Interview with Delphine Lemaire, Managing Director of Indian operations, at Reed Exhibitions

Publication date: 22 July 2010

Interview with Delphine Lemaire, Managing Director of Indian operations, at Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading event organizer, with more than 440 events in 36 countries. In 2009, Reed brought together over six million active event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 35 fully staffed offices.

Reed Exhibitions is committed to serving the electronics industry over the long term. Reed delivers 10 quality electronics events in seven Asian countries. These events bring together nearly 6,000 exhibitors and more than 200,000 buyers. By organizing leading events in the region, such as InterNEPCON, NEPCON China, NEPCON Korea and GlobalTRONICS, Reed demonstrates its commitment to the highest standards of quality and customer care, and works with the very best domestic partners to deliver events. Reed’s exhibition specialists are always pleased to leverage their skills and share their best practices for the benefit of customers.

Q. Delphine, we understand that Componex NEPCON India is scheduled to return to New Delhi in December 2010. Why did Reed choose New Delhi for this event?

A. Delhi, along with the National Capital Region (NCR), has seen steady growth and continuous development in terms of infrastructure and foreign investment. New Delhi is making its mark as a global city, in addition to being the political hub and the Nations’ capital. With foreign investment taking place in Delhi and the NCR region, coupled with the boom in real estate, retail, and information technology, the Information Technology Enabled Service (ITES) and its allied industries have shown an extrapolation of growth in the last five to six years.

Gurgaon, one of Delhi's four major satellite cities and part of India’s NCR, has already seen a wave of multinational companies that have chosen to locate their operations there. Big names in the telecom and ITES sectors such as Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks, Ciena Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, Dell Inc., Niksan, Panasonic, Motorola, etc. now have a presence there.

Noida, the fastest growing hub in Delhi NCR, also is a major center for the electronics industry. Over the past few years, Noida has emerged as a hub for automobile ancillary units, with companies like Escorts, Honda-SIEL and New Holland Tractors (JV of FIAT with Ford), opening facilities in the city.

As the nation’s capital, Delhi is well connected to all major international and national cities through its international and domestic airports.

Q. Componex NEPCON India will focus on contract manufacturing companies, as India is very strong in this market. What advantages does Componex NEPCON have over other shows held in India?

A. Our international reach, the support from our NEPCON China event series, and our international PR partner give us a strong competitive edge. It is not common knowledge but our international network of offices and agents totals over 200. There is no other exhibition organiser that we are aware of that has the global reach of Reed. Componex NEPCON will highlight the strength of India as a contract manufacturing destination for international brands.

Q. North India is said to be a very distinct market and international interest is expected to be high. From what regions do you expect to see pavilions?

A. We have already received confirmation for a Chinese pavilion and we are expecting a second pavilion shortly. We are working closely with our international offices to finalize a presence from Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Apart from pavilions we are also talking directly to many international suppliers who are interested in participating individually.

Q. The show is expected to attract high-quality visitors, decision makers and influencers from across different sectors. What markets do you anticipate the show to attract?

A. We are targeting key markets for India: international companies looking for contract manufacturers in India, the telecom, automotive, consumer electronics, bio technologies, and photovoltaic sectors that are all fast growing sectors in the buoyant Indian economy.

Q. We understand that Reed is planning a second trade mission to China to promote the event. How do you plan to facilitate business with Chinese companies?

A. Our International Sales Office in China is organizing a second road show in China at the end of the month. The objective of this interactive event is to take our Chinese exhibitors through the various steps of doing business in India and present the fast growing Indian market to new players. Our Chinese partners have shared the challenges that they face when doing business with India. Thus, they are welcoming our initiative to guide them through the specificities and culture of the Indian business world. India purchases significant amounts of Chinese electronic components used in the semi-finished and finished products assembled in India. We have to ensure that all conditions are met for such business relationships to grow.

Q. Why should companies looking for quality events in Asia exhibit at events organized by Reed Exhibitions?

A. Componex NEPCON India is part of the NEPCON brand series of events organized in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. We strive to deliver a consistent and high level of service to our customers across all our trade fairs in line with Reed Exhibitions’ international standards. We aim at providing effective and dynamic platforms for the industry to make contacts, interact, learn, discover new technologies and ideas, and increase their businesses.