Kolkata, 7 August 2026: The 13th India Association Congress (IAC) 2026 officially commenced today at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre (BBCC), Kolkata, bringing together association leaders, policymakers, government representatives, industry experts, convention bureaux, and institutional stakeholders from across the country. Organised by the India Association Congress, with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as the Conference Partner, the two-day congress is being held under the theme “Associations in a Changing World Order.”

Inaugural Session

The congress opened with a welcome address by Prasant Saha, Chairman, India Association Congress, followed by the inaugural address by Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the growing importance of associations in driving economic progress, policy dialogue, and institutional development.

The inaugural session was further graced by the Guests of Honour:

• Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal
• Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal

Both leaders shared their perspectives on industrial development, investment, innovation, urban growth, and West Bengal’s vision for inclusive economic progress.

Day One Focus Areas

The first day of the congress is centred on discussions around:

• Association Leadership & Governance
• Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Succession
• Member Value Creation
• Public Policy & Advocacy
• Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation
• Economic Reforms
• Strategic Communication
• Investment, Tourism & MICE-led Growth
• Building Future-Ready Associations

Key Panel Discussions

Panel 1: Volunteer Burnout & Leadership Gaps – Building the Next-Gen Pipeline

The opening panel explored one of the biggest challenges faced by member-driven organisations—creating sustainable leadership pipelines while tackling volunteer burnout and succession planning.

Moderator

• Prasant Saha – Chairman, India Association Congress

Panelists

• Dr. Shilpa Varma – India Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
• Amitava Bakshi – Association of Supply Chain Professionals

The discussion focused on engaging younger professionals, strengthening leadership continuity, and building resilient associations for the future.

Panel 2: Beyond Membership – Reimagining Value in a Post-Dues Economy

As member expectations continue to evolve, the second panel examined how associations can create meaningful value beyond traditional membership models.

Moderator

• Garima Singh – Global SME Forums

Panelists

• Gayatri Punetha – Indian Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association
• P. G. Subramanian – Indian Cutting Tools Manufacturers Association

The session highlighted strategies for enhancing member engagement, delivering long-term value, and ensuring organisational relevance in a rapidly changing environment.

Panel 3: Policy to Impact – Making Advocacy Measurable & Meaningful

The third panel addressed how associations can strengthen their advocacy efforts by shifting from reactive lobbying to structured, measurable policy engagement.

Moderator

• R. Jai (JK) Krishna – News Broadcasters & Digital Federation

Panelists

• Kamlesh D. Shroff – ANMI – Association of NSE Members of India
• Arindam Dutta – Association of Energy Engineering
• Subramanian Pallavoor – Indian Cutting Tools Manufacturers Association

The session explored coalition-building, policymaker engagement, strategic advocacy, and communicating measurable impact to members and stakeholders.

Key Sessions Ahead

The afternoon programme features keynote addresses and leadership sessions by:

• Rajesh Agrawal – Commerce Secretary, Government of India
• Sanjeev Sanyal – Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
• Avinash Joshi – Author, The Power of Signals
• Mugdha Sinha – Managing Director, ITDC

The discussions will focus on public–community collaboration, economic reforms, strategic communication, destination development, and the growing contribution of associations towards investment and MICE-led economic growth.

What’s Next?

Day One will conclude with:

• Destination Presentations
• Release of the State of Indian Association Whitepaper
• Leaders’ Roundtable
• Networking Reception

These sessions will provide delegates with opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strategic networking.

Exhibition Showcase Magazine is reporting live from IAC 2026 and will continue to bring exclusive updates, key takeaways, speaker insights, and on-ground coverage throughout the congress.