On 3 June 2026, the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) will mark Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2026 through a first-of-its-kind nationwide celebration spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Linked through live broadcasts and a symbolic Mashaal Relay, the celebrations will showcase the power of exhibitions to connect industries, regions and opportunities, while highlighting their vital role as catalysts for economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, trade and national development.
Celebrated worldwide, Global Exhibitions Day is an initiative of the global exhibition community that highlights the transformative role exhibitions and business events play in driving trade, investment, innovation, knowledge exchange and economic development. This year’s theme, “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities,” underscores how exhibitions continue to create value for businesses, industries and communities across the globe.
At a time when economies are navigating rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing sustainability expectations, exhibitions remain among the most effective platforms for connecting people, ideas, products and markets. They serve as engines of commerce, innovation and collaboration while generating significant benefits for travel, hospitality, logistics, technology and numerous supporting industries.
As part of the nationwide celebrations, and with the support of industry stakeholders across the country, industry leaders, venue operators, organizers, service providers, exhibitors and associations will gather to reflect on the sector’s achievements and discuss the future of exhibitions in an increasingly complex global environment. Discussions will focus on emerging opportunities, geopolitical developments, technological transformation, sustainability, business resilience and preparedness for future challenges.
A key highlight of the celebrations will be the ceremonial Mashaal Relay, symbolizing the exhibition industry’s role as a harbinger of economic growth, innovation, connectivity and opportunity. As the Mashaal is passed from one region to another, it will reflect the collective strength of an industry that facilitates trade, drives investments, enables knowledge exchange, supports entrepreneurship and fuels business growth across sectors.
The celebrations will also underscore the industry’s contribution to tourism, hospitality, infrastructure development, manufacturing growth, startup promotion, exports, foreign investment attraction and employment generation.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, IEIA President Mr. Sooraj Dhawan said:
“Global Exhibitions Day is a reminder of the extraordinary impact our industry creates every day. Exhibitions are not merely events; they are powerful platforms that stimulate economic activity, encourage innovation, facilitate trade, support MSMEs, create employment and drive regional development. Through this unique multi-city celebration, we aim to demonstrate how exhibitions connect India’s growth corridors and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s vision of becoming a leading global business destination.”
Mr. Jagdish Patankar, Honorary Secretary, IEIA, added:
“The exhibition industry serves as a vital bridge between businesses, markets, policymakers, investors and consumers. The symbolic Mashaal Relay will reflect the spirit of collaboration that defines our sector. As India advances toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, the exhibition industry will continue to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.”
As the exhibition industry marks the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day, stakeholders across the country will reaffirm their commitment to strengthening India’s exhibition ecosystem, enhancing global competitiveness and positioning India among the world’s leading destinations for exhibitions, conferences and business events.
Global Exhibitions Day 2026 will serve not only as a celebration of the industry’s achievements but also as a powerful reminder of the critical role exhibitions continue to play in shaping the future of trade, innovation, sustainability and economic development in India and around the world.
