Siddharth Saraf
Co-Founder of NOVA Exhibitions & Conferences
Siddharth, co-founder of NOVA, has over 13 years of experience in the construction industry. He’s known for his strong business sense and his drive to succeed. After earning an MBA in Finance, Siddharth joined his family’s well-established construction business, where he gained a deep understanding of the industry. His background in Delhi and Mumbai has influenced his approach to business, helping him start Nova Exhibitions and Conferences. Siddharth is passionate about sustainable design and promoting local innovation. He’s a supporter of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative and has worked to encourage responsible construction practices. Outside of work, Siddharth enjoys fitness, art, fine food, and luxury experiences. On LinkedIn, he has over 6,000 followers and maintains close connections with more than 8,000 professionals in the construction field.
Nova Exhibitions and Conferences is a company that brings people together from across the construction industry. Since its start in 2018, Nova has been organizing events like exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences to help professionals connect, learn, and grow. They focus on creating spaces where people from various fields such as architecture, fire safety and security, and building materials, can gather to share ideas and learn about new developments in the industry.
Other than iDAC Expo, the key event organized by Nova is FSIE, the Fire & Security India Expo, held in partnership with the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI). FSIE is one of India’s major events for fire safety and security industry. It brings together experts, architects, engineers, and safety professionals to discuss and share information on fire protection and security solutions. FSIE provides a platform for networking, learning, and discussing industry trends that affect safety in buildings and infrastructure.
This year, Nova is to hold FSIE during 11-13 September 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. SecurityLinkIndia spoke to Siddharth on the preparation, foresight and anticipated success of FSIE 2025. Here are the excerpts:
Can you share your individual journey before co-founding NOVA Exhibitions & Conferences?
For me, I was always drawn to problem-solving and systems thinking. My background is in business development and brand building across various sectors. But I always felt a pull towards creating platforms, spaces where people and industries could connect more efficiently.
Can you kindly give a brief of the entity called NOVA.
Nova isn’t just an organizer of trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and business events across the global construction industry; it’s an ecosystem of ideas, industries, and innovations. Since 2018, we’ve built platforms that spark innovation, encourage dialogue, and push industries forward, especially in construction, design, fire safety, and security. Our vision is deeply rooted in building sustainable and transformative connections through high-impact gatherings.
Take iDAC, for example it’s more than an expo; it’s a celebration of the entire built environment. From architects and interior designers to developers and brands, iDAC brings together every stakeholder in a format that’s bold, immersive, and deeply collaborative.
We’ve also recently launched the Dubai Intelligence Series, which has been incredibly exciting. It’s a focused, invitation-only format that brings global thinkers and regional innovators into the same room for real conversations around future cities, sustainable design, and nextgen construction. It’s smaller in scale but huge in intent, exactly the kind of meaningful dialogue the industry needs right now.
At its core, Nova is about building bridges – between people, between sectors, and across borders.
What inspired you to start Nova, and how did you come together with your co-founder?
We saw a gap. Trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences were happening, but they weren’t changing much. I believed they could do more, connect deeper, solve real problems, and leave a mark. I had the drive to build something meaningful, and when I met Dhaval, it was clear we shared the same ambition. We weren’t interested in doing things the usual way; we wanted to create platforms that push boundaries and genuinely serve the industries we touch.
What is the core mission behind NOVA Exhibitions & Conferences?
To build platforms that matter. Whether it’s iDAC – the Architecture and Design Summit or FSIE – the Fire and Security Expo, I want every Nova event to stand for purpose, not just presence. Our mission is about sparking conversations that lead to action. We aim to be the bridge between industries, ideas, and innovation.
What’s the most difficult decision you’ve had to make as a founder?
The pandemic forced us to rethink everything. Do we wait it out? Do we pivot? We chose to adapt – and that meant tough calls, from budgets to formats. We had to cancel some events, delay others, and restructure teams. But in hindsight, those decisions revealed the grit of our team and helped us build a more resilient company.
What other verticals for NOVA is organising Exhibition and Conference other than Security industry?
A lot! We proudly organize the iDAC Expo, one of the country’s largest platforms for architecture, design, interiors, construction, and technology, bringing together the entire Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Design ecosystem under one roof. Alongside, the iDAC Intelligence Series Conferences travel across 10+ cities to build localised knowledge-sharing hubs. We also host the Infinity Awards, a national-level recognition platform that celebrates excellence in design and innovation. While FSIE is our flagship for the fire and security ecosystem, each of these verticals is rooted in our mission to foster collaboration, elevate standards, and build stronger communities across industries.
Nova Exhibitions and Conferences is a company that brings people together from across the construction industry. Since its start in 2018, Nova has been organizing events like exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences to help professionals connect, learn, and grow. They focus on creating spaces where people from various fields such as architecture, fire safety and security, and building materials, can gather to share ideas and learn about new developments in the industry
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the early days of Nova?
Getting people to believe in a new name, we had to prove that we were here for the long run and not just another organizer. Convincing partners to trust a new brand required relentless focus on delivery and exceeding expectations. We focused on building relationships first; everything else followed.
How did you overcome setbacks or failures as a team?
We leaned into the problem and into each other. Being transparent, staying agile, and having honest conversations helped. The clarity of our mission gave us the resilience to bounce back every time.
