Media Expo Chennai: Mr. Raj Manek on Aligning with Industry Needs and Market Shifts

TFT: Mr. Manek, you are the organizer of Media Expo Chennai 2025! Please tell our readers about the exhibition and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd.

RM: Together, Print Expo Chennai and Media Expo Chennai create a dynamic synergy – a seamless ecosystem where ideas move from concept to creation, from media to material. Attracting professionals like printers, packaging converters, brand owners, ad agencies, retail solution providers and visual merchandisers, the show will offer an end-to-end view of the print and signage industry – uniting technical excellence with creative impact.

We are very excited this year as we bring our legacy show, Media Expo to Chennai along with Print Expo Chennai which already has a strong hold on the South Indian market. With these co-located shows, I believe that it is a strategic step which will drive the convergence of the media, printing and signage industry showcasing solutions that businesses require today.

About Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, it holds a portfolio of over 20 prestigious trade fair brands and conferences. Over the years, Messe Frankfurt India has established itself as the country’s leading trade fair and conference organiser.

And, globally, Messe Frankfurt Group organizes 345+ trade fairs and conferences a year around the world. Our international flagship fairs are the industry leaders setting trends worldwide. Some of these leading fairs are geo-cloned and developed in those markets with potential to provide the same high-quality business platforms to serve the unique needs of the specific local markets.

TFT: What will be the spotlight of the co-located shows?

RM: Media Expo Chennai will be debuting in the South India together with the Print Expo Chennai. The recent editions of the Media Expo have observed increase in digital technologies. Conventional large format printing is here to stay but outdoor media has evolved over the years. To uphold sustainable branding, the industry is exploring easy to operate LED backlit displays and LED screens. Further, to counter waste accumulation, recyclable vinyl and recyclable substrates are being used. Even the ink formulations have become eco-friendly to avoid pollution.

Besides these, there are a huge number of solutions that benefits visitors, exhibitors to make a difference.

The south of the country is extremely diverse in its channels of advertising and it is a market that we feel that the Media Expo platform will bring great value and innovation to our exhibitors and our visitor base from the south of the country, and we therefore hope to bring value-added tailor-made solutions for our customer base.

TFT: Who are the Chief Guests invited and Is there any conference scheduled? What are the important themes of the conference?

RM: Knowledge Sessions – will take place on 11^th July 2025 – day 2 of the expo.

This year, the knowledge sessions are curated in association with Future Schoolz – Knowledge Partner for Print Expo – Media Expo Chennai 2025. The discussions will be led by the subject-matter experts and are planned to provide the attendees with the latest trends and developments in the print and advertising media industry. There is a lot happening in technology and printing industry space. Our knowledge sessions aim to engage the attendees in some very important areas like:

Themes/Topics of Discussion

• AI-Driven Transformation in Print & Packaging
• Automation in Print Production
• The Role of Sustainability in the Future of Printing
• Next-Gen Business Models & Succession Planning
• Why Automation is the need of the hour in Printing industry
• Addressing the skill and knowledge gap and the role of academia

TFT: What are the types of products that will be showcased at the Media Expo Chennai?

RM: The co-located shows will be spread across over 10,500 sqm of gross exhibition area, welcoming 175+ exhibitors. Print Expo will showcase the latest in offset and digital printing machines, high-performance inkjet and laser technologies, revolutionary paper bag manufacturing systems and eco-friendly inks and chemicals, highlighting the future of sustainable print.

On the other hand, Media Expo opens a gateway to the world of visual communication and branding, featuring state-of-the-art printing machinery, breakthrough ink formulations and a vibrant display of indoor and outdoor advertising innovations, branding tools and trendy signage solutions.

TFT: What are the plans of Messe Frankfurt for the Indian market in the coming years?

RM: India remains one of the most strategically important markets for Messe Frankfurt. As a company with deep roots in the exhibition and conferences business, we’re strongly positioned in the industry segments we currently serve – including textiles, oil and gas, energy, lighting and LED, auto components, mobility, signage, printing and building technologies Our focus is to expand the existing portfolio and tap into potential industry segments. Also, we are actively enhancing the value proposition for our exhibitors and visitors – whether through co-located events, knowledge forums which lead to industry collaborations or stronger regional presence. India’s rapid infrastructure development manufacturing push and digital transformation present opportunities across sectors and our objective is to ensure Messe Frankfurt remains the preferred platform that brings industry ecosystems together driving sustainable business growth. We are optimistic about growing alongside India’s industrial and economic trajectory.”

With more than 25 years of operations in the country, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India – plays a pivotal role in this growth by bringing world-class trade fairs and conference platforms that connect the complete industry value-chain.

TFT: Lastly, what message would you like to share to our readers about why they should not miss this event?

RM: I would advise your readers to block their calendars from Thursday, July 10^th to Saturday, July 12^th in their diaries, as they have a first-of-its-kind opportunity to visit and experience the world of printing and advertising media with our leading expos in the segment. The powerful co-location of Print Expo Chennai and Media Expo Chennai brings together the best in signage, print, advertising and branding media under one roof. The industry deserves this scale of exposure and business opportunity, and we’re excited to make it happen.

Looking forward to seeing you and your readership base all there to experience this unique event.