IIJS 2018: A Landmark Edition Elevating India’s Global Jewellery Trade and Business Excellence

The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), a premier business-to-business (B2B) jewellery exhibition, is set to host its 35th edition from August 9th to 13th, 2018, in the vibrant city of Mumbai. This year’s IIJS is poised to be an unprecedented event, not merely in its expanded physical footprint but more significantly in its commitment to fostering an enhanced ‘ease of doing business’ through a series of groundbreaking innovations. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) proudly unveiled these transformative changes at a recent press conference, signaling a new era for India’s thriving gem and jewellery sector and reinforcing its position on the global stage.

A New Era of Growth and Global Prominence for Indian Jewellery

Pramod Agrawal, Chairman of the GJEPC, highlighted the show’s remarkable evolution, affirming its status as one of the largest and most influential jewellery exhibitions globally. The 2018 edition is anticipated to be a magnificent showcase, featuring the finest jewellery collections from over 1,300 leading manufacturers across India. This monumental gathering underscores India’s unparalleled craftsmanship, design innovation, and manufacturing prowess, attracting buyers and stakeholders from around the world.

The significance of IIJS extends far beyond trade facilitation; it serves as a critical engine for India’s economic growth. Mr. Agrawal proudly noted the industry’s substantial contribution to the nation’s exports, which successfully surpassed a staggering US$ 40 billion in the fiscal year 2017-18. Beyond its impressive export performance, the Indian gem and jewellery sector is a colossal employer, providing stable livelihoods to nearly 6 million individuals nationwide. Moreover, the industry’s commitment to social upliftment is evident through its extensive philanthropic endeavors, significantly contributing to health, education, and various other social welfare sectors, embodying a profound sense of corporate social responsibility and community development.

Transformative Innovations for an Unparalleled Business Experience

Shailesh Sangani, Convener National Exhibitions for the GJEPC, detailed the suite of innovative features designed to redefine the IIJS experience for both exhibitors and visitors. These changes reflect a strategic vision to optimize operational efficiency, enhance visibility, and create more opportunities for meaningful engagement within the global jewellery community, solidifying IIJS’s reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking platform.

Expanded Exhibition Space: Accommodating Growth and Demand

A cornerstone of this year’s enhancements is a significant expansion of the exhibition floor space, boasting a nearly 20% increase over previous editions. This strategic decision addresses the growing demand for participation and allows the GJEPC to finally accommodate all companies that have been on the highly anticipated IIJS waiting list since 2015 and earlier. Furthermore, existing participants will benefit immensely from the availability of larger and more prominent booth spaces, enabling them to present their exquisite collections with greater impact, sophistication, and creative freedom.

A notable addition is Hall 7A, an entirely new segment introduced in 2018, meticulously designed to elevate the exhibition experience. This state-of-the-art hall will feature pioneering mega-sized 12×12 booth mezzanine stalls, offering exhibitors expansive display areas and an elevated presence that truly stands out. Alongside these, an increased number of versatile 8×8 and 6×6 mezzanine stalls will provide diverse options for participants, catering to a wide range of business needs and budgets. Mr. Sangani further emphasized a key architectural advantage of Hall 7A: its innovative pillarless design. This structural choice significantly enhances visibility for all exhibitors, ensuring that their meticulously crafted products are easily discoverable from any vantage point. Simultaneously, it greatly improves the ease of movement and navigation for the thousands of eager trade visitors, creating a seamless, comfortable, and highly conducive environment for business interactions and networking.

The strategically expanded booths within Hall 7A are allocated to showcase a wide spectrum of jewellery, encompassing both exquisite plain gold jewellery, celebrated for its timeless elegance, and dazzling diamond-studded creations, known for their brilliance and allure. This ensures a comprehensive and diverse display for buyers seeking variety, quality, and the latest trends in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Strategic Allocation and Support for Diverse Businesses

The GJEPC has implemented a structured and equitable allocation process for the additional booths, prioritizing key segments of the industry to foster inclusive growth and innovation. Preference will be given to exporters, manufacturers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their vital role in driving the Indian economy and contributing significantly to global trade. Beyond this, special dedicated sections are being thoughtfully curated to spotlight emerging talents and critical segments of the jewellery ecosystem:

