Optimisation and Re-creation, the highpoints of IIJS 2015 floor plan

Space constraint has always been a major issue at India International Jewellery Show (IIJS). The show organizers have been trying their best to accommodate more exhibitors each passing year. This year, too, the floor plan promises to accommodate more exhibitors as the committee has announced the reworked floor plan.

Taking into account the space crunch, the committee has created open spaces inside the venue which have been converted into temporary halls and minor modifications have been carried out inside the halls thus largely maintaining the original floor plan. “There will be bigger section for gold as per the demand. We will be able to accommodate 175 new exhibitors out of the waiting list of 500. Of the 175, 70 booths will be for Extended Plain Gold Section, 50 for Studded and 50 for Loose stones,” said Nirav Bhansali, Convener of the show.

When asked about though they are trying to create additional space, it still won’t take care of the waiting list, Nirav Bhansali said, “We had to work around the existing space without disturbing the floor plan as it would have affected the exhibitors who are known by the particular locations. We tried changing the floor plan last year; however, the exhibitors were not very happy with the change. In regards to new space, we are waiting for the exhibition-cum -convention centre to get ready. However, it is too early to comment on using the space for IIJS.”

Apart from the space crunch, visitors and exhibitors always complained about the cafeterias being too crowded at the peak hour. As per the floor plan, cafeterias have been shifted to the end of Hall 1 and Hall 6, which will be well-connected to all the halls. The earlier cafeteria space has been used for the exhibition purpose which has enabled space for 125 new booths. The new cafeterias will be more equipped to take care of visitors during peak hours.

Elite Membership programme will be revamped to get more international and domestic buyers from the crème-de-la-crème’ of gem and jewellery industry. Along with this, more road shows are being conducted in new regions to attract foreign buyers. Road shows are being conducted for long but how this will convert into actual footfall of foreign buyers will be revealed only in August.

The show time has been extended by an hour. Instead of the show closing at 6 pm, now the show will be closing at 7 pm thus giving more time to the visitors at the show. However, how the extended time helps the footfall and overall business at the show, only time will tell as the extended time would help more only on Saturday and Sunday.

However, the biggest challenge in regards to internet connectivity still haunts the committee. They had tried bringing in a change at the time of IIJS Signature Show. However, as IIJS has larger expanse, the committee is still in the process to tackle the connectivity issues.

Floor plan for IIJS 2015 can be viewed here.