The Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) is a professional body works for betterment of structural concrete and construction technologist, concrete products, R&D and technical education. ICI is organizing demonstration-cum-seminar concurrent to the Concrete Panorama exhibition in Bangalore between 10 and 12 Jan 2011. Raj Pillai, Chairman, ICI - Bangalore Chapter speaks about the event.

What are your prime objectives behind organizing Concrete Panorama & Deminar 2011?

The idea for DEMINAR came in the year 2009 when we realized that the advancement in concrete technology is happening too quick and too fast and there is no platform where the users and producers or manufacturers can come together and exchange views in a more proactive manner exclusively on CONCRETE.  And that is how the word DEMINAR [DEMONSTRATION+SEMINAR] was invented by us at ICI Bangalore centre. Incidentally English dictionary doesn’t have the word DEMINAR! The primary objective was also to showcase live demonstration of products at the venue and same was telecast live at the auditorium nearby for the benefit of viewers. This was followed by a live interactive discussion.

How unique is this event from the others being conducted for construction industry?

All other exhibitions are quite static in nature whereas a DEMINAR is a dynamic one where the viewer is taken through the journey of the respective product, process or equipment by use of current technology. Also this deminar is focused only on CONCRETE.

What is the target group of this event amongst exhibitors and visitors?

Our DEMINAR 2009 attracted delegates from wide segments which include architects, consultants, academicians, project engineers, concrete technologists, RMC suppliers, Plant and machinery manufacturers, and every one from construction industry. We are getting tremendous response this year too.

What is your opinion about the concrete products industry in India?

Concrete one of the topmost consumed materials [second to water] in the World. We use nearly three hundred million cubic meter of concrete every year but unfortunately concrete is the most ABUSED material also. We make bad concrete and cover it with nice plaster. It is pertinent to mention that we use maximum plaster in the World! By doing so we forget that concrete is the most vital part of the structure. It is like bone in the human body. At ICI we want to educate the user on best practices related to concrete - be it site-mixed or ready-mixed.

The building products industry in our country has to go a long way with respect to quality and safety aspects compare to the global standards.

What kind of impetus this event is expected to create over the ongoing performance of construction industry?

We want to educate the end user with respect to good concrete. Concrete technology is a new subject in our country and even Ready Mixed Concrete is hardly one and half decade old in India and ICI being one of the most respected and established organization in the field of concrete, our endeavour would be to bridge the knowledge gap.

What sort of responses you are getting?

The response is overwhelming. We are getting support from all concerned.

What about overseas participation?

We have this time eight international speakers of repute who would be talking on various aspects of concrete. We are also expecting overseas delegates.

How many exhibitors are expected to participate and what should be the number of effective footfall?

We are expecting around fifty plus exhibitors mainly from concrete related industry. We also have the support of some of the industry leaders.