Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
GCLAD Expo 2026 is India's inaugural B2B exhibition dedicated to cladding and façade systems, scheduled for 23-25 October 2026 at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad.
This event aims to connect architects, developers, and solution providers, showcasing innovative products and technologies that meet contemporary building needs.
The expo will feature a wide range of cladding materials, façade systems, and technical discussions to facilitate informed decision-making and business engagement.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: GCLAD Expo 2026 runs from 23-25 October 2026 at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, India.
- 2Scale and Focus: This inaugural edition focuses on cladding, façade systems, and exterior building solutions.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by HITEX, a trusted name in trade exhibitions.
- 4Buyer Authority: Architects, developers, and EPC contractors will attend to explore innovative solutions.
- 5Entry: Registration is open for both visitors and exhibitors.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest cladding technologies and solutions, connect with industry leaders, and evaluate products for upcoming projects. The event provides a unique opportunity to network with architects and developers, ensuring access to cutting-edge innovations in the façade industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at GCLAD Expo 2026 offers brands a platform to showcase their products to key decision-makers in the architecture and construction sectors. Participants can enhance visibility, launch new products, and build strong business connections, tapping into the growing demand for innovative cladding solutions.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Architects and facade consultants evaluating cladding materials, rainscreen systems and glazing performance.
Developers and builders specifying exterior envelope packages for residential and commercial towers.
EPC contractors sourcing integrated facade, curtain wall and fenestration systems.
Government and infrastructure agencies reviewing durable, code-compliant exterior solutions.
Facility managers and maintenance teams assessing weather resistance and low-maintenance finishes.
Distributors and specifiers comparing fixing technologies and panel suppliers.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Cladding and panel manufacturers presenting metal composite, ACP, HPL and terracotta systems.
Facade engineering and curtain-wall contractors offering design-build envelope packages.
Glazing, fenestration and window-system suppliers targeting Indian developers.
Fixing, sealant and anchoring technology brands serving facade installers.
Material distributors and stockists building regional dealer networks.
Testing, certification and consulting firms advising on facade performance standards.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Architectural cladding panels: ACP, metal composite, HPL and fibre cement.
Rainscreen and ventilated facade systems.
Curtain walls, structural glazing and unitised facades.
Windows, doors and fenestration hardware.
Facade fixing, sealants, anchors and installation accessories.
Thermal insulation and weatherproofing layers for building envelopes.
Location & Facilities
Venue
HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE
HITEX Exhibition Centre, 1st Floor, Izzat Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India - 500 084
Facilities
Parking
HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA in Hyderabad typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA in Hyderabad typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
23 – 25 October 2026:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
General admission
Domestic Shell Space
₹100.00General admission
International Shell Space
$300.00
Who runs the show
Organisers
[ 
Local currency · INR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Hyderabad's main international gateway, south of the city. Prepaid taxi, app cab and airport bus options connect to HITEC City; check operator counters on arrival
TBA
to venue
Varies with traffic; allow a generous buffer and confirm the live route before departure
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Radisson Hotel Hyderabad Hitec City
5-star
HITEC City4.2
Lemon Tree Premier, HITEC City, Hyderabad
4-star
HITEC City4.1
Holiday Inn Express Hyderabad Hitec City, an IHG Hotel
3-star
HITEC City4.1
Deccan Serai Hotel, HITEC City, Hyderabad
3-star
HITEC City4.4
Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels, Hyderabad
3-star
HITEC City4.3
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Hyderabad Metro plus last-mile auto
Estimated costINR 30-80 single metro journey
Best forHITEC City / Raidurg metro corridor to HITEX Exhibition Centre via Kothaguda
The Blue Line serves the HITEC City area; use Moovit or the metro map to choose the nearest stop, then take a short auto or bus to HITEX.
TSRTC city bus
Estimated costApprox. INR 10-40 single city bus fare; confirm route and fare
Best forHyderabad city and HITEC City bus routes toward Hitex Exhibition Centre, Kothaguda
City buses and metro combinations are listed for Hitex Exhibition Centre in Ranga Reddy district. Allow extra time in peak traffic.
Pushpak airport bus
Estimated costApprox. INR 250-300 one way; confirm current route and fare
Best forRajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) to HITEC City / HITEX area
Airport bus services connect HYD with city locations. Check the desk in the arrivals hall for the current HITEC City route and departure point.
App cab or prepaid airport taxi
Estimated costApprox. INR 900-1,400 by app cab; prepaid airport taxi rates may differ
Best forRajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) to HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA
The airport is about 24-26 km from the venue. Use the official prepaid taxi counter or a recognised app cab pickup zone; confirm the fare before leaving.
Auto rickshaw short hop
Estimated costApprox. INR 80-150 for a 3-6 km short hop; agree the fare or insist on the meter
Best forHITEC City hotels to HITEX Exhibition Centre, Kothaguda
Autos are useful for the final leg from metro stations or hotels. Carry small INR notes and confirm the drop point at the HITEX gate.
Weather
Hyderabad in late October is post-monsoon: warm, humid days and mild nights with a chance of showers. Expect daytime highs around 29-33 C and overnight lows around 20-24 C. Air-conditioned halls at HITEX make a light layer useful; carry an umbrella and breathable fabrics. These are climate normals, not a forecast - check a 7-day forecast before packing for 23-25 October 2026.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to India.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and business etiquette
English is widely used in Hyderabad's HITEC City business district; Hindi, Telugu and Urdu are also common. Carry business cards, use titles where known, and keep initial meetings formal.
Dress and climate
Business casual or formal attire is appropriate for trade events; breathable fabrics help with October humidity. Modest dress is respectful when visiting temples or older city areas.
