India’s MICE Revolution: Setting Global Benchmarks

India is raising the stakes in the global MICE game and unveiling landmark venues that rival the best in the world, while leading hotel chains are revamping their infrastructure and adding smart convention spaces to capture a slice of the booming market. With mega-capacities, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability credentials, India is designing spaces to host everything from corporate summits to world expos. In conversation with the leadership of stand-out MICE venues across India, TTJ seeks to capture their perspectives on developments, strategy, and the road ahead for India’s MICE ecosystem.

Prativa Vaidya Bhalla

Meetings were the largest revenue generator in 2024, and the Indian MICE market generated a revenue of USD 49,402.6 million in 2024, according to Grand View Research. It is projected to reach USD 103,686.5 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 13.2 per cent from 2025 to 2030. The market has experienced rapid growth in recent times and is poised to expand further, driven by increasing multinational conferences, robust economic growth, supportive government initiatives, and a growing corporate sector.

Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre)

A flagship smart city initiative by the Government of India, Yashobhoomi (IICC) is poised to become the country’s largest convention and exhibition complex, with a total indoor area of 300,000 sq mt. Upon completion, the venue will feature five expansive exhibition halls, a multipurpose convention centre with India’s largest 6,000-seat auditorium, and arena facilities accommodating up to 20,000 people. Yashobhoomi promises unmatched convenience and world-class experiences for organisers, exhibitors, and delegates alike.

Setting Global Benchmarks

Phil Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Yashobhoomi (IICC) Operating Company (KINEXIN Convention Management), says, “Yashobhoomi has been envisioned as India’s most advanced and sustainable convention and exhibition destination. Our USP lies in the scale, flexibility, and global benchmarking of our infrastructure. Unlike many Indian venues, we combine world-class technical specifications with seamless accessibility, located on the Delhi Airport Express Line, with a dedicated metro station and direct connectivity to the airport and NCR hubs. Yashobhoomi hosts government summits, trade fairs, corporate conventions, and cultural events with equal flair.”

Smart Venues

Yashobhoomi is equipped with state-of-the-art AV systems, 5G-ready connectivity, high-capacity Wi-Fi, and integrated digital control rooms to support large-scale hybrid events. “Our broadcast-ready halls enable real-time streaming to global audiences with zero downtime. In addition, we offer flexible rigging, immersive LED walls, AR/VR-compatible zones, and advanced translation systems, creating truly borderless and inclusive interactions,” shares Phil, highlighting the technology-driven solutions that ensure Yashobhoomi’s competitive standing with advanced convention centres across the globe.

Balancing Creativity and Measurable ROI

The Yashobhoomi design philosophy is anchored in a balance of creativity and operational efficiency. Modular halls and flexible seating cater to events of all scales, while plug-and-play facilities minimise setup time and costs, ensuring client convenience. With a management team experienced in world-class MICE hubs, Yashobhoomi delivers services aligned with global best practices. Food and hospitality enhance the event experience, combining global and regional cuisines with wellness zones, breakout lounges, and customisable themed setups. “This ensures higher ROI for clients, while innovative branding opportunities, premium hospitality, and repeat bookings drive long-term value for Yashobhoomi,” assures Phil.

Since its inauguration, Yashobhoomi has established itself as the preferred venue for marquee gatherings, ranging from the P20 Summit to trade expos and medical congresses. Phil notes a strong upcoming line-up in IT, healthcare, fitness, and lifestyle, reflecting organisers’ trust in the brand.

Vision 2030

Looking ahead, Phil notes, “Our vision is to position Yashobhoomi among the world’s premier convention and trade show destinations. To achieve this, we are prioritising sustainability with IGBC-certified green practices, advanced technology, including AI-driven event management, digital twin systems, and strategic global hospitality partnerships. We are also forming alliances with international associations to host rotating world congresses and mega exhibitions.” Building on its strong track record, Yashobhoomi aims to become synonymous with India’s emergence as a global MICE hub, setting new standards in scale, sustainability, and service excellence.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Center (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC)

HICC gathers prestige as India’s first and South Asia’s premier convention centre, spanning 6,480 sq mt and accommodating up to 6,000 delegates with 37 breakout rooms and direct access to the 287-room eco-certified NHCC. Strategically located in Hyderabad’s IT and pharma hub, HICC combines sustainability and culinary excellence to offer more than a venue, creating experiences that inspire collaboration, innovation, and lasting partnerships.

Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and HICC, shares, “We continually upgrade our facilities, enhance guest rooms, and integrate digital solutions for hybrid events, while our events team ensures every meeting or summit is flawlessly executed with personalised service.”

Pioneering India’s Convention Landscape

As India’s first purpose-built convention centre, HICC combines magnitude, luxury, accessibility, technology, sustainability, and personalisation to deliver immersive events that are globally competitive and consistently trusted by returning partners year after year. Rubin notes, “More than 75 per cent of our revenue is MICE-driven, and we have consistently invested in hybrid-ready infrastructure to stay ahead of client expectations. We offer high-speed connectivity, advanced AV systems, and integrated platforms, making it possible to host events seamlessly across onsite and online formats.”

Global technology summits and medical conferences held at the centre have reached thousands via hybrid streaming, without compromising on-ground experiences. Supported by digital-savvy teams, multilingual translation, and sustainable practices like waste reduction and eco-conscious catering, it blends technology with responsibility.

Value Creation

For HICC, functionality means delivering events that are memorable, immersive, and outcome-driven. “ROI for our clients is maximised with Accor’s ALL Meeting Planner programme, rewarding organisers with points redeemable for stays, future events, or team perks, building lasting partnerships beyond the event. Our purpose-built design enables us to host a range of events, from global summits like the G20 and BioAsia to intimate board meetings, with equal efficiency. Functionality comes from scale, technology, and seamless operations while our creativity is expressed through curated culinary journeys, wellness elements, and themed setups that enhance engagement,” adds Rubin.

Elevating MICE Experiences

At HICC, the focus goes beyond meetings to creating memorable journeys. Culinary excellence ranges from bespoke global spreads to traditional South Indian feasts, while wellness is immaculately integrated with 15 acres of green spaces, jogging and cycling tracks, spa therapies, and mindful food options. Immersive themes, with poolside barbecues, intimate dining, and live entertainment, make every event dynamic and refreshing, much beyond the traditional conference model.

Sustainability further reinforces value creation. Rubin explains, “With Green Key Certification, solar energy initiatives, electric vehicle fleets, and innovative water conservation solutions, our operations lower costs while minimising environmental impact, allowing clients to host large-scale events with the assurance that they are contributing to a greener future. Combining operational excellence and responsible practices, we ensure our events deliver both impact and return.”

ExpoInn Suites & Convention

As one of India’s distinguished MICE-centric hotels, ExpoInn was conceptualised as a one-stop destination for large-scale conventions and business events. It offers a unique blend of capacity, location, and personalised service. Barun Gupta, General Manager, ExpoInn Suites & Convention, says, “Our USP lies in delivering not just expansive infrastructure, but a bespoke hospitality experience with deeply curated details that meet the evolving demands of global MICE clients. Strategically located inside India Exposition Mart, the property has been designed from the ground up with MICE as its core focus.”

The venue features 15 versatile halls, including South Asia’s largest 230,000 sq ft luxury hall, a 190,000 sq ft lawn for high-profile events, 134 rooms, and multiple dining options.

Creative Future-Ready Venue

ExpoInn leads in tech-enabled, hybrid-ready events, offering world-class AV, high-speed connectivity, and live streaming for seamless on-ground and virtual engagement. Collaborations with top tech partners provide virtual booths, interactive polling, and AI-driven analytics, merging physical and digital experiences. “With hybrid systems becoming the new normal, ExpoInn empowers clients to extend the reach and impact of their events beyond boundaries. We are committed to offering globally competitive solutions that combine scale, service, and cutting-edge technology,” adds Barun.

