As we move into the early months of 2026, the global exhibition industry is showing renewed confidence and clear momentum. January has already delivered encouraging signals across key markets, with several international shows reporting strong visitor turnout, improved exhibitor participation, and active business engagement. Recent insights from industry analyses, including the UFI Global Barometer and venue outlook reports, along with global convention statistics, indicate steady growth in exhibition revenues, rising demand for space, and a more optimistic sentiment among organizers and venues worldwide. These trends suggest that the industry is not just recovering, but actively repositioning itself for a more resilient and innovation-driven future.
The start of the year has also been dynamic on the ground. A recent visit to Bengaluru for IMTEX Forming provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders from the city’s exhibition ecosystem. Interactions at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) offered valuable insights into the venue’s capabilities and growth plans. Discussions with Jibak Das Gupta, CEO of the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), the organizers of IMTEX, highlighted the association’s role in strengthening India’s manufacturing sector. Conversations with Ubaid Ahmad at BIEC further shed light on the operational and strategic aspects of the venue.
The journey then continued to Mumbai to cover OTM where new trends in the travel trade show and emerging business patterns were clearly visible. I also met Thomas Joseph from the Jio World Convention Centre, who provided updates on the venue’s performance and its contribution to the growth of the MICE industry in the region. He also spoke about the development of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau, an important initiative aimed at positioning the state as a leading destination for large-scale business events. Interactions with several organizers and service providers in Mumbai reinforced the view that the industry is active, busy, and moving forward with strong confidence.
On the policy front, developments such as the progress in the India-European Union FTA discussions and the recent Union Budget are building confidence across the exhibition ecosystem by encouraging trade, investment, and international participation.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Exhibition Excellence Awards & Summit 2026 are in full swing. Nominations are now open, and this decennial edition is more focussed and impactfull, with fewer categories, stricter benchmarks, and JWC onboard as the advisory partner. Readers are invited to visit www.eeasummit.com to explore participation and nomination details.
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