India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2018: Unveiling a New Era of Excellence and Growth

The 35th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), marked a significant milestone for the Indian and global gem and jewellery industry. Held from August 9th to 13th, 2018, at the Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEC) in Mumbai, this landmark event promised and delivered an unparalleled platform for business, networking, and innovation. With a host of transformative enhancements and an expanded vision, IIJS 2018 was poised to redefine the trade show experience, offering immense opportunities for growth to both established players and emerging talents within the sector.

A Show of Unprecedented Scale and Opportunity

The 35th IIJS edition truly set new benchmarks in terms of scale and scope. Shailesh Sangani, Convener of the Exhibition Sub-committee, GJEPC, highlighted the show’s commitment to fostering growth for all participants during the press meet in Mumbai. The numbers themselves spoke volumes: an impressive congregation of over 2500 booths and more than 13,000 companies, spread across an expansive 62,000 square meters of exhibition space. This massive scale solidified IIJS’s position as one of the world’s most comprehensive B2B jewellery events, attracting a diverse range of exhibitors from manufacturers and designers to technology providers.

The immense footprint of the show was designed to maximize interaction and business generation. Pramod Agarwal, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized the industry’s high expectations, projecting over 40,000 trade visitors. “With the increased exhibition area and companies, we are expecting the show to generate good business for the Indian gems and jewellery industry,” stated Agarwal. He further elaborated on the strategic intent behind the expansion: “Through the expanded show, we intend to bring more focus to the country’s gem and jewellery sector.” This clear vision underscored GJEPC’s dedication to elevating India’s prominence as a global hub for gems and jewellery manufacturing and trade.

Strategic Enhancements for an Elevated Experience

Recognizing the evolving needs of the industry, GJEPC introduced several forward-thinking features and significant upgrades for the 35th IIJS, aiming to enhance convenience, security, and overall visitor and exhibitor experience. These improvements were meticulously planned to streamline operations, facilitate networking, and create a more inclusive environment.

• Expansive New Exhibition Space: Hall No. 7

  A major highlight was the addition of Hall No. 7, encompassing an impressive 10,800 square meters. This brand-new, pillarless hall significantly boosted the show’s capacity, offering an opportunity for the expansion of 800 new booths. The pillarless design was a strategic choice, providing exhibitors with greater flexibility in booth design and layout, enhancing visibility, and ensuring a smoother flow of traffic for visitors. This substantial increase in exhibition real estate allowed GJEPC to accommodate more companies, showcase a wider array of products, and cater to the growing demand for participation in IIJS.

• Advanced Security and Streamlined Entry

  Visitor safety and efficient access were paramount. GJEPC implemented robust security enhancements, deploying over 20 baggage scanning machines, 50 door frames, and numerous metal detectors. These measures were designed not only to ensure a secure environment but also to significantly reduce queue times at entry points, providing a smoother and more pleasant experience for the thousands of daily attendees. The investment in advanced security infrastructure reflected the Council’s commitment to maintaining IIJS as a safe and professional business platform.

• Revolutionary RFID Entry Badges

  Moving towards greater efficiency and convenience, the Council introduced an innovative system of entry badges equipped with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. These badges were a game-changer, valid for six events – specifically three editions of IIJS and three editions of the IIJS Signature show. This long-term validity eliminated the need for tedious annual registration processes, offering unparalleled convenience for frequent attendees and fostering loyalty to GJEPC’s flagship events. The RFID technology also enabled quicker, more accurate entry tracking and enhanced overall event management.

• Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity

  Demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity, GJEPC provided golf carts for senior citizens and specially-abled persons. This thoughtful initiative ensured that all attendees, regardless of their physical mobility, could navigate the vast exhibition grounds comfortably and access all areas of the show with ease. It underscored the Council’s holistic approach to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.

