MAM
Ad Club delegation plans road shows to hype up AdAsia 03
MUMBAI: Ad Club Bombay has its work cut out this year. India’s largest advertising association made a successful bid for AdAsia 2003 nearly four years ago at Pattaya. Having done that, it is going all out to ensure that India becomes the centre-stage of advertising and marketing action in November 2003.
AdAsia is the continent’s most prestigious ad event and India is getting a chance to host it after 21 years (the last was in 1982). AdAsia, arguably Asia’s largest marketing, media and advertising event, is held every alternate year in the region. It attracts over 1000 top managers from all the three above-mentioned disciplines. Ad Club Bombay has chosen the picturesque pink city of Jaipur as the venue for the four-day event to be held between 10-14 November 2003.
From 21 March 2003 onwards, a high profile delegation of media, advertising and marketing professionals including Ad Club Bombay president Pradeep Guha, AdAsia 2003 planning committee chairman Ramesh Narayan and other eminent ad personalities will visit several Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malayasia to conduct road shows. The members of the delegation are positive that they will be able to get more foreign delegates to visit India during AdAsia 2003.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, AdAsia 2003 chairman Ramesh Narayan says: “”The interest and involvement of the media, advertising and marketing industry across Asia is assured but we still want to make sure that we create the requisite hype and get more delegates interested.”
Renowned international personalities from the media, advertising and marketing will address discerning audiences at AdAsia 2003. “Some of the best speakers from across the globe will conduct the sessions. These eminent speakers will ensure that they address the concerns of the fraternity. We shall announce an impressive list of speakers within a week,” says Narayan.
After winning the bid, the Ad Club Bombay constituted an advisory board under the chairmanship of Vindi Banga (Hindustan Lever chairman) to formulate the basic direction and theme for AdAsia 2003. The board had eminent personalities such as Nandan Nilekani, Purush Grant, Anand Mahindra and Rajeev Chandrasekhar amongst others. The theme crystallized was “Break the rules!” and the idea was “Discontinuity may be the way forward”.
The main sponsor for the event is the Aditya Birla group; Videocon is the co-sponsor and CNBC is the official electronic channel partner. Other individual sponsors will be associated with different segments.
“The welcome dinner is on 10 November and there is a rest day on 12 November. All the delegates will be taken on a sight-seeing tour and entitled to participate in a golf tournament.
The entire ad fraternity will eagerly await the proceedings!
As homes evolve to reflect a growing focus on wellness, hygiene, and long-term durability, the materials we choose are coming under sharper scrutiny. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but also about how it performs under daily use. From accidental spills in the kitchen to everyday wear in living spaces, the right materials can make the difference between a home that simply appears clean and one that actively supports healthier living.
Across categories like paints, surfaces, and furniture, there is a clear shift towards solutions that minimise toxins, resist stains, and are easier to maintain. Here’s how thoughtful material choices can help create a home that is both beautiful and better for everyday life.
Cleaner Walls: The Shift to Low-VOC Paints
Walls cover the largest surface area in any home, making them a critical factor in indoor air quality. Traditional paints often contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can release harmful fumes long after application. These emissions are known to contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces.
This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly paints, which are formulated using natural, non-toxic, and sustainable materials. With low to zero VOC content, these paints significantly reduce indoor air pollution and create a safer environment for families, especially children and the elderly. Water-based formulations are another key advancement, as they limit the use of hazardous solvents without compromising on finish or durability. Brands like Nippon Paint have introduced eco-friendly, child-safe paint ranges that align with this shift towards healthier interiors.
Beyond composition, finish also plays a role in maintenance. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss emulsions are increasingly preferred for interiors, as they are less absorbent and more resistant to stains, making walls easier to clean and maintain over time.
Hygienic Surfaces: Where Performance Meets Everyday Living
If walls influence air quality, surfaces, especially in kitchens and children’s bedrooms or play areas, directly impact hygiene. Interestingly, studies have shown that kitchen surfaces can sometimes harbour more bacteria than bathrooms, largely due to frequent exposure to food, moisture, and spills.
This makes the choice of countertop and surface material particularly important. Porous materials can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential bacterial growth over time. In contrast, non-porous surfaces offer a more hygienic alternative, as they prevent absorption and are easier to clean.
Engineered quartz surfaces have emerged as a strong solution in this space. For instance, offerings from Specta Quartz Surfaces are designed to address both hygiene and durability concerns. Being non-porous and impenetrable, these surfaces do not absorb liquids, making them resistant to common household stains such as tea, coffee, turmeric, or juice. They also offer ease of maintenance, as most spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and occasional use of mild soap is enough to restore the surface.
Additionally, they are NSF and GreenGuard certified, proving that these surfaces are safe for direct food contact and do not support the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. This is particularly relevant in Indian kitchens, where cooking often involves heavy use of spices, oils, and frequent cleaning.
Smart Furniture Choices
Furniture is another area where material choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Sofas, chairs, and wardrobes are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and daily wear, making durability and stain resistance key considerations. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, and synthetic blends like polyester or olefin are becoming popular for upholstered furniture. These materials are designed to repel liquids, resist scratches, and withstand regular use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
Brands like Orange Tree offer furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical material choices. Laminates from companies like Century Ply are now designed to be stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for wardrobes, cabinets, and seating. These finishes not only enhance longevity but also reduce the effort required for daily upkeep.
Designing for Long-Term Well-Being
What ties these material choices together is a broader shift in how we think about our homes. Cleanliness is no longer just about routine maintenance, it begins with selecting materials that are inherently easier to maintain, safer to use, and more resistant to wear.
Low-VOC paints contribute to better air quality, non-porous surfaces improve hygiene, and performance-driven furniture materials reduce the stress of everyday living. Together, they create an environment that supports both physical health and peace of mind.
As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for homes that are low-maintenance yet high-performing will only continue to grow. By choosing materials that can handle spills, resist stains, and stand the test of time, homeowners can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also fundamentally healthier to live in.
