ES. Could you share your journey with India ITME Society and how it has shaped your professional path over the years?
Seema Srivastava. My association with India ITME Society is now 16 years long and has been a very rewarding journey for me professionally. Over the years, I’ve strived to further expand, strengthen and transform India ITME Society from one exhibition every 4 year to an apex body that represents Indian Textile Technology & Engineering Sector on global stage. For me personally, it has been a chance to learn and work closely with diverse stakeholders – industry leaders, government, academia, young entrepreneurs which has shaped me both professionally and personally. It taught me the value of teamwork, collaboration and above all, the importance of adopting futuristic approach that lasts beyond a single event in order to build a successful thriving organization. Perhaps, most cherished experience was the opportunity to associate & collaborate with International organizations like ITC (International Trade Center, Geneva) & UN (United Nations) giving me exposure & experience of how trade evolves and influences the smallest entity ever in remotest region. It taught me to be very responsible about making decisions knowing that each decision can have domino effect far & beyond.
ES. What have been some of the major milestones and achievements that you are most proud of during your tenure at India ITME Society ?
Seema Srivastava. Expanding India ITME Society from being just an exhibition organiser to an enabler of knowledge, innovation, and partnerships.
- Successfully executing the 1st move, in new & developing markets by conceptualizing new business platforms like Global Textile Technology & Engineering Show (GTTES) and ITME Africa & Middle East giving Indian companies International visibility & market access.
- Establishing the ITME Technical Awards to recognize the exceptional contribution by talented, standout leaders, innovators that have influenced positive change in the textile engineering sector of India.
- Initiating Trade Services to strengthen & provide support to businesses which ensures business leads are reaching appropriate producers in India leading to the growth of trade and economy.
- Setting up the ITME Center in Mumbai, which gives the Industry members a permanent base to host Corporate events and knowledge sessions year-round, especially technical training for staffs, Press Conferences, Product launches, AGMs, Buyer-Seller meets, Customer Meet programs in an elite location and elegant ambience.
My biggest satisfaction and pride is that India ITME Society as an Institution is known for Commitment, Quality, Trust, Integrity, Excellence Pan India and also globally.
ES. What key learnings or experiences have stayed with you while leading India ITME Society and driving its initiatives?
Seema Srivastava. The biggest lesson has been that adaptability matters most. The textile industry and exhibitions landscape both change rapidly, and unless we keep evolving, we lose relevance. Another learning is the power of collaboration – when government, industry and academia come together, the impact multiplies. And of
course, sustainability has become a central theme – today, no initiative is complete unless it contributes positively to society and the environment.
ES. How has India ITME Society expanded its footprint globally, and what role does it play in strengthening India’s position in the international textile ecosystem?
Seema Srivastava. Over the last decade, India ITME Society has actively taken India’s textile engineering capabilities to the global stage. Our international shows and delegations have opened doors for Indian companies in markets they had never considered before. At the same time, we’ve brought the world to India – creating opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfers, and partnerships. In doing so, India ITME Society has helped position India not just as a textile hub, but also as a credible player in Textile technology & Engineering Industry.
ES. In your view, how is technology reshaping the exhibitions and events industry, and how has India ITME Society integrated technology into its platforms?
Seema Srivastava. Technology has completely changed the way exhibitions work. Today, a show is not just about what happens at the venue – it’s about how you connect digitally before, during and after. At India ITME Society, we’ve tried to integrate this by offering online matchmaking tools, knowledge webinars, and stronger data analytics for our exhibitors. On the show floor, we are seeing more and more exhibitors use automation and digital printing tech to engage visitors. It’s exciting – technology has made exhibitions more immersive and meaningful.
ES. Sustainability is becoming a defining theme for exhibitions. How is India ITME Society addressing this in its shows and initiatives?
Seema Srivastava. We’ve been consciously building sustainability into our exhibitions. For instance, we encourage exhibitors to showcase water-saving, pollution-control, and energy-efficient solutions. Through the ITME Awards, we recognise such innovations. Even in how we run our shows, we try to minimise waste, reduce single-use material, and adopt eco-friendly practices. It’s a journey, but it’s one we are committed to – because this industry cannot grow at the cost of the planet.
ES. What are your thoughts on the current state and future prospects of the Indian exhibition industry?
Seema Srivastava. The Indian exhibition industry has grown rapidly and now attracts global attention. What excites me is that our shows are no longer just about scale, but about impact. Having said that, we still face challenges – infrastructure, costs, and the need to professionalise further. But the direction is positive. With India’s growth story, exhibitions will play an even bigger role in connecting businesses, creating jobs, and driving innovation in the next decade.
ES. What advice would you give to event organisers who are striving to deliver impactful and meaningful exhibitions in today’s dynamic environment?
Seema Srivastava. My advice would be – always start with *why*. Why are you organising the show, and who will it help? Once you’re clear on that, focus on delivering real value to your exhibitors and visitors. Keep experimenting, embrace technology, and don’t ignore sustainability. Most importantly, listen – feedback from your participants is the best guide for improvement.
ES. What message would you like to share with the wider exhibition and textile industry as we look ahead to the next decade?
Seema Srivastava. The textile and exhibition industries are at a turning point. If we embrace innovation and sustainability, India can truly lead the way. My message would be – let’s not chase short-term wins, but build ecosystems that will stand strong for the next generation. Collaboration, responsibility and vision will define the winners in the coming years.
ES. You have seen Exhibition Showcase and the Exhibition Excellence Awards evolve over the years. What are your impressions and feedback on these initiatives?
Seema Srivastava. I’ve watched Exhibition Showcase and the Exhibition Excellence Awards grow over the years, and I must say that Mr. Raghav Khosla has done a commendable job in raising standards of Indian Exhibition industry, by recognising excellence and bringing good practices to the forefront. These programs also create a sense of pride and community spirit among organisers especially among the young companies and entrepreneurs of the Industry.
