The India Furniture Conclave 2023, hosted as part of the Matecia Exhibition at Pragati Maidan on September 22, 2023, was a remarkable success. This event garnered a substantial attendance, with industry leaders, architects, and designers in prominent attendance, making it a resounding triumph.
The event commenced with an illustrious ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony featuring distinguished figures, including Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka, Chairman of Century Plyboards and President of FIPPI, Kolkata, and other notable personalities such as Mr. Krupesh Thakkar, MD of Rushil Decor Ltd, Ahmedabad; Mr. N. K. Agarwal, Chairman of Action Tesa Group, Delhi; Dr. M. P. Singh, Director of IWST, Bangalore; and visionary Mr. Pragat Dvivedi, Founder of IIR, FDT, Delhi.
(From L-R) Mr. Krupesh Thakkar, MD, Rushil Decor Ltd., Ahmedabad; Mr. N. K. Agarwal, Chairman, Action Tesa Group, Delhi; Dr. M. P. Singh, Director, IWST, Bangalore; Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka, Chairman, Century Plyboards and President of FIPPI,Kolkata; and Mr. Pragat Dvivedi, Founder, IIR, FDT, Delhi
Next, Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka delivered a keynote speech, lauding MATECIA's remarkable progress. Following that, Mr. N. K. Agarwal emphasized the importance of industry unity in a special address. Mr. Ashok Agarwal, the Managing Director of Vidya Ply & Board Pvt Ltd in Delhi, passionately advocated for reforms in the plywood sector.
The India Furniture Conclave 2023 delivered exceptional insights into the dynamic landscape of the Indian furniture industry through five knowledge-packed sessions. These sessions featured esteemed panelists, including:
In the "Business of Furniture in India 2023-2027" session, Mr. Saurabh Jain, Co-founder & CEO India Operations, LIVSPACE, Delhi; Mr. Madhusudan Lohia, Director of Merino Group, Delhi; Mr. Andre Eckholt, MD, Hettich India, Mumbai; Dr. Mahesh M, CEO, Creaticity, Pune and Mr. Mohit Bansal, Head of Public Affairs, IKEA, Delhi shared profound insights into emerging trends and challenges in the furniture business.
The "WHY ITALY, WHY China?" session, moderated by Ar. Chandrika Sahay, Director & Principal Architect, Meraki Dezine, Delhi, featured Mr. Bharat Kawedia, MD, Modulinea, Mumbai; Mr. Gopi T, MD, Woodtech Consultants, Bengaluru; Ar Santha Gour, Principal Architect, Infinitti Design Studio, Mumbai; Ms. Nisha Manghnani, SCASA, Hyderabad and Interior Designer Ameet Mirpuri, Vizag, who discussed customer and designer preferences for "Made in Italy" or "China" furniture and the strategies employed by Italian and Chinese manufacturers.
The "CONSUMERS MINDSET: Metros & Tier 2 cities" session, impeccably moderated by Mr. Pragat Dvivedi, Founder, IIR, Delhi, brought together experts - Mr. Ajit Bhartia, CEO, Crystal Furnitech, Nagpur; Mr. Thomas Markose, Director, Aristo, Bengaluru; Mr. Tejas Timbadia, Director, The Colosseum, Hyderabad; Mr. Muninder Pal Singh, Strategic Consultant, Cushman & Wakefield India, Delhi and Ar. Bobby Mukherjee, Founder, BMA, Mumbai-to analyze the evolving consumer outlook and expectations, with a specific focus on furniture, kitchen, wardrobe, and hardware sectors.
In the session on "HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FURNITURE: SCOPE and TRENDS in INDIA?" moderated by Dr. Anuradha Chatterjee, Dean, School of Design and Innovation, RV University, Bengaluru, industry professionals such as Mr. Ashish Jain, Co-Founder and Director, Spin, Delhi; Mr. Manoj Tomar, Founder & MD, AFC Furniture Solutions, Delhi; Ms. Sapna Agarwal, Founder and Creative Director, ANSA Architecture & Interiors, Delhi; Ms. Zainab Mukadam, Head of India at Cushman & Wakefield, Mumbai; and Ar. Alhad Gore, Managing Partner, Beyond Design Architects and Consultants, Thane explored the growth potential in the coming years.
During the IFC's "HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL RETAIL INTERIOR & FURNITURE STORE" session, led by Mr. Pragat Dvivedi, experts like Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity, Pune; Mr. Pragat Dvivedi, Founder, India Furniture Conclave, Delhi; Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of ShopRos, Bengaluru and Ms. Sukriti Sharrma, Partner, Plüsch, Delhi shared valuable insights on achieving retail success.
The India Furniture Conclave 2023 provided valuable insights and knowledge to the furniture industry and was a resounding success.