India’s Moment in the Spotlight – Celebrating the Builders of the MICE Economy
Prologue: A New Chapter in India’s MICE Legacy
As dawn broke over Navi Mumbai on the 31st of May 2025, the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre transformed into a nucleus of creativity, leadership, and future-focused celebration. A total of 980 industry professionals from across the world events and exhibitions industry – including top organisers, policy makers, global dignitaries, MICE leaders, and innovators – gathered to witness the 9th edition of the Exhibition Excellence Awards & Summit (EEA) 2025.
Organised by Exhibition Showcase, the EEA 2025 was more than an industry get-together – it was a definitive affirmation of India’s growing prominence in the global MICE landscape. Supported by esteemed institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Skill development, NSIC, IEIA, ICPB, UFI, ICCA, Event Industry Council, SISO, AFECA and over 15 allied associations, the event stood as a grand testament to the sector’s maturity, influence, and creativity.
The Genesis: The Vision That Started It All
Launched in 2015, the Exhibition Excellence Awards were born from a desire to honour the often-unsung heroes who turn blueprints into immersive realities – those who stitch logistics into seamless experiences and transform concepts into marketplaces of possibility.
Now in its 9th year, the 2025 edition of EEA represented a crescendo in this evolving narrative. With over 60 award categories celebrating organisers, venues, service providers, and innovators, EEA has matured into a hallmark of credibility, fairness, and excellence in India’s experience economy.
Opening Ceremony: Where Tradition Met Transformation
The event commenced with the traditional inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony, marked by the rich Maharashtrian culture of dhol and trumpets. This was followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony with Ganesh Vandana in the background, led by a constellation of esteemed dignitaries:
- Ray Bloom – Founder & Chairman, IMEX Group
- Michael Duck – EVP, Informa Markets
- Ravi Boratkar – MD, MM Activ
- Sooraj Dhawan – President, IEIA
- Anju Gomes – Regional Director, ICCA
- Adeline Vancauwelaert – COO, UFI
- Premjit Lal – Executive Director, ITPO
- Arun Srivastava – Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism
- Raghav Khosla – Group Editor, Exhibition Showcase
- Kiran Sethi – Director, RE Rogers India
- Manoj Lal – ED, NSIC
- Ashok Kumar Gupta – COO, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.
- Chander Mansharmani – Vice Chairperson, ICPB
- Dato’Sri Dr. Irmohizam – Group Managing Director, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
- Michael Kruppe – CEO & GM, SNIEC
- Kai Hattendorf – Founder, HTF Consulting; Former CEO, UFI
- Bjoern Kempe – CEO, Exposasia
- Ms. Mala Dorasamy – CEO, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC)
Post this, The Group editor of Exhibition Showcase, Mr. Raghav Khosla outlined the legacy, vision & mission of EEA in his opening remarks. Underscoring the robustness of the Indian MICE industry, he stated – “Today, the Indian exhibition industry stands at a pivotal juncture – a hotbed of opportunity, offering robust growth for all stakeholders – be it organizers, service providers, or venue operators. From covering exhibitions across the length and breadth of this country, I can confidently say – the industry is on an undeniable upswing. Corporate marketers are increasingly placing their trust in exhibitions as a high-impact marketing platform.’
Immediately following this, a Jury Felicitation Ceremony acknowledged 22 distinguished jury members from different segments of the MICE industry. These jury members would preside over live competitions later in the day, reaffirming EEA’s commitment to transparency and merit-based recognition.
In their opening remarks at the Exhibition Excellence Awards & Summit 2025, dignitaries highlighted India’s impressive ascent as a formidable player in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry. Citing statistics that show India hosts over 1,000 trade shows and conventions annually, they emphasised the nation’s growing ability to deliver high-impact, large-scale events across diverse sectors. With modern infrastructure like the India Expo Mart Limited, BIEC, Bharat Mandapam, CIDCO, HICC, JWCC etc. and upcoming mega venues, India is well-positioned to lead the next phase of global exhibition growth.
The speakers lauded the Exhibition Excellence Awards as not just a celebration of success, but a credible platform of convergence – bringing together 980 industry professionals, 135 exhibition booths (100 exhibitors), and representatives from 15+ supporting associations. Describing EEA as the largest and most inclusive gathering of the Indian MICE fraternity, they commended its role in building industry recognition, policy dialogue, and global collaboration, firmly placing India on the international MICE map.
