The fifth edition of the Global Fintech Fest is now upon us, at the same old Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. The three-day long jamboree boasts of being the largest such festival in the world. And it is nothing to take lightly.
By 10 a.m., long lines were already forming on the ground floor as people waited to collect their entry passes from the sub-ground level. The venue even had to place staff to manage the crowd on the escalator. This rush lasted well into the afternoon, despite passes being available 48 hours before the event began.
Initial estimates show that the first day’s footfall reached around 50,000 people. For context, last year’s three-day total was approximately 75,000, which was a record at the time.
During the opening ceremony, chief planner Kris Gopalakrishnan suggested that it may be time to take the “Global” aspect seriously and consider hosting the event abroad next year. But where’s the fun in that?