NEW DELHI — The Indian trade show industry lost a leader, an ambassador and a friend when S. Balasubramanian, President of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), succumbed to COVID-19 on May 10, 2021.
In a notice sent by IEIA announcing Balasubramanian’s passing, IEIA hailed his leadership during the most critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to leading IEIA, he spent over two decades in the Indian exhibition industry. His work as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturer’s Association (IMTMA) and Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) included heading the trade show division – which organises IMTEX and regional machine tool shows in various cities across the country – and operating BIEC, India’s leading green exhibition centre. Prior to joining IMTMA, he worked at Informa Group, Intech Trade Fairs and Wisitex Foundation.
Balasubramanian, known as “Bala”, is survived by his wife and two sons.
“He was a gentleman at heart, with an affable and ever-smiling face, it is not possible to fill the void created by his untimely departure. He will be missed by his family, colleagues and the exhibition fraternity in India and abroad,” the IEIA obituary said.
“The entire Indian exhibition industry stands with Bala’s family in this tragedy. We pray for the eternal salvation of the departed soul.”
Kai Hattendorf, UFI President, said: “Bala’s untimely passing leaves a void in our industry, second only to his love and dedication to exhibitions and the international exhibition community. I have rarely met such a kind, warm and knowledgeable person. We have lost a colleague and a friend, and my thoughts are with all those close to him.”
Send your condolences to his family at ed@ieia.in.