takes charge as Convener of the event. The decision to take the fair to Greater Noida is preempted by the fact that the regular venue – Pragati Maidan – will not be available at that time because of the Commonwealth Games. Though the EPCH has been successfully holding the annual handicraft fair at the venue, it is no doubt a challenge to organize the IIGF at Expo Mart, more so as major concerns of security and commuting have been raised. Not one to be bogged down by challenges, Thukral and his team are gearing up for a bigger and better show than before.
About 32 km from Noida, the Expo Mart at Greater Noida is one of the biggest exhibition sites in India, with both built up permanent showrooms and spacious facilities for temporary stalls when required. “The huge international standard complex will give us an opportunity to expand our fair and I am looking to increase participation to 600 exporters and visitation to at least 3000 buyers,” says an upbeat Thukral. The summer edition of the fair, being more popular with the industry usually has around 400 exhibitors.
Expanding on how the buyer turnout will be increased, Thukral says, “We are approaching the Government for bigger allocation for promotion of the fair which will include extension of the schemes already underway for buyers like free air tickets, accommodations, etc. and formulation of some new incentives yet to be worked out.” The organizers will also participate in all major fairs to promote the event, besides inviting buyers personally in local language based on data compiled from many international sources.
However, the effort is not only to increase the number of buyers, but also ensure that the fair attracts the right buyers. The credentials of each new buyer that is approached or who applies on their own is verified. “We check how many stores he has, what is his turnover and product category that he is interested in. Only when we are satisfied that the buyer can generate business for the fair, do we extend privileges as per our schemes,” says Thukral. He is particularly satisfied that the bigger stores are also now showing interest in visiting the fair. “In the last three events we have witnessed increased participation from huge chain stores, not only through their buying offices, but also directly from headquarters,” avers Thukral. This he feels will encourage bigger exporters to also participate at the fair.
Work has already started on booking accommodations for the buyers in and around Greater Noida. “JP Green which was officially to open in August has promised us 100 rooms in July,” says an optimistic Thukral. Arrangements are also being made at other five-star hotels and service apartments. Not untouched by the difficulties which participants from outside Delhi could face, arrangements for their stay is also being taken care of in the vicinity.
Special buses/cars will be running from the hotels/guest houses to the venue at regular intervals so that commuting is not a problem. Patrolling of the highway during the event is a major priority for which the local administration has already been approached. Besides that the IIGF will also deploy security vehicles so that no untoward incident occurs. Arrangements have also been planned for local buying houses so that their team does not miss out on the event because of distances. “We have started informing regular participants of the change in venue and most of them have reacted positively to the change. Many even feel that it will be an advantage being so far away from the heart of the city as once the buyers are at the venue they will spend the whole day there and it will mean more opportunities,” muses Thukral.
To make the most of an expanded premise, three new initiatives have been planned. Firstly, the men’s section, which buyers are increasingly looking forward to, is being expanded. “We are targeting both buyers and exporters in this category to give more space to men’s wear. This will be a focus category for the July edition,” says Thukral. Further, the fashion accessory section will also be enhanced as more and more buyers are seeking accessories along with the garments.
Another initiative, for which the organizers are looking for funding from the Government, is to create a special section for small exporters with turnovers not more than Rs. 2 crore to service small buyers looking for very little quantities. “Very small exporters want to take advantage of this huge platform to grow, but the financial constraints do not allow them to do so. We are looking to either subsidise participation of such exporters or exempt them altogether, provided the funding comes through,” informs Thukral.
“Today, the fair is mostly known as an event for exporters with turnovers between Rs. 2 to Rs. 50 crore catering to small boutique and chain stores, but we want to expand the scope and depth of the fair to include both big players and very small players from the buying and exporting segments,” concludes Thukral.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
