IIJS 2021 relocates to Bengaluru, slated to attract 30,000 visitors: GJEPC

India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) is returning with renewed spirits and hope for a big resurgence of the Indian jewellery industry. Shifting from Mumbai this time, the show will be held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre from September 15-19, 2021.

GJEPC made this announcement through a virtual press meet about the 37^th IIJS Premiere on July 23. Moderated by GJEPC executive director Sabyasachi Ray, the meet comprised GJEPC president Colin Shah, Mahendar Tayal, GJEPC regional chairman, Convener, K Srinivasan, Jewellery panel committee Mansukh Kothari, Co-convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, and Shailesh Sangani, Convener, Exhibitions, GJEPC.  

This will be the first mega physical jewellery meet to happen in India since pandemic. Shah explained that the GJEPC committee explored several options after strict Covid-19 protocols made it mandatory for the body to shift the show from Mumbai this year.

Sangani then shared a lowdown about the process of selecting the ideal city for the show. “We had Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Gandhinagar for the final selection, of which Bengaluru stood out for its governmental support,” he said.  

The Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) has a booth area of 21,996 square meters, more than that of IIJS Premiere 2020. It has a 77,200 square meter exhibition space and is well-connected through Metro across the city.

Safety protocols

“Till date, GJEPC has received applications from 1,275 companies for 2,444 stalls. We have a target of 30,000 visitors this year,” Sangani added. In case of the probability of the Karnataka government having to cancel the show because of rising Covid-19 infection, GJEPC will conduct the show at the Gandhinagar facility, which is still booked by the body.

The members stated that visitor registration is only applicable online. “Virtual badges will be distributed to visitors, participants and the media. One can register for badges through the GJEPC app on Play Store. Your phone is your badge. Also, all transactions are online,” said Sangani.

No-contact thermal temperature readings will be taken for each person, maintained Ray. Those with double vaccinations need not get an RT-PCR report between 48 hours, which is compulsory for those getting only one jab. One-time vaccination is compulsory for attendance, maintained Sangani. GJEPC has to follow the physical distance guideline of 3.25 square meter per person.

 “GJEPC is capable of sending out virtual badges. We have the technology to digitally map assemblage in each hall and follow government protocols at IIJS 2021 effectively. We can identify new and repeated visitors for a particular place. Similarly, we have the data on single, double or no vaccinations,” he added.

Reaching far and wide

Talking about expectations from Bengaluru for hosting IIJS, Tayal said, “We have more exhibitors and a bigger space. Also, a section of retailers in rural parts of the five South Indian states never get to attend IIJS in Mumbai. They’ll attend this time.”

When asked about the expected boost in gold jewellery industry in 2021-22 with IIJS, Srinivasan said the business will grow significantly as the industry has missed attending two IIJS shows. “About 40% of gold business happens in South India. So, the show will be a hit,” he maintained.

Road shows will also back up the hype for IIJS. “We have planned a series of road shows to promote IIJS Premiere in Mumbai, Cochin, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata,” said Kothari.

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller India News Service