The 13th India Association Congress (IAC) 2026 officially commenced today at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre (BBCC), Kolkata, bringing together association leaders, policymakers, government representatives, industry experts, convention bureaux and institutional stakeholders from across India.
Organised by the India Association Congress, with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) serving as the Conference Partner, the two-day event is being held under the theme “Associations in a Changing World Order.” The congress is focusing on the evolving role of associations in economic development, policy advocacy, leadership, member engagement, technology and the growth of business events and MICE tourism.
India Association Congress 2026 Opens with Focus on Association Leadership and Economic Growth
The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Prasant Saha, Chairman, India Association Congress, followed by the inaugural address by Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Singh highlighted the increasing importance of associations in supporting economic progress, facilitating policy dialogue and strengthening institutional development. The opening session also underlined the role of industry bodies and professional associations in responding to changing economic and business environments.
The inaugural programme was attended by Guests of Honour Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, and Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal.
Both leaders shared perspectives on industrial development, investment, innovation and urban growth, while highlighting West Bengal’s vision for inclusive economic progress.
IAC 2026 Addresses the Changing Role of Associations
The first day of India Association Congress 2026 is centred on several key issues shaping the future of member-driven organisations. Discussions are examining association leadership and governance, volunteer engagement, leadership succession, member value creation, public policy and advocacy.
The programme is also exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, economic reforms, strategic communication, investment, tourism and MICE-led growth.
With associations facing rapidly changing expectations from members and stakeholders, the congress is providing a platform to discuss how organisations can become more innovative, resilient and future-ready.
Panel Discussion Explores Volunteer Burnout and Leadership Gaps
One of the opening discussions at IAC 2026 focused on “Volunteer Burnout & Leadership Gaps – Building the Next-Gen Pipeline.”
Moderated by Prasant Saha, Chairman, India Association Congress, the session examined the challenges organisations face in developing sustainable leadership pipelines while addressing volunteer burnout and succession planning.
The panel featured Dr. Shilpa Varma of the India Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and Amitava Bakshi of the Association of Supply Chain Professionals.
The discussion focused on ways to attract and engage younger professionals, strengthen leadership continuity and create resilient associations capable of adapting to future challenges.
Associations Look Beyond Traditional Membership Models
Another key session, titled “Beyond Membership – Reimagining Value in a Post-Dues Economy,” examined how associations can respond to changing member expectations.
Moderated by Garima Singh of Global SME Forums, the panel brought together Gayatri Punetha of the Indian Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association and P. G. Subramanian of the Indian Cutting Tools Manufacturers Association.
The discussion explored new approaches to member engagement, value creation and long-term organisational relevance. Speakers considered how associations can deliver stronger professional, business and knowledge benefits beyond traditional membership structures.
IAC 2026 Examines the Future of Policy Advocacy
The third major panel, “Policy to Impact – Making Advocacy Measurable & Meaningful,” examined the changing nature of policy advocacy and industry representation.
Moderated by R. Jai (JK) Krishna of the News Broadcasters & Digital Federation, the session featured Kamlesh D. Shroff of ANMI – Association of NSE Members of India, Arindam Dutta of the Association of Energy Engineering, and Subramanian Pallavoor of the Indian Cutting Tools Manufacturers Association.
The panel discussed coalition-building, engagement with policymakers, strategic advocacy and the importance of demonstrating measurable outcomes to members and stakeholders.
The session also highlighted the need for associations to move beyond reactive lobbying towards structured and evidence-based policy engagement.
Keynote Speakers to Address Economy, Communication and MICE Growth
The afternoon programme of India Association Congress 2026 features keynote addresses and leadership sessions involving senior government, economic and industry figures.
Speakers include Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India; Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Avinash Joshi, author of The Power of Signals; and Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, ITDC.
The sessions are expected to examine public-community collaboration, economic reforms, strategic communication and destination development.
A key focus will also be the growing contribution of associations to investment, tourism and MICE-led economic growth, highlighting the wider economic impact of conferences, conventions and business events.
State of Indian Association Whitepaper to Be Released
The first day of IAC 2026 will conclude with a series of destination presentations, the release of the State of Indian Association Whitepaper, a Leaders’ Roundtable and a networking reception.
The whitepaper and leadership discussions are expected to provide further insights into the current state of India’s association ecosystem and the opportunities and challenges facing member-driven organisations.
The networking programme will also provide delegates with opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore partnerships and build connections across industries and regions.
India Association Congress 2026 Strengthens India’s Association and MICE Ecosystem
The 13th India Association Congress 2026 comes at a time when associations are playing an increasingly important role in connecting industries, policymakers, professionals and communities.
By bringing together association executives, government representatives, industry leaders and MICE stakeholders, IAC 2026 is creating a platform for conversations around leadership, advocacy, technology, investment and economic development.
The congress also reinforces Kolkata’s position as a destination for conferences, business events and knowledge-driven gatherings, while highlighting the potential of association meetings to contribute to tourism and wider economic activity.
Exhibition Showcase Magazine is reporting live from India Association Congress 2026 and will continue to bring readers exclusive updates, speaker insights, key takeaways and on-ground coverage from the two-day congress in Kolkata.
