Organized by the West Region of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), the event brought together exhibition organizers, venue operators, service providers, exhibitors, industry associations and key stakeholders under the global theme, “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities.” The celebration formed part of IEIA’s nationwide initiative connecting Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata through a first-of-its-kind Torch Relay, symbolizing the exhibition industry’s enduring contribution to creating opportunities, strengthening collaboration and advancing national progress.
The event highlighted the exhibition sector’s substantial contribution to India’s economy through business generation, investment attraction, knowledge exchange, market access, employment creation and industry development. Industry representatives emphasized the sector’s growing influence in positioning India as a preferred destination for international exhibitions, conventions and business events.
Global Exhibitions Day is an initiative of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, and is observed worldwide to acknowledge the impact of exhibitions and business events in advancing trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development. The occasion also serves as recognition of the collective efforts of organizers, venue operators, exhibitors, service providers, visitors and industry stakeholders who contribute to the success of the exhibition ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Satyendra Mehra, Chief Coordinator of GED 2026 Celebrations and Executive Committee Member of IEIA, said Global Exhibitions Day celebrates the opportunities, partnerships and economic impact generated by exhibitions. He stated that the Torch Relay reflected the spirit of continuity, collaboration and collective progress that defines the industry. According to him, exhibitions connect businesses with markets, ideas with investments and aspirations with opportunities, creating value far beyond the exhibition floor.
The Mumbai celebration also served as a platform for industry leaders to review the sector’s achievements and discuss future opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving global environment. Discussions focused on industry resilience, technological transformation, sustainability, business continuity, emerging market opportunities and strengthening India’s competitiveness in the global exhibitions and events sector.
Ravi Boratkar, Regional Chair of the West Region of IEIA, said Mumbai continues to play a crucial role in India’s exhibition and business events ecosystem. He noted that the industry generates significant economic value through trade, innovation, investments and employment, adding that the celebrations reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to supporting India’s growth and enhancing its position as a leading global business destination.
Mukund Rao, Regional Co-Chair of the West Region of IEIA, stated that exhibitions serve as powerful platforms connecting industries, markets and communities. He emphasized that through collaboration, innovation and a shared vision, the sector continues to create meaningful opportunities for businesses while contributing substantially to economic development.
Welcoming delegates to the venue, Puneet Narula, Business Head of Jio World Convention Centre, said India’s world-class venues, supported by a dynamic exhibition ecosystem, are creating new opportunities for international engagement and business growth. He added that events such as Global Exhibitions Day reinforce the importance of collaboration in strengthening India’s position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and business events.
As the industry marked 11 years of Global Exhibitions Day, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting innovation, sustainability, talent development and global competitiveness. The celebrations concluded with a strong message of unity and shared purpose under the theme, “One Industry. One Nation. One Torch. Infinite Opportunities.”
The successful observance of Global Exhibitions Day 2026 in Mumbai not only celebrated the achievements of the exhibition industry but also reaffirmed the sector’s critical role in shaping the future of trade, commerce, innovation and economic development in India and across the world.
Global Exhibitions Day is an annual international initiative led by UFI to recognize and celebrate the significant contribution of exhibitions and business events to economic growth, trade promotion, innovation and knowledge exchange. In India, the exhibition industry actively participates in the initiative through the Indian Exhibition Industry Association. The 2026 celebrations were conducted through coordinated events across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata, reinforcing the industry’s collective commitment to business networking, marketing, branding and economic development.
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