biggest digital conference

Bengaluru, 24th February 2025: After completing 3 mega national editions, the inaugural edition of MATECIA Southern India concluded on a high note at BIEC, Bengaluru from 21st to 23rd February 2025, solidifying its position as a premier trade exhibition for materials, architecture, and design nationally and also imprinting deep roots in the Southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa.

Sogadu Shivanna, Former Minister of Environment, Karnataka
“I am happy to part of MATECIA exhibition and to see so many stalls and presence of top architects & designers from South India in one platform. Best wishes for success.”

More than 20500+ visitors, including dealers and distributors, architects, interior designers and decorators, builders, manufacturers graced the exhibition fostering networking, and business collaborations on an unprecedented scale.

Adisheshan Gowda, Builder & Chairman, National Real Estate Development Council, Mysuru
“Though first time in Bangalore, I can say, MATECIA has been super successful in South because it is helpful for builders, consumers and home makers.”

With an overwhelming presence of 150+ national and regional brands, MATECIA Southern India 2025 witnessed cutting-edge materials and solutions across wood, panels, decorative surfaces, architectural products, hardware, furniture, and interior materials.

Shankar F Patil, Chief Project Officer, Karnataka State Highways
“I am pleased to see the large scale of MATECIA Exhibition in Bengaluru. With the overall growth in South India, there is a need for such prominent exhibitions to help the growth of industry. I am pleased to see the products and scale of exhibition!!”

Highlights of MATECIA Southern India 2025:

• Massive Industry Participation: Thousands of visitors, including top architects, interior designers, and business owners, engaged in dynamic discussions and business opportunities.
• Innovative Product Showcases: The latest advancements in building products and surface innovations were unveiled, setting new industry trends.
• Exclusive Networking: The event facilitated meaningful collaborations among brands, dealers, architects and specifiers, driving future growth in the region.
• Knowledge-Driven Sessions: Insightful talks and interactive sessions enriched participants with valuable insights on market dynamics, design evolution, technology advancements, and business strategies.

INDIA FURNITURE CONCLAVE – A Resounding Success

Alongside MATECIA Southern India, the INDIA FURNITURE CONCLAVE in Bengaluru emerged as a key highlight, bringing together industry experts, entrepreneurs, and designers to explore critical aspects of the furniture industry, including market trends, technological advancements, and business growth strategies. The 2 Day long conclave facilitated impactful discussions, fostering collaborations and paving the way for future growth in the sector.

Pragat Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA & India Furniture Conclave,
“It was a long-time demand of the industry that we do MATECIA in the Southern part of India, and I attribute this success to all the companies who have joined us in MATECIA Southern India 2025. This success is theirs!!”

Surfaces Reporter Salutes – Honouring Architecture & Design Champions

One of the most celebrated segments of the event was the Surfaces Reporter Salutes Architecture Event, a special recognition initiative by Surfaces Reporter Magazine which has just entered 15^th year of operation. This edition honored design visionaries from South India who have significantly contributed to the growth and evolution of interior design and architecture in South India.

See you at MATECIA National Edition Aug 2025 Delhi

The resounding success of MATECIA Southern India 2025 has set the stage for future editions, reinforcing its commitment to empowering the industry with knowledge, innovation, and business growth. The event’s success in Bengaluru shows that MATECIA’s continued effort for promoting the business interests of exhibitors is taken well by the industry.

Verticaa Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA:
“While we are proud to see MATECIA evolve as a key catalyst for industry growth but my focus is always on the next event. Being our own competition and challenging our own best record is what we aim for. Most humbly waiting to meet you all in the next edition of MATECIA!”
The industry now looks forward to the MATECIA National Edition 2025, scheduled from 21st to 24th August 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, where the momentum will continue with an even larger showcase of materials, experts, design innovations and visitors from all over India and various countries from worldwide.

For more updates, visit- www.matecia.com, queries at- booking@matecia.com

About MATECIA EXHIBITION

MATECIA is one of the most visited business exhibition in India that connects Exhibitors & Sponsors with Architects, Interior Retailers, Designers, Distributors, Agents, Builders, Government agencies, Project Consultants, Channel Partners and Dealers in the Building Material and Interior Products industry.

