The 17th edition of the All India Photographic Trade & Industry Association’s Photofair was held in Mumbai from 5th to 8th January, 2012, at the NSE Grounds. The exhibition had on display a complete range of Digital Photo Imaging products and services, covering the entire workflow related to imaging, right from image capture through image processing and storage to image output. It also boasted the participation of more than 200 exhibitors, including major manufacturers, importers, distributors and suppliers of photo imaging and allied products of prominent international brands.

Photofair had a cross-section of visitors from all over India who utilized this opportunity for networking, meeting suppliers, industry stalwarts and photographers, learning and building better business contacts.  Though the event attracted thousands of visitors, it was let down by management issues. Independent feedback from various people present indicated that the show was poorly organised with both exhibitors and attendees complaining. Exhibitors were particularly irked by the poor management of crowds and other basic amenities at the venue.

Re-christened as the Consumer Electronic Imaging Fair and Photofair (CEIF)- 2012, the event is the biggest trade show on the Indian photographic calendar. Some of the important exhibitors were Kodak, Fujifilm, Nikon, Epson, Olympus, Sandisk and others. The event offered an opportunity to the companies dealing with products and services like digital photo imaging, photographic products, digital/ analogue video products and services like internet image services, Picture Library etc., to exhibit themselves.

Added attraction to the display was the five Photo Galleries, showing large format prints on various subjects such as wildlife, heritage, glamour, nature etc. Prominent photographers like Kakubhai Kothari and institutes like Shari Academy, Milestone Enterprise and Better Photography showcased their photographs here.

Workshops and Seminars were also conducted on all days to spread photography education. Eminent photographers like Saaket Shrikant, Jatin Chonkar, V.V. Ramana were part of the workshops.

The CEIF-2012 offered visitors an important platform to find out about the latest market developments and exchange ideas about the future business strategies, which made it a unique event for the Imaging Sector.

Photofair had a cross-section of visitors from all over India who utilized this opportunity for networking, meeting suppliers, industry stalwarts and photographers, learning and building better business contacts.  Though the event attracted thousands of visitors, it was let down by management issues. Exhibitors were also irked by poor management of crowds and other basic amenities at the venue.