ES. How has your service offering evolved to meet the changing demands of modern exhibitions and trade shows in India?
Nanu Binu. Exhibitions and trade shows are constantly evolving. Every decade, every year, and every event brings a demand for something new and unique. Today, exhibitions are becoming highly experiential. The era of static displays and simple graphics is behind us. The current market demands innovative space designs and the integration of cutting-edge technologies that make booths stand out in a crowded hall.
This is truly the era of digital transformation. With a surge of new hardware and software tools, the combination of technology and creative imagination is now critical in making exhibitions engaging and impactful. Consequently, our service offerings are continuously evolving to align with these trends. The rapid advancements in AI have been a significant enabler in this transformation. As Einstein famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and we firmly believe that embracing this mindset has kept us ahead in this dynamic industry.
ES. Can you share an example of a large-scale event where your team played a crucial behind-the-scenes role? What were the key challenges and learnings?
Nanu Binu. Recently, we had the privilege to execute two high-profile summits — Advantage Assam 2.0 and the Madhya Pradesh Investment Summit. Both were prestigious government events inaugurated on the same day. Each event required unique, out-of-the-box designs and advanced technology integrations to communicate their respective themes effectively.
Our teams worked closely with the clients, meticulously planning space utilization and conceptualizing designs that amplified the grandeur of both events. The added complexity was that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was inaugurating both — one in the morning and the other in the evening. We had to create entirely different design narratives for each, which was a substantial creative and logistical challenge. Time was a critical constraint, with tight deadlines post multi-level approvals. To manage this, we deployed two separate design and production teams, ensuring parallel workflows and absolute focus. The key takeaway was that with proper planning, agile execution, and a resilient team, even the most demanding projects can be delivered flawlessly. We take
pride in having successfully executed both events to world-class standards.
ES. How do you ensure consistent quality and reliability across different venues, cities, and organiser formats?
Nanu Binu. At Meroform, quality is embedded in the DNA of the organization. Irrespective of the city, venue, or event scale, our teams are committed to delivering uncompromised quality. Of course, executing projects across diverse geographies brings its own set of challenges, but we have learned that with meticulous planning, resource allocation, and an agile approach, these challenges can be effectively managed.
Our processes are standardized, yet flexible, ensuring that quality benchmarks are met consistently, regardless of external variables. It is this commitment that has built our reputation as a trusted partner across the exhibition and events landscape.
ES. On the occasion of 10 years of Walking Together with IESA, please share your thoughts on IESA and its relevance to the industry.
Nanu Binu. This milestone is personally significant for me, as the Founder President of IESA. At the time of its inception, there were uncertainties regarding the association’s potential impact. However, the last ten years have proven that IESA has indeed contributed meaningfully to the industry, even if it hasn’t achieved everything it initially set out to do.
One of IESA’s most notable achievements is the creation of India Expo Shop (IES), which is now entering its 5th edition. Over the years, IES has established itself as a premier platform for members to showcase innovations and extend their global outreach. It has been instrumental in elevating small and mid-sized players, giving them visibility and positioning them as mainstream designers and technology providers.
This year, India Expo Shop will also engage with students, providing them exposure to opportunities within the Indian MICE industry. The platform’s relevance continues to grow, serving as a catalyst for business growth and industry networking. We wish IESA and all its participants continued success and significant business opportunities in the years ahead.