It is from the 24-year-old reputed media house of SURFACES REPORTER®, PLY REPORTER and FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY.

MATECIA EXHIBITION 2024 saw 52000+ visitors from 500+ towns & cities of India and 20+ other countries. It is one of the undisputed high performing exhibitions for Building Material industry in India. Organised by BIGSEA GROUP, this exhibition is loved for its market research, connect and great content. Concurrent events include:

• WADE INDIA Architecture Event
• India Furniture Conclave
• MATERIAL ADDA
• India Interior Retailing

CONTACT

WhatsApp only: +91-9625805731 | Enquiry: booking@matecia.com
Get layout: https://bit.ly/matecia-thewadeasia

Dr. Kettaki Kasbekar’s Inspiring Tale is all about overcoming challenges, redefining success, and empowering others reports SURFACES REPORTER (SR)

Brick by Brick: My Journey Through Real Estate and Beyond is a powerful and inspiring memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of Dr. Kettaki Kasbekar – a woman who defied odds, shattered glass ceilings, and built an illustrious career in the male-dominated world of real estate. This book is not just a career memoir; it is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the unwavering drive to succeed against all odds.

From Dreams of Medicine to Mastery in Real Estate

Dr. Kasbekar’s journey began with dreams of becoming a doctor, but life had other plans. Through unforeseen twists and turns, she found herself navigating the complex and often unforgiving terrain of real estate. What followed was a story of relentless determination, self-improvement, and an unyielding spirit that refused to be deterred by setbacks.

Each chapter of her life reveals a new layer of her resilience. From professional challenges to profound personal losses, Dr. Kasbekar faced moments of doubt and adversity. Yet, she emerged stronger each time, transforming obstacles into opportunities and using them as stepping stones to greater heights. Her ability to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing real estate industry is a testament to her innovative mindset and pioneering spirit.

A Legacy Built on Sacrifice and Self-Discovery

Dr. Kasbekar’s journey was far from easy. It required immense sacrifices, moments of introspection, and an unshakable belief in her vision. Her story is one of inner strength, forged through trials and triumphs alike. But beyond her personal success, she harbored a deeper mission: to uplift others and create a lasting impact.

This mission culminated in her pursuit of not one, but two doctorates—a reflection of her boundless curiosity and commitment to knowledge. Her academic achievements are as remarkable as her professional ones, with research that has reshaped understanding of the real estate market and customer relationship management.

A Beacon of Hope and Empowerment

Brick by Brick is more than a memoir; it is a celebration of perseverance and a source of inspiration for anyone daring to dream big. Dr. Kasbekar’s story is a reminder that success is not defined by the absence of challenges but by the courage to face them head-on.

Her journey is a beacon of hope for women in male-dominated industries, proving that with determination, vision, and resilience, it is possible to break barriers and leave an indelible mark. Through her work, Dr. Kasbekar has not only redefined success in real estate but also paved the way for future generations to follow.

Brick by Brick: My Journey Through Real Estate and Beyond is now available online, offering readers an intimate look into the life of a woman who turned dreams into reality, one brick at a time.

About the Author

Dr. Kettaki Kasbekar is a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of expertise in Sales, Customer Relationship Management, Business Planning, Strategic Negotiation, Legal and Land Acquisition, and Disaster Management. Known for her innovative approach, she has consistently transformed industry standards.

She holds two doctorates: one analyzing the evolution of India’s real estate market and another on the quantitative aspects of Customer Relationship Management. Her research has earned her accolades like the Excellence in Woman Leadership Award and the Best Researcher Award.

A certified Independent Director, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, POSH Trainer, and Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Dr. Kasbekar is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. Her journey exemplifies perseverance, vision, and the power of determination, inspiring countless individuals to build enduring legacies.

