MICE Talk

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, received Chris Skeith OBE, CEO and Managing Director of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Said Al Shanfari, UFI President-elect for the 2027-2028 term and CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, during their visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to review preparations for the 93rd UFI Global Congress, which...

The Leela Gandhinagar has completed five years, reflecting its growing role in Gujarat’s business events landscape. The property has hosted major international gatherings, conferences, sporting teams, weddings, and corporate events, alongside its association with the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre.

AIME has introduced a new brand identity as the business events trade show enters its 34th year, following five consecutive years of growth. The refresh comes as AIME 2027 prepares to return to Melbourne, with Hosted Buyer applications now open and its largest-ever footprint planned. AIME has unveiled a refreshed brand identity as it enters its next phase of growth, with the new look set to roll out across event touchpoints, digital platforms, and marketing campaigns ahead of AIME 2027.

India must develop city-level MICE ecosystems to emerge as a global business events leader, said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism. Citing Hyderabad as a successful model, Shekhawat called for professionally empowered, industry-driven convention bureaus capable of managing international bids, destination marketing, government co-ordination, and delegate experiences.

Maharashtra is strengthening its push to become a global business events destination the Maharashtra Convention Bureau at the centre of its MICE strategy. The Bureau has transitioned into a functioning institution, bringing government and industry stakeholders onto a common platform. Its initial focus covers the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

An immersive evening of coastal luxury, South Indian culture, music and spectacle marks a memorable celebration for 800+ EEMA delegates. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, hosted the Gala Dinner for EEMAGINE 2026 on 8 August 2026 at Vaibhava Lawn and Beach Lawn, welcoming over 800 delegates from across India’s wedding, events, experiential and business events ecosystem.

The programme, which travels with 20 Bali hospitality exhibitors, will cover Bengaluru on August 25, Hyderabad on August 26, Delhi on August 27, Pune on August 28 and Mumbai on August 29. Around 1,000 travel agents are expected to participate across the programme. Bali is no longer a destination Indian travel agents can afford to sell through a standard package template.

Pullman, the Accor brand built around exchange, makes its debut in Sri Lanka with the opening of Pullman Colombo City Centre and Pullman Bentota Resort & Spa. The dual opening marks a significant milestone for Accor in South Asia,  bringing Pullman’s signature blend of purposeful design, vibrant social spaces, distinctive dining and wellbeing experiences to two of Sri Lanka’s most compelling destinations.

Tamil Nadu is set to establish a Chennai MICE Promotion Bureau, giving the city a dedicated platform to strengthen its position in India’s business events market. The initiative, announced as part of the state’s 2026–27 tourism plans, is expected to bring greater focus to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. The Chennai MICE Promotion Bureau will be established to promote the city as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

As outstation mobility and discretionary spending rise, more than half of event-goers are travelling between cities, says a KPMG-EEMA report, highlighting the growing economic impact of events. The report points to a growing link between India’s events sector and travel, with attendees increasingly travelling beyond their home cities to participate in events.