Igor Palka, CEO, bC Expo India After two successful events in Mumbai, the BAUMA CONEXPO show - bC India - is moving to Greater Noida. There is also a shift in the dates, from February in odd-numbered years to December in even-numbered once. The forthcoming third edition of this 'International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles' is set to be an even more professional trade platform, as Igor Palka, CEO, bC Expo India, shares with CW. With new leadership in place, bC India is venturing into a new venue this time. What are the prime reasons behind choosing the new venue and dates? The new venue near New Delhi, the capital - where gigantic infrastructure projects are born and leading domestic and international corporations are headquartered - is a very attractive area to hold the most important trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles in the Middle East and India. The India Expo Centre in Greater Noida is considered to be India's most modern trade fair centre. This is a big improvement compared to the temporary structures we had to build at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, an area that was not available for another edition of bC India in Mumbai. Looking at the Indian market and other major construction equipment exhibitions all over the country, we will now have one big construction equipment show each calendar year, which helps companies to plan their participation for the respective year better and in advance. What is the USP of bC India? The next edition, which will be held from December 15-18, 2014, will continue to be a successful show, where quality makes the difference. As an international organiser, we have the expertise of organising events like the Bauma show in Munich and the CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, which we will transfer to the Indian exhibition market. Highlighting the main difference to similar exhibitions, so far no large construction equipment exhibition has taken place in the Delhi region. Many companies have welcomed the move to North India. The short distance to Greater Noida will attract new potential clients, government representatives and new decision makers, resulting in a win-win situation for exhibitors and visitors. Tell us the highlights of bC India 2014. We plan to increase the quality of the show by adding a supporting programme with different presentations, panel discussions and training sessions. I am sure our supportive associations will again contribute and hold interesting seminars parallel to our exhibition. The big advantage this time is that the India Expo Centre offers all the services of a modern exhibition venue and there will be plenty of opportunities accompanying these programmes. Additionally, the new target group of North India will add value. Along with its favourable climate, Delhi is easily accessible from abroad as well as within India. More highlights will be added by our exhibitors who will showcase product developments and new machinery launches. How has the response been from exhibitors in the current economic scenario? Despite the current economic situation, we are getting positive responses. We started with the application period in October last year and the promotion of our show has already received positive feedback. Many exhibitors have already confirmed their participation and many new companies will attend the show in December this year. Elaborate upon the international participation in bC India 2014. Over 800 companies are expected to participate. Looking at the ratio of our past events, we have welcome 40 per cent Indian headquartered companies and 60 per cent foreign headquartered companies. I am positive that we will again reach similar figures and welcome exhibitors from over 33 countries, including national pavilions from China, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Besides, many more countries are yet to confirm. We expect a higher visitor outcome than in 2013 and an increase in the number of international visitors. What buying-selling trends are you observing in the Indian construction equipment sector? The current hesitancy will slowly turn into further sales as more infrastructure projects are approved, launched and executed. This should become more apparent post elections. How do you see the path forward for this sector? There is an obvious need of further infrastructural development. The growth of the construction equipment industry is almost assured; the rate will depend on streamlining government clearances, administrative and procedural reforms, and the pace of project executions. To share your views on this interview, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com