India Event Expo 2025: Where Innovation blended with Enterprise
Running parallel to the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025, the India Event Expo 2025 emerged as a dynamic, high-energy trade exhibition that truly reflected the depth and diversity of India’s event ecosystem. Featuring over 135 exhibition booths representing more than 100 distinguished companies, the expo spanned a wide range of sectors including event technology, logistics, audio-visual solutions, design, fabrication, venue services, and event infrastructure. The expo served as a thriving B2B marketplace, attracting organisers, corporates, venue operators, and event professionals eager to explore cutting-edge solutions and foster new collaborations. From immersive event tech demos and sustainable fabrication models to futuristic design showcases and integrated logistics support, the expo was a comprehensive display of the behind-the-scenes brilliance that powers large-scale exhibitions and conferences. Far beyond a display zone, the expo served as a live innovation lab and matchmaking zone – building partnerships, client acquisition, and cutting-edge demonstrations.
Live Competitions: India’s Best on Display
One of the EEA 2025’s most distinctive features was its Live Competition Zone, where shortlisted finalists across various categories showcased their achievements directly before a discerning jury panel in the two dedicated zones for live competitions – Zone A and Zone B.
Key Competition Categories Included:
Exhibition Organisers Winner Runner-Up
- India’s Distinct Show Cat Expo 2024 India Art Fair
- Top Industry Impact Show Anuga Foodtech Matecia
- Excellence in Sustainability India Art Fair IIJS
- Excellence in International Shows EEPC Radeecal Communications
- Top Exhibition of the Year Indusfood REI Expo
MICE Venues
- India’s Leading MICE Venue IEML Yashobhoomi
- Excellence in Service & Operations WTC Mumbai ITPO
Event Service Providers
- Innovation in Stall Design Deepali Design & Exhibits Young Mirchies
- Excellence in Sustainability Deepali Design & Exhibits Clearspan
- Excellence in Technology Ticketroot Introbot
- Excellence in Onsite Operations Seasons Catering Mangala Krishiyantrani
These sessions brought India’s leading exhibitions and service models to life, offering real-time insights, applause-worthy innovation, and industry benchmarking.
Power Session: Global Pulse – Future of Exhibitions
At 11:40 AM, a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Global Pulse: The Future of Exhibitions” brought together global thought leaders:
- Michael Duck – EVP, Informa Markets
- Kai Hattendorf – Founder, HTF Consulting
- Bhupinder Singh – CEO, Messe Muenchen India
- Moderated by Raghav Khosla, Group Editor, Exhibition Showcase
Key Takeaways:
- Sustainability as a long-term strategy, not a short-term target
- The rising influence of hybrid and AI-driven exhibition models
- Consolidation of venues and the importance of smart infrastructure
- India’s fast-emerging role in shaping the global MICE blueprint
Post this, the event witnessed the felicitation of our partners and exhibitors, who have played a critical role in making this event a success.
Masterclass with Matthias Tesi Baur: AI Meets ROI
After a delicious lunch break, Matthias Tesi Baur of MBB Consulting led a deeply insightful masterclass titled: AI Meets ROI: Reinventing Exhibition Sales
This session revealed how artificial intelligence is redefining industry metrics and acted as a wake-up call for MICE professionals to rethink performance, profit, and purpose in the digital age.
Special Felicitations: Honouring Icons of the Industry
Then came the segment of Editor Choice Awards, which were hand-picked acknowledgments of individuals who have made a lasting mark on our industry. These were divided into 5 sub-segments, namely –
1. MICE Icon Awards
2. Global Impact Awards
3. Association Leadership Awards
4. Exhibition Leadership Awards
5. Corporate Leadership Awards
These recognitions were not just honorary – they were symbolic of the new leadership and innovation shaping India’s global MICE profile.
The day also witnessed a special Fireside Chat title – The culture of IMEX: Inside the mind of Ray Bloom
The final conversation of the evening featured Ray Bloom, IMEX Chairman, in dialogue with Raghav Khosla. “Your event is a promise. Fulfill it with precision. Elevate it with kindness.” That quote from the session, as soft-spoken as it was powerful, captured the spirit of the entire day.
