R.E. Rogers on top of their game

So, on the whole, the above scenario will definitely reflect positively for the Indian exhibition industry. I predict a boom in the coming years. India’s time has come!!

ES. You are a prominent representative of India in the global exhibition industry. Please share your views on how the world views India today ?

Ravinder Sethi For years, I’ve been actively involved in various global forums (UFI, AFECA, IAEE, IELA, etc.) at senior levels. In our own IEIA, I’m a founder member and sit on the Executive Committee. In early years, it was a challenge convincing the world on the potentials of India Today, it’s a totally different story - the world is talking about India Shining!

There are, of course, still some issues which need addressing - more venues , more ease to do business, etc. But, on the whole, my job as an International Ambassador has become much easier

ES. What are views on education and training to equip the youth with the right skill sets for leading in the future?

Ravinder Sethi Education and Training of our youth is not just the key to success - it is critical for success ! I’m, therefore, a staunch believer and supporter in putting our youth to the forefront of our industry. My reasoning for this is very simple - they are our future and they have to be strong! For the implementation of my beliefs, I strongly back several industry youth programs, i.e. IELA’s Winter Seminar, AFECA’s MICE Youth Challenge, etc. There’s also an IEIA program in the pipeline - watch the space.

ES. What would you say are the biggest challenges faced by logistics service providers? How have you managed to overcome these challenges?

Ravinder Sethi At a macro level the challenge still remains with some bureaucratic hurdles. Though a lot has improved in the last few years, a lot more still needs to be done. It's amazing how customer friendly Customs have become. There is a need for an all-India Trade Fair Unit like what exists in Delhi. At the micro level, working in obsolete venues is still a challenge. The future here is looking good, with new and/or reconstructed state-of-the art large venues coming up. The other micro challenge is of very short build-up and even shorter break-down periods for almost all events today. Let me repeat what I said before a rock like infrastructure and an even stronger we have personnel expertise at all levels. This is how we overcome these challenges!

ES. What was the most logistically challenging event you have undertaken?

Ravinder Sethi. Interestingly, I can think of two events - one in 1986 and the other in 2011. In 1986, we handled a mammoth rock concert in Delhi. It had the likes of Sting and Springsteen. There was one 747 freighter filled with usical equipment. We had two fork-lifts, a rickety crane, and hundreds of workers! For customs, it was unprecedented. We had to dig into the archives to find the rules and regulations governing clearance of all that equipment. But, it all happened very successfully. We handled it with true grit, professionalism, loss of sleep, high blood pressure, and a prayer on our lips!

2011 saw the first Formula One come to India. We were appointed by the Indian promoters as exclusive customs and logistics handlers. This was the most challenging logistics assignment ever. We moved six 747 freighters in and out within a week plus huge amounts of sea freight. But with 50 fork-lifts, ample cranes, superb supervisors, limited workers, and quality systems, it worked. We subsequently also handled the next two editions of Formula One

ES. In 1986 you established R E. Rogers with your wife Has her role in the company changed?

Ravinder Sethi. Originally my wife, Kiran was a nonworking founding member of the company. When the company started, she had taken time away from running a fashion boutique to give birth to our second daughter. In time she joined our company initially doing administrative work such as sending telexes ("remember those") to being responsible for receivables and payables. Now, she is a full working member of the team, overseeing all administrative functions of the company. Her involvement with our international network of customers and suppliers is crucial to our business. She represents RER at many international forums. We are partners standing side by side.

ES. What is the top piece of advice you would give to a foreign organizer wanting to do business in India?

Ravinder Sethi. Patience, patience, and patience.

ES. What is the "mantra" for your Success? And what is your vision for the future of R.E. Rogers

Ravinder Sethi The "mantra" of our success:

Ÿ We lead the way and set the rules.

Ÿ We keep pace with the fast changing digital and technical revolutions.

Ÿ We ensure quality, health & safety, environment, and sustainability is embedded in our work style.

Ÿ We maintain relationships, both internally and externally.

Ÿ We retain our culture and our humility.

My vision for the future is to continue to remain market leaders and always abide by the above "mantras".