Interview With Sanjay Sehgal - Exhibition Director, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions

Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions are the organizers of the biggest medical laboratory event in West Africa, the Medic West Africa that will be holding later in the year in Lagos Nigeria. HealthNewsNG spoke to Sanjay Sehgal – Exhibition Director Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions on expectations at this year's edition including the event's endorsements by stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector.

HealthNewsNG: Tell us about your company and events

Sanjay Sehgal: The Life Sciences division is part of Informa Exhibitions and runs the healthcare portfolio of products including exhibitions, magazines, conferences and event management. The division offers a range of marketing solutions for companies involved with the healthcare sector, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia region.

The Life Sciences division organises 20 exhibitions annually, covering the European, African, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Over the course of the year, our events attract more than 4,000 exhibitors, 90,000 visitors and 13,000 delegates.

In addition, the division also publishes four international healthcare magazines and also offers dothealth, an online healthcare portal showcasing more than 40,000 healthcare companies.

When and where was your last event held in Nigeria?

Medic West Africa was held from 16 -18 October 2012 at Eko Hotel & Exhibition Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. Informa Life Sciences partnered with Afrocet to launch the inaugural Medic West Africa.

What has changed this year?

We have a more dedicated event to Medlab West Africa (which is co-located with MWA). Medlab space is up from 150sqm in 2012 to 600sqm in 2013

What informed the decision to introduce Medic West Africa?

The introduction of Medic West Africa was complementary to government initiatives and programmes which have resulted in a sweeping healthcare reform throughout West Africa. Hospitals and healthcare institutes receive funding due to these programmes; it results in massive changes in the equipment, technologies and solutions for the healthcare industry. Therefore this encouraged Informa Life Sciences to come on-board as strategic partners.

Additionally, Medic West Africa provides the perfect platform for new entrants to the market, as well as a unique event for existing suppliers, distributors and principal companies to meet their target audience.

As previously explained, our partnership with Afrocet, who publish the health journal, Africa Health meant that there was a perfect opportunity to introduce an international exhibition to West Africa. The success of the first show certainly vindicates that decision.

What do you plan to achieve with this year's event?

This year we are introducing Medlab Nigeria 2013 – The largest medical laboratory event in the region running along-side Medic West Africa. We are also looking at a 94% growth in space from 2012 to cater to the demand of the growing industry.

We also have returning country pavilions such as France, China, Pakistan, USA and India, as well as including new country groups from Egypt, Turkey and South Korea.

In addition to the increased amount of rooms available for workshops hosted by exhibitors, the 6,740 square meters of exhibition space is expecting approximately 5,100 attendees.

The Congress also offers three CPD accredited conferences and master classes.

How many exhibitors and attendees participated in last year's edition?

More than 150 exhibitors from 35 countries participated in Medic West Africa 2012 we had 2282 attendees.

How many are expected this year?

We have 250 international and local exhibitors, 45 countries represented, and seven country pavilions represented this year

So far, how many have registered to participate?

The numbers have not been finalised yet as we are expecting more participation as the event grows closer.

What is the cost implication for exhibitors and participants?

The cost to exhibit is US$485 per square metre for space only and US$525 per sqm for the shell scheme

Since it's a West African event, how are other countries apart from Nigeria responding?

We have companies primarily from Nigeria exhibiting at the show. We also have a number of companies from Ghana. From further afield, we have a number of companies from South Africa as well.

What are the challenges you believe the medical sector in Nigeria and West Africa are facing, and how can the event help?

The event can help to bring and introduce new technology which ultimately can help to save lives. In addition, one of the key ideals for all our shows is to drive education. The show will help to increase knowledge via conferences and workshops, which again, will help to drive up healthcare standards in West Africa.

Tell us about your partners

We have Government support from the NMA (Nigerian Medical Association) and we are also endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. We are very grateful for their support, and like us, they see education as the key to driving up standards of healthcare across the region.

Compared to similar events you hold in other parts of the world, what is different about Medic West Africa?

I think one of the key differences is the enthusiasm of both visitors and exhibitors to embrace change. We had record numbers turn up at the launch of Medic West Africa 2012 and instantly became the largest healthcare event in West Africa. Exhibitors embraced the market and while there is still a long way to go, I hope that the show can act as a catalyst to bring positive change to healthcare in West Africa.

What of local contents, how are you encouraging local exhibitors?

We are encouraging local exhibitors by ensuring that when they do participate, the right type of visitors come to the show. This ranges from C-level decision-makers through to end-users.

At the end of the event what do you desire to have achieved?

I hope that we can continue the extremely promising start we had at the 2012 show. As long as we can continue to help to introduce new technology, continue to drive education and ensure that the positive communication between healthcare professionals continues, and then I think that will be a good achievement for Medic West Africa 2013.