And then came the much-awaited Keynote Highlight: Roshan Abbas – The Era of Young Bharat, “Building India First Brands for Now
Renowned storyteller and communication strategist Roshan Abbas delivered a captivating keynote:
“The Era of Young Bharat: Building India-First Brands for now”
His narrative offered a deeply cultural and creative lens:
- “Don’t mimic global shows – build legacies rooted in India’s soul.”
- “Allow silence to speak. Design events that breathe, not scream.”
- “India’s strength lies in its emotional resonance – design with intent, not just intensity.”
His keynote was widely hailed as a masterclass in authentic brand storytelling and experiential design.
After a delectable hi-tea and refreshment, powered by Seasons Catering, the main stage witnessed an evening Extravaganza, where the culture met the celebration. Unfolded with a spectacular Chenda drum performance, immersing the audience in traditional rhythms.
And then began the star attraction of the day –
The Gala Awards: Celebrating India’s Trailblazers
Segment: Exhibition Organisers
| Category | Winner | Runner-up(s) |
|---|---|---|
| India’s Grand Show | IHGF Delhi Fair – EPCH | Indusfood – TPCI |
| The Big Show | UP International Trade Show – IEML | India International Mega Trade Fair – GS Marketing |
| The Star Show | OTM – Fairfest Media | Convergence India – EI Group |
| The Iconic Exhibition | SATTE – Informa Markets | Wire India – Messe Düsseldorf |
| Top International Influence | IMTEX – IIMTF | Asia Pharma Expo – GPE Expo |
| Top Source from India Show | IIJS – GJEPC | India Mobile Congress – COAI |
| The Knowledge Hub | India Mobile Congress – COAI | Bengaluru Tech Summit – MM Activ |
| Fast Growing Show of the Year | FRO Expo – Franchise India | IIMTF – GS Marketing |
| Exponential Growth Award | AMTEX – Reed Exhibitions | IAAPI |
| Star B-City Show | PharmaTech & LabTech Expo – Pharma Technology Index | Krishithon – Media Exhibitors HIFF – Futurex |
| Ace of B-City | Franchise India | AFAIRS Exhibitions |
| The Challenger | GES India | Globe tech engineering Expo – GMS |
| Top New Show | Consumer Electronics World Expo – MEX Exhibitions | World Environment Expo – Indian Exhibition Services |
| Iconic Legacy Award | International Ethnic Week – Surat Dreams |
Cat Expo – Feline Club of India |
| Star in Industry Promotion | Plastivision – AIPMA | PAMEX – AIFMP & PPCPL |
| Excellence in Ops & Innovation | IMTEX – IIMTF | Indian International Silk Fair – ISEPC |
| Growth X Expansion Award | Messe Muenchen India |
Segment: MICE Venues
| Category | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| Top MICE Infrastructure | Yashobhoomi | BIEC |
| Top B-City MICE Venue | Novotel JECC | Brilliant Convention Centre |
| Iconic MICE Hotel | HICC – Hyderabad | Novotel JECC |
| Excellence in Hospitality | Leela Ambience – Delhi | Eros Hotel – Delhi |
| Pearl of MICE | The Leela – Gandhinagar | Expo Inn Suites & Convention |
| Excellence in Services | Expo Inn Suites & Convention | Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa |
Segment: Conference Organisers
| Category | Winner | Runner-up(s) |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Conference | Globoil – Teflas | Indian Society of Vascular & Interventional Radiology |
| Top Knowledge Hub | Bengaluru Tech Summit | IACDE Conference & India FinTech Forum (Joint Winner) |
| Top Industry Catalyst | Poultry India | Taloja Industries Association |
| India’s Leading Conference | APICON 2025 | Entrepreneur 2024 |
| Excellence in Sustainability | AIDS Society of India | International Conference on Sustainable Printing |
| Global Impact Award | World Franchise Congress | TiE Global Summit |
Segment: Service Providers
| Category | Winner | Runner-up(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Excellence in Exhibition Management | Namdhari Events Jess Ideas (Joint winners) |
Showbiz |
| Excellence in Conference Management | Expro Events & Exhibits | Host India Management |
| Excellence in Event Management | Pavilion and Interiors | Deepali Designs |
| Excellence in Event Structures | N.K. Kapur & Co. | Expro Events & Exhibits |
| Star Structure Supplier | Clearspan | Jess Ideas |
| Excellence in Services | RE Rogers | Namdhari Group & Grade Electricals |
| Excellence in Essential Services | Seven Seas Hospitality | Colourstop |
| Excellence in Emergency Services | Saibaba Ambulance | |
| Star in Utility Services | Blue Apple Digimedia | Vasisht Agencies |
| The International Ace | Propshop | Strides Design Studio |