SURFACE REPORTER SALUTES is the Premier Recognition forum from the house of Surfaces Reporter, created to celebrate & recognize Excellence in Interior Design, Real Estate & Architecture. The group has earned immense appreciation for creating the prestigious WADE ASIA architecture event which is today the largest recognition platform for women in design. Unlike WADE, SURFACE REPORTER SALUTES is open to all, irrespective of any gender.

22 February 2025 at BIEC Bangalore would witness the 1^st edition from the 14-year-old publication, beginning with Southern India where nominations are accepted from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Telangana. Eventually, the team would announce the other editions.

Nominations are accepted from all over India. The honours would take place as per announcement of the regional events.

The deadline for sending nominations for SURFACE REPORTER SALUTES South India edition is 24th December 2024.

SURFACE REPORTER SALUTES – In details

Established in 2011 and a part of 23-year-old media house, SURFACES REPORTER is known for keeping a constant eye on the work done by architects & designers of India.

This initiative “SURFACES REPORTER SALUTES” stems from their deep admiration for the transformative role designers play in shaping the built environment. Recognizing valuable contributions is their way of celebrating this legacy while inspiring the community to aim higher.

After years of closely observing the extraordinary work emerging from the region, Surfaces Reporter is humbled to shine a spotlight on firms and individuals who have redefined design.

How are firms nominated?

SURFACES REPORTER team spend months deliberating over and observing firms whose work transcends boundaries and inspires the next generation of designers. The selected firm is one of those that must be told.

Firms are nominated in two ways, through the direct nomination by SR team or after the selection process from the nominations received from the industry, architecture firms and design companies. This is not just recognition but a tribute to the relentless passion, creativity, and impact.

Why has SURFACES REPORTER not created the recognition platform earlier?

With thousands of awards & recognition platforms floated in the market, SR feels that people are almost making a joke of these platforms. SURFACES REPORTER is a serious platform and do not want to create or engage in anything that does not resonate with its objective of filling any gap or contributing something meaningful for the community.

THE WADE ASIA, recognition and networking platform for women in design & architecture was started to give women in design a large national platform to share their work, get recognised for their contribution and also compete stringently to build and reatin their presence nationwide. As they would complete 10 years of THE WADE ASIA, it seems right to give time and attention in building a platform for recognising the professionals of design, real estate and architecture, not limited by any gender.

Contact information

Email: press@surfaces.in
Website: www.surfacesreporter.com

Sisters Verticaa Dvivedi and Madhu Chowdhury, founders of The WADE ASIA platform for women in design and architecture pre-released their first book together called “The Top Angle”. The event was held on 14^th June 2024 at Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi during the special ceremony of NAREDCO MAHI Women in Real Estate & Construction. The WADE ASIA and MAHI initiative resonate on the common grounds of their objectives. Supported by the NAREDCO Top Leadership, the event was hugely successful.

Seen here are the top leadership of NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council) along with Verticaa Dvivedi, Founder of The WADE ASIA, world’s largest award platform for women in architecture, Interior design and professionals in creative pursuits and the built environment: From left: Mr. Ravi Reddy, President – Nextgen, NAREDCO,  Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO, Ms. Verticaa Dvivedi, Dr. Ananta S Raghuvanshi, President – MAHI, NAREDCO, and Mr. G Hari Babu, President, NAREDCO

Get ready to dive into “The Top Angle,” the upcoming book by leaders Verticaa Dvivedi and Madhu Chowdhury. With decades of wisdom from those who have walked the path, this essential guide is designed to help women in architecture, interior design, and built spaces to spot and surpass barriers in their professional journeys and to ease the path in their personal journeys.

About the Book: “The Top Angle”

“The Top Angle” is a comprehensive go-to guide infused with the collective wisdom of the The WADE ASIA community. This book combines extensive research, real-world examples, and invaluable insights drawn from nearly a decade of advocacy for women in design. Whether you are an emerging designer, a seasoned architect, or a professional in built spaces, this book serves as your essential tool to identify and overcome professional challenges.

