Convergence 2017 was all about connectivity – both in the form of the technologies displayed and launched and in the face-to-face business networking taking place throughout the show. Convergence India 2017, the 25th anniversary of South Asia’s largest gathering of innovation and connectivity in the ICT, broadcast and digital media industries, concluded.
Digital India
Introducing ground-breaking technologies and products, providing opportunities for companies to conduct business, and shattering records, the trade fair showcased the connected future of innovations. Thousands of industry experts and professionals convened in New Delhi to explore the theme of the conference, Digital India, and drive the ever-evolving technology industry forward.
With 635 exhibiting companies and 18000 sq m exhibit space, Convergence India 2017, and the co-located Internet of Things India expo 2017 (IoT India expo 2017), was a record-breaker, both in terms of exhibitor participation and visitor attendance. The three-day event witnessed a record footfall of 19000 visitors and an overwhelming 46 per cent increase in exhibitor participation as compared to last year.
Connectivity was a major focus throughout the three Convergence India conference tracks, which included 27 sessions, and the wider ecosystem of policy makers, business leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, innovators, and investors.
"Devices at the hardware level need to be made more secure and consumer awareness needs to be generated" |
Renowned Attendees
Convergence India 2017 welcomed official government representatives from around the world. Indian government leaders in attendance included the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Law and Justice, Shri PP Chaudhary, who inaugurated the trade show on February 8. Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology was the Guest of Honor at the opening ceremony. Other top level Indian government attendees included representatives from the DoT, DeiTY, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information & Broadcast Ministry, MTNL, C-DOT, TEC, TCIL, Prasar Bharati, BECIL, AIR, Doordarshan, etc.
Stating that the integration of cloud, big data, mobility, connectivity and IoT is accelerating the pace of digital transformation across industries and is disrupting traditional business models giving rise to a new-age technology driven economy, Benoy CS, Director, Digital Transformation (ICT) Practice, Frost & Sullivan, said, “Partnerships will be the key differentiator for any successful IoT business model due to the massive heterogeneity in the ecosystem along with data security, which will also be an important element in this business,” adding that “Frost & Sullivan is proud to be the exclusive Knowledge Partner for the event.”
Urging the government to provide ample support to industry and private players in addressing cyber security issues, Rahul Tyagi, Vice-President-Training, Lucideus, said, “Devices at the hardware level need to be made more secure and consumer awareness needs to be generated.”
E-commerce In India
During the session, ‘E-commerce in India: A Game Changer for New Customer Experience, Madhur Arora, Head-Digital Business & Strategy, Intex Technologies and Startup Mentor, India, said, “E-commerce has provided customers with huge choices and customers now have access to various brands. However, availability of products is a key factor in ensuring superior customer experience.”
Sundeep Malhotra, Founder and Former CEO, Homeshop 18, stated, “E-commerce businesses in India currently are in the customer acquisition phase. These businesses need to develop a mind shift and a new line of thought apart from traditional concepts”.
"Well-organized conferences such as Convergence India 2017 provide the platform to discuss relevant ideas, radical changes, and latest innovations" |
He added, “Well-organized conferences such as Convergence India 2017 provide the platform to discuss relevant ideas, radical changes, and latest innovations. Bringing the best and brightest minds and decision-makers under one roof to discuss the latest happenings and future trends broadens the horizons and opens more gates for new ideas to be implemented.”
Great Exposure
Exhibitors found the expo a great way to showcase their brands and gain enormous exposure. “We found the exhibition to be professionally managed and on par with any European event. Convergence India 2017 helped us connect with potential customers, and we were able to generate many leads. We look forward to participating in the next edition,” said Dr. Matthias Wurster, Vice President – Marketing & Business Development, UNLIMIT.
Organized by the Exhibitions India Group, the event is supported by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Digital India campaign. “Convergence India 2017 moved to a new level as big and small companies from around the world assembled to reveal solutions to meet the current and future needs of society. Our industry is touching lives through connectivity and innovation, and this connected world was on full display this week at Convergence India 2017,” said Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India Group.
Discover how AI, biometrics, and analytics are transforming casino security