We’ve also recently launched the Dubai Intelligence Series, which has been incredibly exciting. It’s a focused, invitation-only format that brings global thinkers and regional innovators into the same room for real conversations around future cities, sustainable design, and next-gen construction. It’s smaller in scale but huge in intent, exactly the kind of meaningful dialogue the industry needs right now
You co-organised FSIE last year also; how has been your experience in involvement with security sector?
In one word? Eye-opening. It’s an industry that’s constantly evolving and deeply important. Being part of its ecosystem has been both a privilege and a responsibility. We’ve come to deeply appreciate the mission-driven nature of this space.
What was your experience and learning from the last year FSIE?
That there’s a hunger for dialogue. People want to learn, connect, and stay ahead of the curve. We realized how vital our role was in facilitating that. The fire and security community values platforms that go beyond exhibitions and provide opportunities to collaborate and shape the future.
What new features, ideas and activities you are innovating for the promotion and success of the FSIE this year?
This year, we’re going beyond the conventional. We’re leveraging targeted digital campaigns, not just to build awareness but to drive curated participation across buyer segments. One of our greatest assets is our extensive in-house industry database, built over years of on-ground work and active engagement. Using our proprietary filtering, targeting, and refining systems, we’re able to micro-segment and reach the most relevant stakeholders – whether it’s consultants, safety officers, facility heads, or infrastructure decision-makers. This precision-driven outreach ensures that the right people are not only aware of FSIE but are compelled to attend and actively engage. On-ground, FSIE 2025 will feature live demo zones, vertical-specific buyer-seller programs, industry workshops, and thought-leadership roundtables to facilitate hands-on learning and high-value conversations. It’s all about delivering meaningful experiences – where business meets purpose.
How do you predict about the success of FSIE 2025?
FSIE has always been a powerful platform for the fire and security industry, and 2025 is only taking that legacy forward, getting bigger, better, and more impactful. With the venue shift to Yashobhoomi and an upgraded agenda that brings in key policy-makers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders, we’re scaling up both in size and relevance. What’s exciting is the growing depth of collaborations, industry partnerships, and new verticals joining the fold. The response so far has been phenomenal, we’re already close to 90% sold out, which reflects the momentum, trust, and excitement the industry continues to show towards FSIE. It’s not just an exhibition anymore, it’s becoming the definitive meeting ground for the entire ecosystem.
How do you find the security and fire industry in India, and what are trends and challenges of the industry?
The security and fire industry in India is undoubtedly high-stakes and rapidly evolving. Technologies like AI, IoT, and integrated systems are driving the future of the sector. However, challenges such as limited awareness and skill gaps persist. While regulatory compliance is tightening, on-ground implementation often struggles to keep pace. There’s still considerable ground to cover, and FSIE aims to play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps by offering a platform that fosters awareness, dialogue, and industry-wide collaboration.
What ways is Nova bringing innovation to FSIE and the exhibition and conference space at large?
We’re not afraid to experiment. Hybrid formats, city-level outreach, student initiatives, influencer partnerships, we’re always pushing the envelope. The goal is to make events more dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused.
How do you foster a collaborative and creative culture at Nova?
We listen; we celebrate wins and learn from losses. Everyone has a voice here, and that keeps us hungry, humble, and human. We actively encourage experimentation and recognize effort as much as outcomes.
What do you look for when building your team?
People who care – skills matter, but attitude matters more. We want dreamers who can also deliver – those who are mission-driven, adaptable, and constantly learning.
What trends do you see shaping the future of exhibitions and conferences in India and globally?
The future lies in personalization, sustainability, and smart tech, but more than anything, in creating experiences that feel human and personal. We’re also seeing a strong move toward regional content and hybrid models that enable ongoing engagement beyond the physical event.
Can you tell us about a particularly successful event or partnership?
FSIE 2024 at the Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai, stands out as a milestone event for us. It brought together key stakeholders from across the fire and security ecosystem manufacturers, integrators, consultants, decision-makers, and policy influencers. The energy on the show floor, the depth of discussions, and the diversity of participation made it truly special. What made FSIE 2024 particularly impactful was not just the scale, but also the collaborative spirit fostered between the Fire and Security Association of India and Nova Exhibitions and Conferences. It became more than just a B2B trade show, it became a knowledge-sharing platform that addressed both passive and active fire safety solutions, organizational security management, and future-ready technologies.
Where do you see Nova in the next 3-5 years?
Expanding into the Middle East, scaling up iDAC and FSIE, and launching new verticals. But always with the same intent – impact over impression. We want Nova to be a name synonymous with meaningful progress.
We proudly organize the iDAC Expo, one of the country’s largest platforms for architecture, design, interiors, construction, and technology, bringing together the entire Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Design ecosystem under one roof.
Are there any new verticals or markets you’re planning to explore?
Yes, green technology, media & entertainment, infrastructure and development. These are areas where India is poised to lead, and we want to be a part of that growth story.
How do you attract and retain talent in such a dynamic industry?
By being real. We offer ownership, not just jobs. People want purpose, and we ensure they find it here. Our culture is transparent, empowering, and growth-oriented.
How do you ensure that the team stays aligned with the company’s mission?
We keep our ‘why’ front and center. It’s not a slogan – it’s how we operate, every day. Regular team reflections, strategy sessions, and open forums help everyone stay connected to the bigger picture.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs entering the events or B2B space?
Start with purpose. Don’t chase trends. Build relationships, be honest, and never lose your hunger to learn. Know your value, stay agile, and always put your community first – the rest follows.
