What is the final tally of exhibitors, and the total exhibition space?

Gujarat CONEX 2023 will witness 300+ exhibiting brands showcasing 500+ products spread over 15,000 sqm of exhibition space. Some of the top exhibiting companies include JCB India, Wirtgen India, Ammann Apollo, Peri, Propel, ACE, LiuGong India, L&T and Komatsu, Puzzolana, Schwing Stetter, Sany, Volvo, KYB Conmat, Apollo Infratech, Hailstone, and more.

As this is the inaugural edition of Gujarat CONEX, what are your expectations from this event? What kind of impact will it have on the construction and machinery industry in the western region of India?

The western region of the country, comprising states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, is witnessing an upsurge in construction activities for improved connectivity and infrastructure development. For instance, Gujarat is executing 25 megaprojects including the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Ahmedabad Mumbai Bullet Train, Dholera International Airport, and many others. Such complex projects need state-of-the-art construction equipment, and Gujarat CONEX 2023 creates the right platform to deliver the latest technologies and solutions to the domestic ecosystem. Messe Muenchen India and K and D Communication are reputed for hosting two of the largest construction exhibitions, bauma CONEXPO India and ENIGMACH, respectively. In association with the Gujarat Contractors Association (GCA), Gujarat CONEX 2023 will unlock massive opportunities in the States infrastructure sector and unleash the strong potential for innovation displayed by the local industry.

This exhibition is positioned as the satellite show for the western region of India, while the main bauma CONEXPO INDIA edition continues to serve the pan-Indian market. How do these two events complement each other?

Infra development is a primary growth driver of the Indian economy. Today, Gujarat is the front-runner in infra development and is becoming an ideal model to boost Indias growth story. While the main show bauma CONEXPO India continues to serve the pan-Indian market through its main edition in Greater Noida every alternate year, its interest lies in developing the local equipment manufacturing ecosystem in high-growth epicentres across the country. Thus, we are delighted to join forces with GCA and K and D Communications to host Gujarat CONEX 2023.

How has been the response to Gujarat CONEX so far? How do you look at taking the concept to future editions?

We have received an overwhelming response in terms of exhibitor participation and visitor registrations. This event will be one of the largest gatherings of the construction and infrastructure sector in recent times. Increased automation and mechanisation in construction equipment play a major role in driving project completion. There is a continual upsurge in construction activities throughout the country and the use of heavy machinery at construction sites has only increased exponentially. Global OEMs are increasingly interested in manufacturing and sourcing from India. Hence, the future editions of Gujarat CONEX will keep catering to the western region to provide a platform to meet and engage with the local infra-development communities.  

What according to you will be the major differentiating factor of Gujarat CONEX from all the other exhibitions catering to this industry?

The major differentiating factor that the show brings is the combined forces of three large organizations. Gujarat CONEX 2023 is organized by Messe Muenchen India and K and D Communication, in association with GCA. Messe Muenchens brand bauma CONEXPO India has an international appeal because of its roots in Munich and China and through its partnership with one of North Americas largest fairs CONEXPO, organised by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). K and D Communication is renowned for Engimach, which has been one of India's most successful international exhibitions in the engineering and manufacturing sectors for the last 25 years. Gujarat Contractors Association (GCA) represents a powerful association of contracting companies in the State.

Some of our other strategic partnerships are with the Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Crane Owners Association of India (COAOI), and Builders Association of India (BAI). Thus, the strength of Gujarat CONEX lies in its capability to bring together all the stakeholders and important decision-makers in the construction and infrastructure sector under one roof.

What are the exhibitors and visitors expectations for Gujarat CONEX?

Gujarat CONEX is a vibrant marketplace where equipment manufacturers get an opportunity to showcase their equipment capabilities, network with industry professionals, generate leads, and increase brand visibility. On the other hand, visitors can witness the most advanced solutions related to all-around construction sites; mining, extraction, and processing of raw materials; production of building materials; and component and service suppliers. Gujarat CONEX is the event of the year in India to learn about industry trends and make purchase decisions.  

Can you please say something about the supporting programs being held during Gujarat Conex?

Gujarat CONEX 2023 not only showcases the latest technology, but also brings together the best of the industry experts, thought leaders, technology suppliers, and decision-makers to network, gain insights and collaborate. To enable these, we are offering an unmatched experience to our visitors through live product demos, knowledge-rich conferences, international buyer-seller meetings, B2B seminars, and business-to-government sessions. Apart from these, we are felicitating the unsung heroes of the construction industry at the 3rd Vibrant Summit and Awards organised by GCA.

How do you look at the market for construction equipment in India?

Investment in infrastructures such as roads, mining, housing, railways, and irrigation is a key element for driving Indias economic growth. Indias CE industry plays a crucial role in realising the aspirational goals of these sectors, thereby strengthening India in its pursuit to achieve its development goals.

Could you elaborate on the long-term vision for the Gujarat CONEX exhibition? How do you see it evolving and growing in the coming years, and what impact do you hope it will have on the construction industry in the region?

Gujarat is focusing on infrastructure as a driver of growth in various sectors of the economy and the state has a long-term vision for infra development. Gujarat CONEXs ambition is to become a hub for innovation and advancements in the construction equipment domain and to create a platform that fosters collaborations between all stakeholders in the region, facilitating higher efficiency and productivity leading to faster completion of projects in the western region.