Exhibitions are powerful ecosystems driving connection, innovation, and growth
ES. What key leadership insights have you gained while driving large-scale industry platforms across diverse sectors at Informa Markets India?
Yogesh Mudras. At Informa Markets in India, one has learnt the invaluable insight that leadership in exhibitions is really about building an entire ecosystem rather than staging events surrounding an industry sector. We have to listen closely to each industry, respond quickly to change, and keep the trust of exhibitors, visitors, and partners. Communication, adaptability, sustainability, and technology are the basis of this business, and I believe those principles matter even more when you operate in a dynamic multi-sector portfolio. We host over 25 large-scale exhibitions and 40 conferences every year and are gearing up for plenty more!
A second lesson is that long-term and compounded value comes from relevance. The most successful platforms are the ones that align content, community, and commercial outcomes for a specific sector, instead of trying to be everything to everyone. That is why we keep investing in dedicated spaces, innovation showcases, hybrid formats, and year-round engagement for every stage of the customer journey, rather than treating the exhibition as a one-off date on the calendar.
ES. How will RenewX 2026 and Roof India 2026 address emerging opportunities in renewable energy integration and modern construction technologies?
Yogesh Mudras. RenewX 2026 is designed to reflect where the renewable energy sector is headed now: not just generation, but integration. The show has grown tremendously as a catalyst for South India’s renewable energy market. In its 10th edition, the show, themed “A Decade of Impact, A Future of Abundance”, is set to welcome over
8000 visitors and feature 200+ top brands showcasing cutting-edge advancements in solar energy, energy storage, bio-energy, smart grids, and sustainable solutions. The show will congregate industry veterans, key decision-makers, and professionals under one roof for meaningful discussions on South India’s renewable energy market, its surging power requirements, rapid industrialization, and forward-looking energy policies. The event will spotlight unparalleled business opportunities in both RE generation and energy storage markets. We are happy to host the show in Chennai, a city that has evolved from being celebrated as the “Detroit of Asia” for its automotive dominance to successfully rebranding itself as a hub for “Round-The-Clock” energy and South India’s strategic gateway for renewable energy.
Roof India 2026 complements that story from the construction side. The show has grown tremendously as a catalyst for the Indian subcontinent’s roofing, building, and infrastructure markets. In its 23rd edition, the event, themed ‘Reshaping the Future of Steel Infrastructure & Pre-Engineered Buildings’, is set to welcome over 8,000+ high-profile trade visitors and feature 200+ exhibitors from over 20 countries showcasing cutting-edge advancements in modern roofing solutions, pre-engineered buildings, green construction technologies, and sustainable infrastructure. The show will congregate industry veterans, architects, engineers, and key decision-makers from India and across the globe under one roof for meaningful discussions on India’s roofing market transformation—driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and the shift toward carbon-conscious construction practices.
The event will spotlight unparalleled business opportunities in a sector projected to exceed USD 11 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7%. The show will be held in Bengaluru, a city that has evolved as India’s innovation and infrastructure hub, making it the ideal gateway for global roofing brands to engage with one of the world’s fastest-growing construction markets. The three-day exhibition will feature an Open Seminar & Business Meets, a Launch Pad for groundbreaking innovations, live product demonstrations, industry training sessions, a CEO Conclave for strategic leadership dialogue, and Industry Awards celebrating excellence—all complemented by unparalleled networking opportunities that make Roof India 2026 the definitive platform for sourcing, collaboration, and growth in Asia’s roofing and allied sectors.
ES. How are multi-sector exhibitions evolving to create more targeted and high-value experiences for industry stakeholders?
Yogesh Mudras. The Indian exhibition market is becoming more focused and more sophisticated. According to an UFI report from last year, India is the third-largest exhibition market in Asia after China and Japan, with net space sold post-COVID at about 1.5 million sqm. Pre-COVID, the industry was growing at 8% to 10%. It helps so much that India has added new and refurbished venues in Delhi and
Mumbai, which is expanding what organisers can deliver. What is changing now is not just size, but curation of tech-enabled, tailored initiatives. Sector-specific agendas, industry pavilions, masterclasses, business meetings, and innovation zones are making shows more relevant to decision-makers. These have become essential because exhibitors want more qualified leads and conversations, not just larger footfalls.
ES. What strategies are being adopted today to enhance engagement, ROI, and meaningful networking for both exhibitors and visitors?
Yogesh Mudras. The strongest strategy today is to design for intent. That means pre-qualified audiences, sharper visitor segmentation, structured networking, live product demonstrations, and content that helps people solve business problems rather than simply attend a show. Exhibitors typically report ROI of 3 to 5 times their initial investment, which is why the platform has to be aligned with clear business outcomes, not just visibility. We are also using technology to deepen value. I have spoken about tech-enabled hybrid solutions, dedicated spaces where exhibitors can share challenges, and innovation incubators that highlight new products and trends. At the same time, sustainability matters: Informa Markets has highlighted its Better Stands initiative and says it is on track to reduce about 11,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually through various sustainable practices. That combination of commercial relevance, digital support, and responsible operations is what makes engagement more meaningful for both sides.
ES. What vision do you have for contributing to the growth and transformation of the exhibitions industry in India?
Yogesh Mudras. Our vision is to enable India to move from being a fast-growing exhibition market to becoming one of the most influential exhibition hubs globally. While ongoing geopolitical tensions have moderated near term growth expectations, the broader economic fundamentals remain resilient. Even in this environment, India continues to witness sustained investment across manufacturing, infrastructure, and trade, reinforcing the relevance of high quality B2B platforms. This underlying momentum supports the continued demand for high-quality B2B platforms. To get there, India needs stronger venue capacity, better logistics, more specialized content, and deeper international participation. The good news is that the foundations are already improving: India now has about 17 purpose-built exhibition centres and roughly 450,000 sqm of gross indoor exhibition space. My view is that the next phase is to build exhibitions that are not just larger, but smarter, more international, and more tightly linked to industrial growth, innovation, and exports.
