May 31, 2026: In a recent episode of the EQMint Podcast, Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Limited, shared his insights into the evolution of exhibitions, India’s growing importance in global trade shows, and the future of industries like AI and power electronics.
Author: Aadarsh Patel | EQMint | EQ Exclusive
India’s exhibition industry is undergoing a massive transformation, emerging as one of the fastest-growing trade show markets globally. What was once considered an emerging ecosystem is now attracting international attention for its scale, infrastructure, and innovation.
With decades of experience across finance, operations, and global exhibition management, Manek offers a unique perspective on how exhibitions are shaping economic growth and business opportunities.
From Finance to Global Exhibitions
Raj Manek’s journey into the exhibition industry began in finance, working with P&O Exhibitions in London.
Instead of making operational decisions from a desk, he spent time working directly with labor teams on exhibition floors to understand the business from the ground level.
This hands-on approach helped identify operational inefficiencies and eventually turned a loss-making business unit into a profitable operation.
More importantly, it gave him deep insight into the mechanics of the exhibition industry.
India’s Exhibition Industry Has Reached Global Standards
When Raj Manek joined Messe Frankfurt in 2009, the company operated only one exhibition in India. Over the years, that portfolio expanded significantly as India’s market matured rapidly.
According to Manek, Indian exhibitions today match international standards in terms of quality, infrastructure, and presentation.
“I would walk into an exhibition in India and then I’d walk into an exhibition in Frankfurt and I can tell you I see no difference.” -Raj Manek
This transformation has been driven by:
- Improved venue infrastructure
- Rising innovation from Indian exhibitors
- Stronger private and government investment
- Increasing global participation
India is now positioning itself as a major international exhibition destination.
Exhibitions as Economic Growth Engines
Raj Manek describes exhibitions as a “level playing field” where startups and large corporations can compete side by side.
Trade shows create opportunities for:
- Networking
- Export growth
- Business partnerships
- Brand visibility
- International expansion
He emphasizes that even a few days at the right exhibition can completely change a company’s growth trajectory.
Beyond direct business generation, exhibitions also create a broader economic impact by supporting:
- Hotels
- Transportation
- Restaurants
- Local service industries
This makes exhibitions important drivers of urban and regional economic activity.
The Future: AI and Power Electronics
Looking ahead, Raj Manek identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Power Electronics as two sectors with enormous potential in India.
As India aims to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and become more self-reliant, these technologies are expected to play a critical role across industries.
According to Manek, India must not only consume emerging technologies but also actively participate in developing them.
Leadership Lessons from Raj Manek
One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion was leadership through experience and example.
Raj Manek advises young professionals to avoid shortcuts and focus on understanding every aspect of the business ecosystem.
“I will never ask a single one of my employees to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself.” -Raj Manek
His leadership philosophy emphasizes hard work, operational understanding, and long-term thinking.
Conclusion
India’s exhibition industry is no longer just growing—it is becoming globally competitive.
Raj Manek’s insights highlight how exhibitions are evolving into powerful platforms for innovation, networking, and economic transformation.
As industries like AI, manufacturing, and technology continue to expand, India’s role in the global exhibition ecosystem is expected to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
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