| Excellence in Travel Services | ECOS Mobility | Rainbow Rental Services |
| Excellence in Registration | Dreamcast | Group Think |
| Excellence in AV | Centibell Lighting | Big One |
| Excellence in Setup & Production | Strides Design Studio Paras Art Studio (Joint Winners) |
Propshop |
| Excellence in Stall Fabrication | Quantum Integrated Communications |
BrainADZ Exhibits Aimsite (Joint Runners-up) |
| Excellence in Design | Meroform India | Sconce Global |
| Excellence in Engagement & Experiential | Deepali Design & Exhibits | Percept ICE |
| Ace in Tech Solutions | Digital Jalebi | Eventify |
| Shining Star PCO Award | Shivom Enterprises | Concept Conferences |
This event ended with a band performance, whose seamless blend of folk melodies and modern instrumentation delivered an electric finale to the day. It was incredibly touching to see some of our award winners keeping the trophies in their temples –
Waves of appreciation all around –
We were truly humbled by the overwhelming praise from our esteemed guests, exhibitors, and delegates. Their kind words and positive feedback reflected the success of the event. Here are a few glimpses of what they had to say –
“First of all, I’m very delighted to be here at the EEA event. Delighted to be part of fireside chat, which I enjoyed very much. The event itself is fantastic. With the exhibitors, with the programme, with the award, I think it’s fantastic. India has expanded dramatically in the mice and exhibitions industry globally, and so it’s very important to bring people together in this way. And holding it at such a prestigious venue makes it even more valuable. I’ve had many discussions today, and I do feel there is a real momentum to take India forward. And I think EEA plays a very major part.” – Ray Bloom, Founder Chairman – IMEX Group
“I spent a lot of time in India over the past 20 years, and it’s great to see Exhibition Showcase here come to this level. Bringing people together in an industry means that you get everybody who’s involved in the exhibition industry, from organisers to stand contractors to freight forwarders to people who are involved in the AV, lighting, logistics, etc. By growing these businesses together, getting people to know the professionalism of that business is hugely important for the growth of the business.”
– Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, Informa Markets
“Thank you for organizing such a fantastic Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025 and exhibition. It was a truly well-executed event, and a great experience for Signext Display Systems to be a part of it. We deeply appreciate the effort and passion that went into making the show such a success. It provided us with great exposure and meaningful interactions within the industry.”
– Hrushikesh Kelkar, Signext Display Systems
“Thank you Raghav and the entire team of EEA2025. The event was a success and the passion and hard work which has gone into it it is evident. Fantastic partnership and alliances and very well planned”
– Prithvi Anand, Novotel HICC
“I take this opportunity to thank the entire team of Exhibition Showcase for putting up the excellent event on Excellence in Exhibitions, Events, MICE. The tireless efforts in bringing together the dignitaries, participants and high-profile delegates. Yet another memorable event. Till we meet again next year. Thank you again.”
– Sanjeev Sinha, Pavilions and Interiors.
Epilogue: Charting the Future
The Exhibition Excellence Awards & Summit 2025 was not just a celebration of achievement—it was a catalyst for progress. It did more than honour the best; it ignited conversations, fostered collaborations, and set the tone for what lies ahead. By seamlessly weaving together tradition and innovation, regional strengths and global outlooks, data-driven insights and design-driven experiences, the event offered a panoramic view of the evolving MICE and experience economy landscape.
In an era where India is rapidly emerging as a vanguard of the global MICE and experiential storytelling sectors, the EEA served both as a mirror reflecting this rise and a megaphone amplifying its voice. It proved to be more than an awards platform – it became a convergence point where ideas translated into impact, where leadership met learning, and where the future boldly took the spotlight.
As the curtains fall on this remarkable edition, one thing is clear: the journey has only begun, and the Exhibition Excellence Awards will continue to be the stage where India’s MICE aspirations find expression and momentum.
