Greater Noida, Delhi NCR | August 5, 2026: The India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2026) officially opened at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, marking the beginning of one of India’s largest hospitality and HORECA trade exhibitions. Organized by India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), the four-day event runs from August 5 to August 8, 2026, bringing together hospitality professionals, hotel owners, chefs, architects, designers, procurement experts, manufacturers, technology providers, and global brands under one roof.
Grand Inauguration Marks the Opening of IHE 2026
The ninth edition of India International Hospitality Expo 2026 commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by leading industry personalities. The inauguration was led by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), alongside Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President of Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), Shalini Kumar, Editor of Spiritz, Anil Malhotra, President of HOTREMAI, Barun Gupta, COO of Indeva Hotels & Resorts, Neeraj Dhawan, Founder & Chairman of IWIA, Hemant Sood, Chairman of IIID, and Sudeep Sarcar, ED & CEO of IEML.
During the inauguration, Dr. Rakesh Kumar highlighted that the expo has evolved beyond a traditional trade exhibition and has become the country’s annual meeting point for the hospitality ecosystem. He emphasized that the platform connects innovation, investment, sourcing opportunities, and strategic partnerships that contribute to the industry’s future growth.
Hospitality Brands Showcase Latest Products and Technologies
On the opening day, exhibition halls attracted thousands of business visitors exploring the latest hospitality products and services. Exhibitors displayed innovations in hotel infrastructure, commercial kitchens, foodservice equipment, bakery technology, smart hospitality solutions, housekeeping products, wellness equipment, lighting systems, security technologies, furniture, interiors, and hospitality design solutions.
The event created numerous networking opportunities, allowing hospitality buyers to interact directly with suppliers and manufacturers while discovering new technologies and business solutions.
EPCH Highlights India’s Craftsmanship in Hospitality
Speaking at the event, Dr. Neeraj Khanna stated that India’s hospitality sector reflects the country’s craftsmanship, creativity, and service excellence. He noted that India International Hospitality Expo 2026 provides Indian manufacturers and artisans with an excellent platform to connect with hospitality buyers seeking innovative and high-quality products.
Procurement Professionals Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President of Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), emphasized that modern procurement goes beyond purchasing and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. He described IHE 2026 as a valuable platform where procurement professionals can discover emerging technologies and strengthen hospitality supply chains through direct engagement with solution providers.
ODOC Pavilion Promotes Uttar Pradesh’s Culinary Heritage
One of the major attractions at India International Hospitality Expo 2026 is the One District One Cuisine (ODOC) Pavilion, supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The pavilion showcases authentic regional delicacies from different districts of the state, promoting culinary tourism while creating new business opportunities for local food enterprises within the hospitality and HORECA industry.
Competitions and Culinary Events Add Excitement
The opening day also featured several business sessions and culinary events. The 5th Edition of Pastry Queen India 2026 officially began, celebrating excellence in pastry craftsmanship. Visitors also attended a live culinary masterclass conducted by renowned Chef Gautam Chaudhry, which attracted hospitality professionals and culinary enthusiasts from across the country.
Hospitality Innovation Takes Center Stage
Sudeep Sarcar, Executive Director and CEO of India Exposition Mart Ltd., stated that future hospitality businesses must combine exceptional guest experiences with operational efficiency. He added that IHE 2026 enables hotels and hospitality companies to discover technologies, ideas, and strategic partnerships that improve operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
More Conferences and Networking Sessions Planned
The remaining days of India International Hospitality Expo 2026 feature an extensive lineup of conferences, competitions, hosted buyer meetings, culinary demonstrations, leadership forums, and networking events. Key attractions include the Hospitality Design Symposium 2026 by IIID, Housekeepers Conclave 5.0, PPFI B2B Meetings, Master Bakers Challenge India, AGROPURE’S Culinary League – Battle of Besan, and several expert-led culinary masterclasses.
Another notable addition this year is Madhu Mandapam, a dedicated platform focusing on the rapidly expanding alcoholic beverage industry, providing new business opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and hospitality professionals.
IHE 2026 Expected to Welcome 25,000+ Visitors
Running until August 8, 2026, India International Hospitality Expo 2026 is expected to attract more than 25,000 business visitors while featuring over 1,000 exhibiting brands spread across 10,000+ square meters of exhibition space. The expo continues to strengthen India’s position as a leading hospitality sourcing and business networking destination, connecting industry stakeholders and showcasing the latest innovations driving the future of hospitality.