Fostering Innovation, Heritage, and Entrepreneurship

Beyond facilitating large-scale business, IIJS 2018 also focused on nurturing specific segments of the industry and celebrating India’s rich jewellery heritage:

• Showcasing India’s Hidden Jewellery Art and Crafts

  A new, dedicated area was meticulously created to exhibit the hidden as well as long-forgotten jewellery art and crafts of India. This unique initiative aimed to bring to light the intricate craftsmanship, traditional techniques, and diverse cultural narratives embedded in India’s jewellery heritage. It served as a vital platform for artisans and craftspeople to showcase their skills, find new markets, and inspire contemporary designs, thereby preserving and promoting invaluable Indian artistry.

• Nurturing Start-ups and Women Entrepreneurs

  Recognizing the vital role of new businesses and diverse talent, IIJS 2018 featured a dedicated area for start-ups and women entrepreneurs. This strategic move provided emerging businesses and women-led ventures with a prominent platform to display their innovations, connect with buyers, and gain crucial industry exposure. It aligned with GJEPC’s broader objective of fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and empowering women in the gem and jewellery sector, contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive industry landscape.

• Priority for MSMEs, Exporters, and Manufacturers

  In a move to strengthen the foundational pillars of the Indian economy, special preference in the allocation of new booths was extended to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, and manufacturers. This preferential treatment underscored GJEPC’s commitment to supporting these crucial segments, acknowledging their significant contribution to employment, exports, and the overall growth of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. It ensured that a diverse range of businesses, from grassroots manufacturers to established exporters, had equitable access to the opportunities presented by IIJS.

Strategic Networking and Global Outreach

IIJS 2018 was not just about transactions; it was designed as a nexus for strategic networking and global outreach:

• Exclusive Preview for Elite Buyers

  To provide a focused and high-value networking experience, a special preview was held on August 8th, exclusively for international buyers, select leading retailers, prominent buyers, major retail chains, and industry leaders. This curated event allowed key decision-makers to engage in concentrated discussions, identify market trends, and finalize deals in a more intimate setting before the main show opened to the wider trade audience. It optimized the time for high-volume buyers and facilitated impactful business interactions.

• Extensive Domestic and International Roadshows

  To maximize visitor turnout and market penetration, the GJEPC undertook an ambitious campaign, conducting over 200 roadshows in new cities across India. These promotional events served to engage local jewellers, manufacturers, and buyers, driving interest and participation in IIJS. Furthermore, to attract a larger contingent of international visitors, the Council expanded its promotional efforts globally, visiting key markets such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Singapore. These international outreach programs were instrumental in positioning IIJS as a must-attend event on the global jewellery calendar and fostering cross-border trade relationships.

Concurrent Event: India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME)

Running concurrently with IIJS, the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) offered a vital platform for advancements in jewellery manufacturing technology. This year, IGJME also saw significant expansion, adding 60 new booths, showcasing the latest innovations in machinery, tools, and technology crucial for the modern jewellery industry. The expo was uniquely hosted across two prestigious venues: The Lalit and The Leela. To ensure seamless access for visitors interested in both the main jewellery show and the machinery expo, dedicated car transport services were provided between the two venues, facilitating convenience and maximizing engagement.

GJEPC’s Vision for a Dynamic Future

The 35th India International Jewellery Show, with its myriad enhancements and strategic initiatives, stood as a testament to GJEPC’s unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Indian gem and jewellery sector. By expanding exhibition space, prioritizing security, streamlining access through innovative technology like RFID, and fostering diverse segments like start-ups and traditional artisans, GJEPC successfully created a truly comprehensive and forward-looking trade platform. IIJS 2018 was not merely an exhibition; it was a dynamic marketplace, a hub for innovation, and a vibrant celebration of India’s enduring legacy in the global gem and jewellery industry.

This landmark edition reinforced IIJS’s status as the annual event that traditionally marks the beginning of the crucial buying season in India, setting the stage for robust business and inspiring future trends. The strategic investments made in this edition were clear indicators of GJEPC’s proactive approach to meeting industry demands and solidifying India’s position as a powerhouse in the international gem and jewellery trade.