IEE Expo 2020

A platform focused on the “real business” of the industry

India is the world’s second-largest market for the elevator and escalator industry, and the International Elevator & Escalator (IEE) Expo is one of the largest shows in this segment. A proven platform with seven successful editions means business has been consistently on the move for the exhibitors. This is where customers and decision makers meet. This is where real trade takes place.

The financial capital Mumbai will host the 8th edition on February 27-29, 2020, at Hall No. 1 in the Bombay Exhibition Centre.

The acquisition and success of IEE Expo under the Messe Frankfurt banner in 2018 emphasized the need for knowledge exchanges and thought leadership within the sector, leading to the launch of the Indian edition of Messe Frankfurt’s E2 (Elevator & Escalator) FORUM in Mumbai, held in August 2019 (p. 37). Messe Frankfurt focuses on working for the benefit of the industry by harnessing its decades of experience and powerful team of advisors and influencers.

The launch of E2 Forum in India was thus found backing from a strong Advisory Committee representing a mix of elevator OEMs, real estate developers, a fire safety association and the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (CREDAI-MCHI). The advisory board conceptualised themes that have a future-oriented relevance to the sector and the increasingly digitalised interfaces of building automation. It also played a key role in shaping up the first E2 Forum in India for knowledge exchange as an extension of the IEE Expo to facilitate technology exchange. Building on this concept, the IEE Expo 2020 will see a series of knowledge sessions and panel discussions co-organised by Messe Frankfurt India and CREDAI-MCHI that will bring real estate developers, builders, architects and town planners face-to-face with technology specialists to facilitate business networking.

IEE Expo Talking Business

Architects, builders and city planners have confirmed they have their calendars marked for the eighth edition of the expo to finalise sourcing for their upcoming projects. Moreover, the IEE expo team met with members of the industry in October to gain exclusive insights on their key ongoing projects and sourcing plans for 2020. While the Rahejas revealed they are on the lookout for features like good cabin interiors, adequate lighting and safety features, no-jerk elevators and energy-saving lifts for multiple projects across the city, the Ajmera Group highlighted two of its flagship projects coming up in Wadala and Kanjurmarg for which their teams will visit IEE Expo to source mobility solutions that involve seamless security features and larger cabins. 

Speaking about sourcing for their ongoing projects for Arihant Alishan (55 levels) and Inspire (40 levels), Akshay Agarwal said they are looking forward to the innovations at IEE Expo, as partnering with companies for the right fit of elevator technologies can change the customer experience. Boman Rustom Irani, chairman & managing director, Rustomjee Group, has also confirmed his visit to IEE Expo 2020. He pointed out that, while service, quality, durability and safety are paramount, he is keen to work with manufacturers/brands on how to make the elevator an interesting space. 

Interestingly, the role of component manufacturers for elevators is progressing, as controllers, sensors, door drives, variable-voltage/variable-frequency inverters, remote monitoring, traction, automated doors and gears are leading to innovative advancements. With major component players confirmed for the expo, the innovative displays of elevator components will be a major highlight.

From the corporate side, IEE Expo received interesting insights and visitor confirmations from Larsen and Toubro and Godrej Properties, among others. Breaking down their demands from the elevator and escalator manufacturers, Punam Ingle, senior manager — procurement, Godrej Properties, shared: 

“Currently, we are working on 28-30 projects running across different regions of the country. Innovation is always a priority, but we are also looking out for other value additions that are aesthetically pleasing for people entering the elevator.” 

With the government focusing on infrastructure upgradation and expansion plans across the city, the IEE Expo team learned during its visitor campaign that Mumbai Metro is going to add 1,600 km to its network, either in various implementation phases or in planning stages, in the coming years. Ashish Saxena (AFV), senior deputy general manager (evaluation & management), Mumbai Metro Rail Cooperation Ltd., shared: 

“Besides traditional features in elevators, we are particularly looking at sourcing technology [that] comes with predictive maintenance and regenerative energy, which will ensure [the] economy of electrical energy is being utilized. From the maintenance point of view, we are looking at features with remote monitoring and alarm systems.”

D.K. Shrivastav, chief materials manager, Western Railway, added:

“High capacity is a basic requirement for railways, and our upcoming projects will see the installation of escalators at stations and railway buildings, which we are planning to procure. As a purchase manager, we would like to see innovations and interact with relevant companies at IEE Expo and hope there is good competition when tenders are submitted for the projects.” 

With the industry’s biggest buyers confirming to visit IEE Expo 2020, the organisers are now working on exciting developments and value additions for exhibitors who have signed up. 

As of September 2019, over 75% space has been sold out with prime locations secured that will soon be transformed into magnificent real-life samples of elevators and escalators to give visitors a personalised experience of the latest high end technologies.  🌐