EEMAGINE 2026, the 18th annual convention of the Events and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), brought together more than 850 policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and global experts in Chennai on 8 August 2026. Hosted at ITC Grand Chola, the convention marked the first time EEMA’s flagship annual gathering was held in Chennai.
The event brought together stakeholders from live entertainment, weddings, MICE, exhibitions, government events, experiential marketing and allied industries to discuss the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends shaping India’s rapidly expanding experience economy.
EEMAGINE 2026 Highlights India’s Growing Experience Economy
Themed around the future of India’s live events and experiences ecosystem, EEMAGINE 2026 provided a platform for industry leaders to explore how experiences can contribute to economic growth, tourism, destination development, employment and cultural development.
The convention comes at a significant time for India’s events and entertainment industry. According to figures presented during the event, the industry is projected to grow from approximately USD 32.2 billion in 2024 to USD 47.2 billion by 2029, while supporting more than 10 million jobs across the country.
With an estimated opportunity of around ₹3.25–3.5 lakh crore across different segments and approximately 34,000 ticketed events held in India during the previous year, the industry is increasingly becoming an important contributor to sectors including tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, employment and local economies.
KPMG–EEMA–Mastercard Report Reveals Industry Impact
One of the major highlights of EEMAGINE 2026 was the release of the first-ever Socio-Economic Impact Report by KPMG–EEMA–Mastercard.
The report provides new data and insights into the economic contribution of India’s events industry and its impact on several interconnected sectors. It projects that the industry could reach approximately USD 60 billion by 2030, with MICE, weddings, live events and sporting experiences expected to remain among the major growth drivers.
Beyond direct event revenues, the report highlighted the wider economic impact generated through employment, tourism, hospitality, transportation, local businesses and destination economies.
The findings reinforce the growing recognition of live events and experiences as an important part of India’s economic ecosystem rather than simply an entertainment category.
Chennai Provides the Backdrop for EEMAGINE 2026
The opening ceremony of EEMAGINE 2026 reflected Chennai and the southern region’s strong cultural identity. The event featured ceremonial flag hoisting followed by a cultural extravaganza celebrating the artistic heritage of the southern states.
The cultural programme highlighted the connection between creativity, culture and destination development. With India increasingly positioning itself as a destination for international conferences, weddings, exhibitions, entertainment and other large-scale experiences, regional cultural ecosystems are expected to play an increasingly important role.
Chennai’s growing business environment, hospitality infrastructure and cultural significance provided a fitting setting for EEMA’s 18th annual convention.
43 Speakers Discuss the Future of Live Events
EEMAGINE 2026 featured 43 speakers from India and international markets, including experts and industry leaders from Dubai, London and Toronto.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics related to the experience economy, including entrepreneurship, business, entertainment, sports, infrastructure, destination development and innovation.
The convention also examined the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government, policymakers and other stakeholders in building a stronger ecosystem for India’s events industry.
Among the notable speakers was Padma Shri awardee and three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, who shared perspectives on music, creativity and storytelling and their role in creating memorable experiences and connecting audiences across cultures.
EEMA Vision 2030: Positioning India as the World’s Experience Destination
A key focus of EEMAGINE 2026 was EEMA’s Vision 2030, which aims to position India as the “Experience Destination” of the world.
The vision seeks to strengthen India’s capabilities across live entertainment, weddings, MICE, exhibitions, experiential marketing and other experience-led sectors.
India’s large domestic market, diverse cultural heritage, expanding infrastructure and growing international connectivity provide significant opportunities for the country to attract global events and experiences.
However, industry leaders also highlighted the need for stronger policy frameworks, skilled talent, investment, innovation and collaboration to fully realise this potential.
Government and Industry Collaboration to Drive Growth
The discussions at EEMAGINE 2026 emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between the events industry and government.
As events increasingly contribute to tourism, hospitality, employment and destination development, industry stakeholders believe that supportive policies and streamlined processes can help unlock additional growth.
The sector also requires investment in infrastructure, technology and talent development to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated audiences and international clients.
The convention therefore provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss how policy reforms, capital, entrepreneurship and innovation can collectively accelerate the growth of India’s experience economy.
India Has Significant Potential in the Global Events Market
India accounts for approximately 18% of the world’s population, yet its contribution to the global live events and experiences economy is estimated at only around 2–2.5%.
This gap represents a significant growth opportunity for Indian businesses and professionals operating across the events ecosystem.
As demand for weddings, corporate events, exhibitions, MICE programmes, sporting events, concerts and experiential campaigns continues to expand, India has the potential to become a major global destination for experience-led businesses.
The development of world-class venues, better connectivity, skilled professionals, technology adoption and stronger international partnerships could further strengthen India’s position in the global market.
Samit Garg Calls for Collaboration and Innovation
Speaking at EEMAGINE 2026, Samit Garg, President of EEMA, highlighted the growing economic importance of the live events industry and the opportunity available to India.
He said that live events are increasingly becoming part of India’s economic infrastructure rather than being viewed solely as entertainment.
Garg also highlighted the gap between India’s population share and its current contribution to the global live events and experiences economy. He called for greater collaboration between the industry, government and other stakeholders, along with stronger talent and capital ecosystems.
According to Garg, India has the opportunity to become a global stage for experiences, with collaboration, innovation and a strong focus on the India growth story playing a central role.
EEMAGINE 2026 Sets the Agenda for India’s Experience Economy
The 18th edition of EEMAGINE demonstrated the expanding role of live events and experiences in India’s economic, cultural and tourism landscape.
With the industry projected to reach approximately USD 60 billion by 2030, the convention highlighted the scale of the opportunity ahead. MICE, weddings, live entertainment, exhibitions and sporting experiences are expected to remain important growth engines while creating economic activity across multiple supporting sectors.
EEMAGINE 2026 also reinforced the need for coordinated action around policy, infrastructure, investment, talent and innovation.
As EEMA advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the convention has positioned India’s experience economy as an increasingly important part of the country’s growth story and global ambitions.
EEMAGINE 2026 in Chennai therefore served not only as EEMA’s annual industry gathering but also as a platform to define the future direction of India’s live events and experiences sector and its ambition to become the “Experience Destination” of the world.