Start-ups: Providing a crucial launchpad for innovative new businesses and nascent designers to showcase their potential, connect with investors, and gain market exposure within a competitive industry.
Women Entrepreneurs: Actively empowering and promoting the invaluable contributions of women in leadership and creative roles within the jewellery sector, fostering gender equality and diverse perspectives.
Artisans using Traditional Craft Techniques: Preserving and celebrating India’s rich heritage of intricate, handcrafted jewellery. This platform offers traditional artisans a unique opportunity to connect directly with wider national and international markets, ensuring the longevity and appreciation of their unique skills and cultural legacy.

These forward-thinking initiatives unequivocally underscore GJEPC’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant industry landscape, fostering innovation while honoring and sustaining traditional artistry and cultural heritage.

Pioneering Preview Day: Enhanced Business Opportunities

A truly path-breaking initiative for IIJS 2018 is the introduction of a dedicated ‘Preview Day’. While the exhibition officially commences for all on August 9th, a highly select group of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 leading retailers, influential international buyers, key representatives from prominent national and international retail chains, and esteemed industry leaders will receive an exclusive, invitation-only opportunity to preview the magnificent collections a day earlier, on August 8th. This strategic move is designed to maximize business efficiency and provide a superior, high-value viewing experience for key decision-makers.

Mr. Sangani elucidated the profound rationale behind this unique concept: “Our aim is to ensure that the owners and senior representatives of leading companies visit the show when it is less crowded and get a chance to get a clear, unobstructed look at the exquisite offerings on display. They can then better guide their managers and buyers who will place orders once the show actually begins.” This exclusive, unhurried access allows critical decision-makers to engage with exhibitors in a more focused and intimate environment, facilitating deeper discussions, thorough evaluations, and ultimately, more informed and strategic purchasing decisions. It fosters a more productive start to the trade show.

The IIJS team meticulously compiled the final, curated list of invitees for the Preview Day, drawing upon discerning recommendations from exhibitors themselves, ensuring that only the most relevant and influential buyers are present for this exclusive and highly valued opportunity, optimizing the potential for significant trade agreements.

Expanding the Machinery Section: Driving Technological Advancement

Recognizing the critical role of cutting-edge technology and innovation in modern jewellery manufacturing, the machinery section of IIJS 2018 is also experiencing significant and strategic growth. A brand new dedicated venue, the opulent Hotel The Leela, has been added to specifically accommodate this expansion, housing an impressive additional 60 booths. This substantial enlargement allows for a broader and more comprehensive display of the latest cutting-edge equipment, advanced tools, innovative software, and technological solutions from across the globe. This enables manufacturers to explore and invest in advancements that can dramatically enhance their production capabilities, optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate overall product quality. This expansion emphatically underscores the Indian jewellery industry’s proactive drive towards modernization, automation, and the adoption of global best practices and technological leadership.

Seamless Connectivity and Streamlined Logistics

Beyond physical expansion and strategic allocation, IIJS 2018 is fully embracing digital transformation and logistical optimization to deliver an unparalleled experience:

GJEPC Mobile App & Digital Guide: The highly anticipated launch of a comprehensive online digital guide, easily accessible via the official GJEPC Mobile App, will revolutionize visitor navigation and access to crucial information. This intuitive app will serve as an indispensable tool for all attendees, offering real-time updates, an exhaustive exhibitor directory, interactive floor plans, and a complete event schedule, significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience and efficiency.
Online Business Matching Programme: A sophisticated new online business matching platform will facilitate pre-scheduled, targeted meetings between exhibitors and potential buyers. This ensures more focused, productive, and valuable interactions even before the show formally opens, maximizing the return on investment for all participants. This digital bridge optimizes networking opportunities and streamlines the buyer-seller interface, leading to more successful outcomes.
Enhanced Entry & Exit Points: To further improve visitor flow, reduce congestion, and ensure a smooth experience, an increased number of clearly marked entry and exit points will be introduced both within the expansive venue and specifically for each individual exhibition hall. This thoughtful logistical adjustment ensures smoother transitions, minimizes waiting times, and creates a more pleasant and efficient experience for all attendees.
Larger Promotional Programme: To maximize its global reach and attract an even wider international audience of buyers, investors, and industry professionals, GJEPC is embarking on an expanded and aggressive promotional campaign. This includes more extensive national and international roadshows, strategically targeting key markets worldwide. This strategic outreach aims to draw a diverse pool of buyers and investors to the IIJS, unequivocally reinforcing its global appeal and significance in the world of gems and jewellery.