Food and water
Drink sealed bottled water, especially outside hotels. Hyderabadi biryani and haleem are local specialties; vegetarian and halal options are common. Confirm spice levels if sensitive.
Tipping and payments
Tipping is not mandatory; 10% at restaurants is common when service is not included. Carry small INR notes for autos and tips; cards and UPI are widely used in HITEC City.
Festival calendar
October can overlap with autumn festival dates, which may affect hotel demand and traffic around Hyderabad. Check the local calendar and leave buffer time for airport transfers.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: HYD
Google Flights flagged prices as currently high for 23-27 October 2026 travel on the JFK, LHR, NRT and SYD searches; for Tokyo, shifting to 24-27 October showed INR 84,538. Compare connecting hubs (DOH, AUH, DXB, JED, KUL, BKK, HKG, SIN) and book early for October trade-fair demand into HYD.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): Varies with traffic; allow a generous buffer and confirm the live route before departure. Allow road or rail time to HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE: HITEC City: Radisson Hotel Hyderabad Hitec City; HITEC City: Lemon Tree Premier, HITEC City, Hyderabad; HITEC City: Holiday Inn Express Hyderabad Hitec City, an IHG Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Hyderabad; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Moovit maps bus and metro routes to Hitex Exhibition Centre in Ranga Reddy, and the Hyderabad Metro corridor serves the HITEC City area before a short last-mile road leg. Fare bands are in Indian rupees; check live fares and service hours on Moovit or the operator site.
Parking: On-site parking is available at HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 29-33 C daytime and 20-24 C overnight in late October; check the forecast before travel
Seasonality: Post-monsoon period with humid days and occasional showers; northeast monsoon can bring rain in October. Carry a compact umbrella and allow for wet taxi queues.
Packing: Approx. 29-33 C daytime and 20-24 C overnight in late October; check the forecast before travel Post-monsoon period with humid days and occasional showers; northeast monsoon can bring rain in October. Carry a compact umbrella and allow for wet taxi queues. Hyderabad in late October is post-monsoon:
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14-10
Confirm passport validity, Indian visa or e-Visa status, and print the approval to carry with your travel documents for Hyderabad.
Day 14-10
Register for GCLAD Expo on the organiser site (gcladexpo.in) and save your visitor badge or confirmation QR; check whether trade-only credentials are required.
Day 14-10
Book flights into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and a refundable HITEC City or Kothaguda hotel for 23-25 October 2026 to stay close to HITEX Exhibition Centre.
Day 7-5
Choose the airport transfer: Pushpak airport bus, prepaid taxi or app cab to HITEC City, and note the return pickup point for departure day.
Day 7-5
Map the last-mile route from your hotel to HITEX Exhibition Centre using Hyderabad Metro plus auto or bus, or a short app cab.
Day 3-1
Download the exhibitor list and hall plan when published; shortlist stands and request meetings with 6-10 target suppliers, buyers or partners.
Day 3-1
Pack business cards, a printed company profile, comfortable shoes, a light rain layer and India-compatible power adapters (types C/D/M).
Day 3-1
Check the 7-day Hyderabad forecast, confirm hotel and airport pickup, and keep small INR notes for autos, tips and incidentals.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo registration concourse
HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
HITEX EXHIBITION CENTRE, HYDERABAD, INDIA
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights₹190.00
- Per diem × 2₹150.00
Estimated total₹340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
INR 100 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | INR 100 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Architectural cladding materials for modern buildings. solutions and benchmarking suppliers at GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo in Hyderabad.
Min. budget
$750.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Architectural cladding materials for modern buildings. products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,375.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Hyderabad show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- GCLAD Expo
- The trade expo scheduled at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, on 23-25 October 2026. Check gcladexpo.in for final show scope, hall allocation and registration details.
- HITEX Exhibition Centre
- The venue in Kothaguda, HITEC City, Hyderabad, hosting the 23-25 October 2026 edition. It has multiple halls and on-site parking; confirm your hall and gate on the organiser plan or badge.
- HITEC City
- Hyderabad's IT and business district west of the city centre, close to HITEX. Many international visitors stay here because hotel supply and road links to the venue are practical.
- Shell space
- A pre-built stand package that usually includes walls, fascia, carpet and basic lighting. Confirm what is included in your domestic or international shell-space booking before designing graphics.
- Raw space
- Floor space only, without a built stand. Exhibitors appoint their own contractor and must submit drawings and safety documents for organiser approval.
- Business visitor
- A trade attendee visiting to source, specify, buy or partner rather than for general public entertainment. Some sessions or halls may be trade-only, so carry company identification.
- Exhibitor manual
- The organiser's operational document covering build-up, dismantling, freight, electrical work, safety rules and badge allocation for HITEX Exhibition Centre.
- Hall layout
- The floor plan showing stand numbers, entrances, service desks and meeting areas. Use it to plan a route and set a meeting point before the show opens.
- HYD
- IATA code for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad's main international gateway, about 24-26 km from HITEX Exhibition Centre.
- Pushpak airport bus
- A dedicated airport bus service linking HYD with city locations. Check current routes to HITEC City and the fare before travel.
- Hyderabad Metro
- The city's metro network, including the Blue Line corridor serving HITEC City. Use it with a short auto or bus leg for the final approach to HITEX.
- Post-monsoon
- The October transition after the southwest monsoon, bringing warm humid days and occasional showers. Pack a light rain layer and breathable clothing.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- façade solutions India
- building envelope expo
- GCLAD Expo 2026 - Global Cladding Solutions Expo Hyderabad
- GCLAD Expo 2026 Hyderabad
- GCLAD Expo Hyderabad 2026
- Global Cladding Solutions Expo 2026
- Global Cladding Solutions Expo Hyderabad 2026
- GCLAD 2026
- GCLAD Hyderabad 2026
- Hyderabad India
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.