India is rapidly positioning itself as the next global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), with new infrastructure and a unified vision from both government and industry leaders. Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day seminar titled India: The Land of Exponential Growth, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed great optimism about India’s future in the MICE sector. He emphasized that the country is on the verge of a major transformation, thanks to its rapidly developing exhibition and conference infrastructure in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, as well as in smaller cities that gained prominence following India’s G20 presidency.
The event, organized by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), witnessed the participation of over 700 key industry players and decision-makers from across the nation and abroad. Minister Shekhawat highlighted that MICE tourism is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in India’s tourism landscape, and it holds immense potential for economic growth. He called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private exhibition sector to bring global events to Indian soil, making the country not only a preferred destination but also a prominent hub for global exhibitions and conferences.
Reflecting on India’s infrastructure journey since 2014, the minister noted the remarkable progress—over 1.5 lakh kilometers of roads, modernization of railway stations, the launch of semi high-speed trains, the revival of inland waterways, and the establishment of more than 150 operational airports. These advancements have created a strong foundation for India to support world-class events and host global stakeholders with confidence.
Sooraj Dhawan, President of IEIA, underscored the significance of the IEIA Open Seminar, describing it as a pivotal platform for business networking and knowledge exchange. He pointed out that India has emerged as the fastest-growing exhibition market in the world, recording an astonishing 40% growth after the pandemic. According to Dhawan, the exhibition industry contributes around ₹50,000 crore to the Indian economy, while generating business worth ₹3 lakh crore, making it a vital component of the nation’s economic ecosystem.
Dhawan further urged the government to recognize October 1 as National MICE Day to celebrate and support this vibrant industry. He reiterated that the MICE sector plays a crucial role not only in driving economic growth but also in creating employment across various sectors such as hospitality, tourism, transportation, and entertainment.
The seminar drew an enthusiastic and hopeful crowd, including dignitaries like Premjeet Lal, Executive Director of ITPO; Rakesh Kumar, Managing Director of India Expo Mart; Jagdish Patanakar, Honorary Secretary of IEIA; and Ravinder Sethi, Vice President of IEIA. The mood was one of optimism and pride, with a shared belief that India is not just ready but destined to lead the world as the MICE capital—where ideas converge, partnerships flourish, and the future is built.