1200+ Delegates, 135+ Booths, Global Industry Leaders, Live Competitions & High-Level Leadership Dialogues to Converge in Mumbai
The Indian exhibition and business events industry is preparing for one of its largest and most anticipated annual gatherings as the Exhibition Excellence Awards & Summit (EEA) 2026 returns on 12 June 2026 at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre, Mumbai for its landmark 10th Anniversary Edition.
Over the last decade, EEA has evolved into one of Asia’s most respected and influential platforms dedicated to the exhibition, convention and MICE industry. Today, the platform stands as a unique convergence of industry leadership, recognition, networking, business generation, policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.
The Decennial Edition of EEA is witnessing unprecedented momentum this year, with over 1200+ delegates already registered and participation expected from exhibition organisers, venue operators, convention centres, hospitality brands, policymakers, event service providers, trade bodies, technology companies and international stakeholders from India and overseas.
One of the strongest indicators of the platform’s growing stature has been the record response received for the awards and live competitions this year. EEA 2026 has attracted more than 600 nominations across multiple categories, making it the most competitive edition in the history of the platform.
The event continues to receive strong support from leading Government institutions, industry bodies and global associations connected to the exhibitions and business events ecosystem. Supporting bodies and participating institutions for EEA 2026 include the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra Tourism, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (MSSIDC), along with leading industry associations including IEIA, UFI, ICCA, IFES, AFECA, EEMA, IESA and several other national and international organisations.
The strong participation of both Government and industry stakeholders reflects the growing importance of exhibitions and business events as powerful economic multipliers supporting trade, tourism, MSME growth, exports, investments, infrastructure development and global business connectivity.
EEA 2026 is also witnessing unprecedented international participation this year, with leading global industry personalities, association leaders and exhibition strategists expected to attend and participate across the summit programme.
The conference programme at EEA 2026 has been curated around some of the most relevant and future-focused conversations impacting the exhibition industry globally and in India.
The day will commence with opening remarks by Sooraj Dhawan, President of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), setting the tone for discussions around the future trajectory of the Indian exhibition industry.
One of the major highlights of the summit will be the Special Global Keynote Address by Jochen Witt, President & CEO of jwc GmbH, Germany, on the topic “Global Exhibition Industry Outlook in Today’s Volatile World.” The session is expected to provide valuable insights into international market trends, geopolitical developments, industry consolidation and future growth opportunities for exhibitions worldwide.
The conference programme will further feature a series of leadership panel discussions involving prominent global and Indian industry leaders. Sessions will cover topics including exhibition expansion strategies, international market sentiments, industry consolidation, investment trends and India’s roadmap towards becoming a major global exhibition destination.
A special closed-door Leadership Roundtable will also be organised during EEA 2026 on the theme “Role of the Exhibition Industry in India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 Roadmap.” The roundtable will bring together senior policymakers, association heads, global leaders, exhibition organisers and venue operators to discuss the long-term contribution of exhibitions and business events towards India’s trade, investment, tourism and economic growth ambitions.
Running alongside the summit will be the India Event Expo 2026, which is emerging as one of the fastest growing showcase platforms for the event ecosystem in India. Featuring more than 135+ booths, the expo will host event technology companies, fabrication firms, venue partners, AV companies, hospitality brands, experiential agencies and service providers under one roof, creating extensive opportunities for networking and business collaborations.
Another major attraction at EEA 2026 will be the Live Competitions segment, which has now become one of the defining pillars of the platform. Unlike conventional awards formats, shortlisted organisations present their projects live before an independent jury panel, ensuring transparency, merit-based evaluation and industry learning.
The Live Competitions will feature categories covering exhibition organisers, event venues, MICE hotels and event service providers. The competition process will be evaluated by an esteemed jury panel comprising senior leaders from the corporate sector, business events ecosystem, venues, hospitality and industry associations.
EEA 2026 will also feature dedicated Podcast & Media Interaction Studios where leading industry voices and global stakeholders will engage in conversations around the future of exhibitions, MICE, business events and experiential industries.
The evening will culminate with the grand Exhibition Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony, recognising excellence across the exhibition, convention and business events ecosystem through nomination-based awards, international honours, legacy recognitions and live competition awards.
With networking, knowledge sharing, business opportunities, leadership discussions, live competitions, exhibitions, recognition ceremonies and entertainment all integrated into a single day, EEA 2026 is being positioned as one of the most comprehensive industry gatherings ever organised for the exhibition and MICE sector in India.
The organisers have stated that the 10th Anniversary Edition is not only a celebration of the industry’s achievements over the last decade, but also a reflection of India’s growing importance within the global exhibition and business events landscape.
Delegate Registrations Now Open
Register to attend EEA 2026 at: https://attendee-eeasummit.introbot.ai/
EEA 2026 – FULL PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
12 June 2026, CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre, Mumbai
09:30 AM Onwards
Registration Begins
Delegate arrivals, badge collection and networking interactions.
