Indian exhibitions industry revenue to double within 3 years: Experts
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The India MICE sector is projected to double in value, from USD 49.4 billion in 2024 to over USD 100 billion by 2030.
The 5th edition of India Expo Shop 2025, organised by the Indian Exhibitions, Conferences and Events Services Association (IESA), opened today at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka (August 12–13), reporting to host over 100 exhibitors, over 300 decision-makers, and more than 2,000 professionals, all converging to explore innovation, sustainability and next-gen opportunities in the MICE sector.
The inauguration ceremony featured Uma Menon, General Secretary, Indian Exhibitions, Conferences and Events Services Association (IESA); Surinder Vashist, Treasurer, IESA alongside Sooraj Dhawan, President, Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA); Phil Chung, CEO/CMO, Kinexin IICC (YashoBhoomi) Operating Company; Sonia Prashar, Managing Director (MD) and Chairperson of the Board, NürnbergMesse India; Ashish Jain, Founder, Indian Pollution Control Association; Sagar Pingali, Executive Vice President (EVP), Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA); Pooja Arora, COO, Media and Entertainment Skill Council (MESC) who led the official unveiling.
Dhawan shared, “The global MICE industry, valued at $870 billion, is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030 and with India holding less than 5% of this market, our growth potential is immense. But this growth must be anchored in five essentials: adopting technology to work ten times faster without losing human creativity, building sustainable and innovative infrastructure, developing venues beyond metros, upskilling our workforce to global efficiency levels and embracing sustainability as a non-negotiable.”
“Today’s global investors evaluate destinations not just for infrastructure, but for sustainability credentials, right down to the kilograms of CO₂ generated per event. India has immense potential to lead in this space, and we see Yashobhoomi as a catalyst for that change. At Kinexin IICC, our commitment is to implement ESG policies that align with global KPIs, making India an even more compelling choice for international events,” said Chung.
Joining virtually, Jatinder Kapur, President, Indian Exhibitions, Conferences and Events Services Association (IESA) stated, “India Expo Shop 2025 demonstrates the scale and ambition of India’s MICE sector, projected to double in value, from USD 49.4 billion in 2024 to over USD 100 billion by 2030. With over 35,000 corporate events taking place each year, this year’s edition is especially significant as it brings the industry together at a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity. Initiatives like EventFull Bharat are essential to unlocking new opportunities, nurturing talent, and driving global competitiveness.”
Ashish Jain also expressed, “Sustainability at exhibitions is not just about today; it’s about the world we pass on to the next generation. By integrating waste management, carbon reduction, and sustainable materials into our event practices, we can create a lasting environmental legacy. IPCA is committed to leading this change in collaboration with our industry partners.”
“To truly transform, we must create Centres of Excellence across regions, starting small but building steadily. Now that our businesses are on a profitable path, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to give back, perhaps by channelling CSR funds to these initiatives. I personally pledge, and invite others to join me, in contributing to the creation of these centres, our collective legacy to the exhibition industry we serve, love, and want to see thrive,” said Sonia Prashar.
A key highlight was said to be the signing of an MoU between the Indian Exhibitions, Conferences and Events Services Association (IESA) and the Media & Entertainment Skill Council (MESC), aimed at skilling and upskilling talent in India’s events industry.
