Phil Chung, CEO, KINEXIN-IICC Yashobhoomi Operating Company

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India is Ready. Yashobhoomi is Leading

ES. Yashobhoomi has quickly emerged as a landmark for India’s MICE and exhibition sector. How do you see its growing importance in positioning India as a global destination for large-scale events and international exhibitions?

Phil Chung. Yashobhoomi has rapidly become a symbol of India’s global ambition in the MICE and tradeshow sector. Strategically located in New Delhi and supported by our local and global business networks together with world-class infrastructure, it represents not only a venue but a statement — that India is ready to continue to host mega-scale, high-impact international events with unmatched level of exotic and glocal experiences.

As the operator of Yashobhoomi venue (meaning “Land of Glory”), we’ve focused on combining India’s scale and diversity with international standards and global business contents in operations, sustainability, and technology. Yashobhoomi is now being recognized as the “gateway venue” for global trade fairs entering the Indian market and a catalyst for India’s rise as the attractive destination for global exhibitions, tradeshows, events and conventions.

ES. Reflecting on 2025, how would you describe the year for Yashobhoomi in terms of growth, operational achievements, and industry recognition? Could you share a few major events that best showcased the venue’s potential?

Phil Chung. 2025 has been a pivotal year for Yashobhoomi. We achieved significant operational maturity, hosting over 200 large-scale events across industries including AI, semiconductor, mobile industry, mobilities, art, fashion, textile, construction, energy, food & hospitality, and cultural contents.

Flagship events such as SemiCon 2025, Matecia 2025, India Mobile Congress 2025, Franchise India 2025, DIDAC 2025 and Art Asia 2025 highlighted our ability to handle global-scale gatherings seamlessly. We also received industry recognition for sustainability and innovation in venue operations, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.

ES. As Yashobhoomi continues to host a diverse range of exhibitions and conventions, what were some key learnings or innovations implemented in 2025 that have enhanced organiser and delegate experience?

Phil Chung. This year, we implemented several innovations designed to enhance organiser and delegate experiences. From AI-driven visitor flow management and real-time digital

dashboards for organisers to sustainability-linked waste segregation systems and green power initiatives, we made measurable progress toward smarter, more sustainable operations. Equally important were our learnings — that collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and proactive service remain the defining strengths of Yashobhoomi’s operating philosophy.

ES. Looking ahead to 2026, what are the major plans and priorities for Yashobhoomi — particularly regarding Phase-II expansion, sustainability goals, and new technological upgrades to meet international standards?

Phil Chung. Looking ahead, our focus for 2026 centers on three pillars: Further Internationalization, Sustainability, and Smart Venue Operations. We are accelerating our carbon-neutral roadmap, adopting green-building standards, and expanding renewable energy usage.

On the technology front, we aim to become India’s first fully digitalized convention venue, integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics to achieve predictive operations and seamless customer experiences. Lastly, we’re in th process of attracting numerous new tradeshows from Korea, UAE, Taiwan, USA, Germany, UK and more for the strategic industries such as software development, business tourism, investment, AI innovation, quantum technologies and more, which will further position our venue as the leading international tradeshow hub in Asia.

ES. From your perspective, how do you view the overall state of India’s exhibition and MICE industry as we move into 2026? What trends or opportunities do you foresee shaping the future of this ecosystem?

Phil Chung. India’s exhibition industry is entering a new growth cycle. The combination of a fast-growing economy, supportive government policies, and expanding trade partnerships positions India as one of the world’s most promising MICE markets. We foresee strong growth in B2B manufacturing, sustainability-driven expos, and creative industries, with increasing participation from international organizers. The next phase will be about professionalization, digital transformation, and global collaboration, and Yashobhoomi aims to be at the forefront of that evolution.

ES. Finally, as the global exhibition community gathers for the UFI Congress, what message would you like to share with international delegates about India’s readiness to host world-class events and Yashobhoomi’s commitment to excellence?

Phil Chung. As the world gathers for the UFI Congress, I extend a warm invitation to all global industry leaders to experience India’s new era of MICE excellence. Yashobhoomi stands as a testament to India’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to the global event community. Our message is simple: India is ready — and Yashobhoomi (IICC-India International Convention & Expo Centre) is leading the way.