HALL A – CONFERENCE & DAY PROGRAMME
10:15 AM – 10:20 AM
Opening Remarks
“The Next Decade for Indian Exhibition Industry”
Opening Remarks by
Sooraj Dhawan
President, Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA)
10:20 AM – 10:45 AM
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks
Official inauguration of EEA 2026 featuring welcome remarks, lamp lighting ceremony and opening addresses by distinguished guests and industry leaders.
10:50 AM – 11:15 AM
Special Global Keynote Address
Jochen Witt
President & CEO, jwc GmbH (Germany)
Topic: “Global Exhibition Industry Outlook in Today’s Volatile World”
A special keynote session focusing on global exhibition trends, market outlook, industry consolidation and emerging opportunities.
11:20 AM – 11:50 AM
Panel Discussion 1
“Building Exhibition Powerhouses: Expansion, Consolidation & Capital Strategies”
Panelists:
- Jibak Das Gupta – DG & CEO, IMTMA & BIEC
- Naveen Seth – Deputy Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Sajid Desai – President & Country Head, Comexposium
- Vibhaa Bhatia – President, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Leadership Roundtable
“Role of the Exhibition Industry in India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 Roadmap”
A closed-door interaction involving government representatives, industry leaders, venue operators and global stakeholders discussing the future roadmap of India’s exhibition and MICE industry.
12:10 PM – 12:50 PM
Partner Felicitation Ceremony
Special recognition ceremony honouring supporting partners, institutional supporters and key contributors to EEA 2026.
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Networking Luncheon
Exclusive networking luncheon for speakers, delegates, government representatives, partners, international guests and industry leaders.
02:00 PM – 02:25 PM
Special Editor’s Awards Segment
Recognition of distinguished leaders and organisations for exemplary contribution and service to the exhibition and business events industry.
02:30 PM – 03:15 PM
Panel Discussion 2
“Navigating International Sentiments”
A high-level discussion on evolving developments in international markets and their implications for India and the exhibition industry ecosystem.
Panelists:
- Naji Al Hadad – Regional director, ME, UFI (replace Adeline in the schedule)
- Jörg Zeissig – President, IFES
- Anju Gomes – Regional Director, ICCA, ME & India
- Jason Stead – President, GES
Moderator: Ravinder Sethi – CMD, R.E. Rogers India
03:20 PM – 03:45 PM
Special Editor’s Awards Segment
Special honours recognising distinguished achievers and outstanding industry contributors.
03:50 PM – 04:30 PM
Panel Discussion 3
“India @2X: Scaling the Exhibition Industry for the Next Five Years”
A forward-looking discussion on infrastructure growth, venue expansion, policy support, globalisation and India’s roadmap towards becoming a leading exhibition destination.
Panelists:
- Umang Gupta – Country Head, RX India
- Sandip Das – Deputy Director General, TPCI
- Uday Singh Bayas – President, IPEMA
- Balvinder Singh Sawhney – Assistant Secretary General, FICCI
Moderator: Manuj Ralhan – General Manager, JECC
04:30 PM – 05:20 PM
High Tea & Networking Break
Networking interactions, business meetings and delegate engagement.
HALL C – LIVE COMPETITIONS
10:30 AM – 04:30 PM
Live Competitions Across Multiple Industry Categories
Live presentation-based competitions evaluated by an esteemed independent jury panel.
Exhibition Organisers Segment
10:30 AM – 01:00 PM
Categories:
- New Exhibition of the Year
- Excellence in Exhibition Concept & Originality
- Excellence in Industry Impact
- International Exhibition Leadership Award
- Outstanding Exhibition of the Year
Venues & Services Segment
02:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Event Venues & MICE Hotels Categories:
- India’s Outstanding Exhibition Venue of the Year
- Leadership in Venue Operations & Service
- Excellence in Small & Mid-Scale MICE Venues
- Excellence in Hotel Services for MICE
Event Services Categories:
- Leadership in Tech & Innovation
INDIA EVENT EXPO 2026
Throughout the Day | 10:00 AM – 05:30 PM
A showcase platform featuring event solution providers, fabrication companies, venue partners, technology providers, AV companies, hospitality brands and event service organisations.
PODCAST & NETWORKING ZONES
Throughout the Day
Industry interviews, leadership interactions, media conversations and networking engagements with key stakeholders and delegates.
EVENING GALA CEREMONY – HALL C
05:25 PM – 06:00 PM
Grand Opening Ceremony & Special Performance
Spectacular opening ceremony featuring special performances, visual presentations and welcome moments for the evening gala.
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Exhibition Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony
Grand awards presentation ceremony recognising excellence across the exhibition, convention and MICE ecosystem.
Featuring:
- Nomination Based Awards
- International Honours
- Legacy Recognitions
- Live Competition Winners
08:00 PM Onwards
Entertainment, Cocktail Dinner & Networking Evening
Celebratory networking evening with entertainment performances, cocktails, dinner and industry interactions amongst delegates and stakeholders.
EEA 2026: Celebrating Excellence. Inspiring Leadership. Shaping the Future.