Since 2016, The WADE ASIA has been steadfast in its commitment to recognizing, rewarding, and uniting women in design. What started as a modest gathering has blossomed into a dynamic community spanning the continent, with participation from women and girls in over 15-18 states annually. For close to a decade, The WADE ASIA has garnered submissions of more than 37,000 projects and showcased more than 2500 of them through physical and digital means in their national platforms. It is worth mentioning that The WADE ASIA had started with the key objective of ensuring visibility of women-led designs and development. Another key objective is to recognize the contribution and reward through national level competitions. Today, girls from small towns and metros join The WADE ASIA from more than 15-18 states annually.

In their debut book, “The Top Angle,” Verticaa and Madhu share candid reflections, personal anecdotes, and experiences from hundreds of women who have participated in WADE ASIA. These narratives provide inspiration and guidance for the current generation and future trailblazers. The book presents a unique perspective, encouraging readers to navigate their paths with confidence and wisdom.

Highlights include insights from The WADE ASIA’s pioneering live project competitions, where 200-250 final shortlisted projects compete LIVE across 15+ categories from among thousands of submissions. Through this book, readers gain a bird’s-eye view of the challenges and triumphs faced by women in design, equipped with practical strategies and encouragement to forge ahead in their careers.

“The Top Angle” encapsulates the essence of WADE ASIA’s mission and vision, offering a roadmap for women to achieve their full potential in the design industry.

About the Authors:

Verticaa Dvivedi’s story is one of resilience and inspiration. Arriving in Delhi with just a backpack and 3000 rupees, she has since built a successful career in publishing and exhibition. Her passion for community led to the founding of The WADE ASIA in 2016, a pioneering ecosystem for Women Architects & Designers. Joined by her sister Madhu Chowdhury, Verticaa has dedicated nearly a decade to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in design. Madhu adds structure & directions to Verticaa’s high-flying dreams. She is the wind beneath her wings.

Verticaa remembers the beginning of The WADE ASIA, “When I think about people who began The WADE ASIA movement, I cannot forget the tremendous contribution of Madhu, Neha, Komal, Deepshikha and my friend Swati. Those who applaud The WADE ASIA must applaud their contribution. Last but not the least, my daughter Chukchuk who was just a few years old and while she needed my maximum attention, she allowed me to work during the odd hours to create & continue this movement.”

 Who can benefit by reading “The Top Angle”

“THE TOP ANGLE” is perfect for girls and women involved in architecture, interior design, in any creative pursuits like art, décor, photography, painting and professionals like engineers, consultants, project managers, women in real estate and others in the built environment. It’s especially valuable for females aspiring to join any of the above fields and those who are seeking to maximize their potential in the design industry.

About The WADE ASIA: Largest platform for women in design & architecture

Since the last 9 years, The WADE ASIA stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment in the world of design and architecture. Founded in 2016, this pioneering initiative was born out of a simple yet profound quest: to uncover and celebrate the contributions of women in the fields of interior design, architecture, and the built environment. Frustrated by the lack of visibility for women-led projects, Verticaa’s determination led to the creation of The WADE ASIA, the world’s first and largest platform dedicated to this cause.

Objectives of The WADE ASIA

1. Visibility: Ensuring visibility to women-led projects
2. Mentorship: Bridging the gap between established and emerging designers
3. Support: Providing a platform for women seeking to return & restart
4. Learning: Facilitating continuous learning through discussions & research
5. Celebration: Celebrating the life, work, and achievements of women in design.
6. Recognition: Offering rewards and recognition to exceptional women in the industry

Pre-order Price and official Release date,

Pre-order your copy today on the websites:

www.surfacesreporter.com/book_the_top_angle_by_wadeasia

Pre-order accepted until 20th August 2024 | Price: INR 370/- (Only paperback)

Official Launch / Release Date: 23^rd August 2024, Yashobhoomi, Delhi

Price: INR 550/- (Paperback); Hardcover: INR 700/- (Hardcover)

Be among the first to gain access to this transformative guide in a pre-release cost. Available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.

For more info contact hello@wadeasia.com