Revolutionizing Visitor Registration with RFID-Enabled Badges

Perhaps one of the most significant and widely welcomed advancements for visitor convenience is the introduction of a special RFID-enabled badge. This innovative, state-of-the-art badge can be retained and used for an impressive period of three years, marking a paradigm shift in visitor registration. As Mr. Sangani enthusiastically explained, “Visitors will now no longer have to fill cumbersome forms and complete other repetitive formalities every single year.” Once initially registered, an attendee can potentially use the same highly efficient badge for up to six IIJS and Signature events spread over a three-year span. The process for subsequent events is ingeniously streamlined: “If anyone wishes to attend the next Signature show, or even 2019 IIJS, s/he will have to simply use the App or website to revalidate the badge for that specific event by paying the regular registration fee through a simple, quick, and secure online process. Crucially, someone who skips an event does not have to pay for it during their off-year.” This hassle-free, long-term registration system marks a substantial improvement in visitor experience, eliminating repetitive paperwork, reducing queues, and fostering a more efficient, user-friendly, and enjoyable entry process for all attendees, reflecting a commitment to modern convenience.

Continuing Valuable Ancillary Events

In addition to these groundbreaking new initiatives, IIJS 2018 will proudly continue to host its much-anticipated regular ancillary events, which significantly add intellectual, networking, and social value to the overall show experience:

Prelude to IIJS: A prestigious precursor event that strategically sets the stage for the main show. It often features exclusive previews of upcoming collections, high-level networking opportunities, and insights into prevailing market sentiments, building excitement for the main exhibition.
Jewellers for Hope Charity Dinner: A prestigious philanthropic event that brings the entire industry together to collectively support noble causes. This high-profile dinner showcases the sector’s unwavering commitment to social welfare, community development, and charitable giving, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
Spectrum Seminar Series: A highly regarded knowledge-sharing platform featuring expert speakers, thought leaders, and engaging panel discussions on current trends, emerging challenges, technological advancements, and future outlooks for the dynamic gem and jewellery industry. These seminars provide invaluable insights, fostering continuous learning and professional development for all participants.

These highly anticipated events collectively reinforce IIJS’s vital role as not just a mere trade fair but a holistic, comprehensive platform for industry growth, knowledge exchange, networking, and profound social responsibility, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the global jewellery calendar.

Conclusion: IIJS 2018 – A Catalyst for India’s Jewellery Future

The 35th edition of the India International Jewellery Show in 2018 stands as a resounding testament to the Indian gem and jewellery industry’s dynamic evolution and its unwavering commitment to global leadership. With its expansive growth, innovative features meticulously aimed at dramatically enhancing the ‘ease of doing business,’ and a strategic, inclusive focus on supporting diverse segments from start-ups to traditional artisans, IIJS 2018 is far more than just an exhibition; it is a powerful catalyst for unparalleled trade, technological advancement, economic prosperity, and cultural preservation. By creating an environment that is more accessible, efficient, engaging, and forward-looking, the GJEPC is firmly solidifying IIJS’s position as an indispensable global platform for fostering international collaborations, showcasing unparalleled Indian craftsmanship, and definitively driving the future trajectory of the global jewellery market. This landmark event in Mumbai will undoubtedly reinforce India’s enduring legacy, formidable strength, and vibrant future in the captivating world of gems and jewellery.

Image: GJEPC Chairman Pramod Agrawal addressing the press. On the dais (from left to right): Mansukh Kothari, Co-Convener; Shailesh Sangani, Convener National Exhibitions; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director.

News Source: gjepc.org