Russia’s Exhibition Outlook Post-2022: Nikita Smirnov on Sanctions, Changing Customer Base and Resilience of the Russian Exhibition Industry!

TFT: ExpoVisionRus is a leading exhibition organizer in Russia. Please tell our readers about the company!

Nikita Smirnov: ExpoVisionRus is more than just an exhibition organizer we see ourselves as an engine that keeps Russian and international business connections alive and thriving. For nearly three decades, our team has been creating platforms where ideas drive industries, and partnerships turn into long-term opportunities. We are proud to be one of Russia’s leading independent exhibition organizers trusted, dynamic, and adaptable.

Cumulative experience of our team members in the exhibition industry exceeds 500 years that’s the wealth of knowledge, relationships, and practical expertise that our clients benefit from every single day. Behind every show is a super strong team of passionate professionals who know how to open doors, build bridges, and keep opportunities flowing even in the most challenging times.

Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that our clients grow, that markets develop transparently, and that Russia remains open for business with partners who value real opportunities. We believe exhibitions are not just about stands and halls they’re about trust, continuity, and growth.

TFT: Tell us about the different exhibitions that ExpoVisionRus organizes throughout the year and their impact on the economy of Russia!

Nikita Smirnov: ExpoVisionRus has a diverse portfolio of over 10 major exhibitions every year. What makes our portfolio truly special is that all of our shows are either the largest or the only ones in their industries in Russia, Central Asia, CIS countries and Eastern Europe — which means they are not just events, but essential platforms for entire sectors to connect, trade, and grow.

Some of our strongest shows have been running for more than 30 years, proving that trust, relevance, and quality stand the test of time. For example, InterCHARM is the largest perfumery and cosmetics show in Russia and the CIS — in fact, it’s one of the top five beauty shows in the world and the leading beauty show in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, making it a true trendsetter in the global beauty and wellness industry. EcwaTech is the largest water technology and wastewater management event in the Russian-speaking world. WasteTech is a headline event that drives regional innovation in solid waste management and recycling. PulpFor, being one of the key pulp & paper shows in the world, serves as the backbone and sole platform for the entire Russian pulp and paper industry. NAIS is a key event for the entire regional civil aviation infrastructure, showcasing everything from airport infrastructure to engines, security solutions, and drones. SobMa connects the private label and contract manufacturing market — a huge growth driver in times of import substitution.

The impact? It’s huge. Our shows attract tens of thousands of professionals, boost regional economies, create jobs, and facilitate technology transfer. In a time of global turbulence, exhibitions like ours help stabilize supply chains and keep the conversation going which is priceless.

And for anyone who wants to see the real potential of this region, our doors and opportunities are always open.

TFT: The Ukrainian conflict has impacted the global supply chain. What were the challenges faced by ExpoVisionRus and other exhibition organizers of Russia at the start of this conflict?

Nikita Smirnov: No one will deny that 2022 was a time of unprecedented global turbulence. For the Russian exhibition industry, the immediate challenges were, of course, the withdrawal of some US and Western European exhibitors. But here’s what’s remarkable: our domestic market showed incredible resilience. Russian companies stepped up, import substitution accelerated, and our business adapted at unprecedented pace. We focused on building bridges between our industry-leading visitors and top exhibitors from new geographies. This shift didn’t just mitigate the impact — it reoriented our entire business model towards markets that believe in mutual growth, fair cooperation, and true multipolarity.

TFT: America and many European countries have imposed sanctions on Russia creating concerns about participation among some European exhibitors to participate in exhibitions on Russian soil. Which are the countries that the Exhibition Organizers of Russia are looking upon to participate? How has the customer base shifted?

Nikita Smirnov: Indeed, the reality is that certain European exhibitors had to postpone participation due to political restrictions. But nature abhors a vacuum. Today, we see remarkable interest from India, China, Türkiye, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam. These regions see Russia for what it really is a vast, sophisticated, and promising market that needs quality products, smart technologies, and long-term partners. This shift has allowed our business to grow and deliver some of the largest exhibitions in our more than 30-year history.

The customer base has become more diversified and more practical. Buyers now look for suppliers who can guarantee stability and flexible solutions. The narrative of isolation of the Russian economy simply does not match facts and the reality on the ground.

TFT: With the growing Indo-Russia ties are there any future plans of ExpoVisionRus in India?

Nikita Smirnov: India is one of the most exciting markets for us — a true strategic partner. We already welcome many Indian manufacturers to our shows, especially in cosmetics, pharma, water treatment solutions, the pulp & paper industry, as well as contract manufacturing. Just last year, we saw more than 800% growth in the number of Indian exhibitors at our strongest shows. But we want to go further.

We are actively exploring cooperation with strong local sales representatives in India to promote our events, and we are keen to work closely with Indian exhibition organizers on cross-promotional programs. The goal is to make it easy for Indian SMEs and big players alike to enter the Russian market and vice versa. So yes, you’ll be seeing more ExpoVisionRus footprints in India very soon.

TFT: What do you want to say to the ones who think that the Russian market is totally isolated?

Nikita Smirnov: I’d say take a flight, come see it for yourself. The Russian market today is one of the most dynamic places for genuine business. Isolation is a myth; reorientation is a fact. If you have quality products, if you’re ready to adapt, and if you want loyal partners Russia is an opportunity of a lifetime. We have over 146 million consumers, a sophisticated B2B ecosystem, and an appetite for innovation and fresh ideas. Don’t let someone else’s narrative close your eyes to real possibilities.

TFT: What are the new opportunities that the Indian Businesses can look for in Russia?

Nikita Smirnov: Where do I start! Indian businesses have huge potential here in cosmetics, water & waste treatment solutions, pulp & paper machinery, contract manufacturing and much more and I can say this with confidence because our exhibitions bring together the key decision makers from these industries every year. I know firsthand what they’re looking for and where the real gaps and opportunities lie.

Our government supports deeper Indo-Russia trade ties, so logistics are improving, settlements in national currencies are expanding, and trust is growing. Indian brands that enter now through our platforms can win loyal customers and distribution networks that will last for decades.

My simple advice is: when you come to Russia, don’t just exhibit make it your mission to meet the right clients, find reliable local agents and distributors, and build relationships that will maximize your return on investment. That’s how you secure long-term success. It’s a perfect match of supply and demand and our events are the bridge that makes it happen.

TFT: How can an International Exhibitor participate in your exhibitions? What are the facilities provided by ExpoVisionRus for International Exhibitors?

Nikita Smirnov: We pride ourselves on taking care of our international exhibitors like family. We have a strong international sales team professionals who speak more than seven languages and have deep, practical experience in the industries we serve. This means our international exhibitors are fully supported and understood, from the first conversation to the final handshake. Our team and local Indian partners will help you with booth construction, travel arrangements, offer access to our Retail Connect © B2B meeting programmes. Our promise is simple: come prepared to grow, and we’ll connect you with serious buyers who believe in real partnerships and real results.

TFT: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers?

 

Nikita Smirnov: If you’re a business leader who believes in real opportunities don’t let the mainstream media fool you. The world is changing. New trade corridors are opening. Russia is not just surviving it’s evolving, diversifying, and looking for partners who want to grow with us. Come, exhibit, explore, and see for yourself. The next decade belongs to those who build bridges, not walls. And at ExpoVisionRus, we’re ready to build them together!