At ExpoInn, MICE events transcend mere logistics through culinary creativity, wellness, and themed experiences. Barun explains, “Our chefs craft bespoke menus and live stations, while wellness breaks like detox drinks, mindful teas, and yoga keep delegates refreshed. Themed setups from brand-centric décor to cultural showcases make every event immersive and memorable, delivering experiences that inspire and connect.”

Driving Measurable Value

Barun clarifies that the brand goes way beyond providing just event space. He says, “We deliver value-driven, results-oriented events. By combining South Asia’s largest luxury hall and versatile banquets with hybrid-ready technology, flexible layouts, and seamless service, we ensure functionality and efficiency for organisers. We focus on blending imaginative concepts with operational excellence, ensuring every event is impactful and rewarding for our clients.” Immersive setups, customised branding, experiential dining, and wellness-inspired elements make every event memorable while driving measurable ROI.

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park is the city’s landmark dual-branded hotel complex, home to the largest convention and event space in North Bengaluru. Just 40 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, it spans over 60,000 sq ft, with pillar-less ballrooms, 22 breakout rooms, and expansive pre-function areas that can host everything from global conventions to intimate board meetings.

Rashmi Kamboj, Director of Sales - MICE, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, notes, “Our MICE venues are purpose-built with modular layouts, hybrid-ready infrastructure, and indoor–outdoor transitions, ensuring every event is executed with precision and impact.”

Meeting Evolving Client Demands

Recognising technology as the backbone of modern events, the venues have been strategically upgraded and now feature advanced AV systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated car lift for automobile launches and large-scale setups, and ETFE roofing for weather protection and natural light, ensuring hybrid and on-site experiences. Rashmi proudly shares, “We offer flexibility unmatched in North Bengaluru.”

Innovation Meets Impact

The brand customises each MICE event’s culinary journey, highlighting Karnataka’s authentic flavours, energising power breakfasts, and wellness-focused breaks, with evenings featuring themed setups, chef-led counters, and wellness-inspired beverages. Reflecting on this approach, Rashmi remarks, “By blending local authenticity, wellness elements, and innovative presentations, our MICE offerings transcend standard banqueting to become an integral part of the event experience.”

At Hilton Manyata, innovation meets efficiency to create seamless events. Imaginative décor, lighting, and culinary elements are paired with smart layouts and advanced technology. “ROI is not just about numbers; it is about creating experiences that clients want to repeat and attendees remember,” notes Rashmi, highlighting the venue’s appeal as a top MICE destination in Bangalore.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The Leela’s convention portfolio showcases India’s growing stature as a global MICE hub and is a masterclass in combining scale, sophistication, and versatility. In Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel remains the capital’s largest with 83,228 sq ft of indoor space. Bengaluru offers two landmarks: The Leela Bhartiya City with 66,000 sq ft of convention space, and The Leela Palace’s 8,000-plus sq ft Maharaja Ballroom for regal gatherings. The Leela Palace Chennai blends oceanfront elegance with versatile venues, while Gandhinagar’s Mahatma Mandir, spanning over a million square feet, has hosted global summits, including Vibrant Gujarat. The Leela Ashtamudi’s Raviz Floating Fort introduces a unique houseboat venue for private conclaves amidst the Kerala backwaters, and The Leela Kovalam’s 4,500-plus sq ft Ananthapuri Ballroom has staged marquee events such as Kerala Huddle and BCG meets.

Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President Operations - South and Head of Sales at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, says, “The true USP of our convention hotels lies not just in their scale and infrastructure, but in the diversity of experiences they enable.”

Powering Future-Ready Technology

At The Leela, technology is the backbone of MICE, not an add-on. With hybrid-ready, globally benchmarked infrastructure, the brand ensures its hotels cater to the demands of global conferences. From high-capacity systems enabling live streaming and real-time translation to 360° virtual venue previews that accelerate planning, The Leela is transforming the event journey. “Technology today is as critical to MICE as the venue itself. By building hybrid-ready spaces, we empower planners to scale events without limits,” says Madhav.

Smarter digital touchpoints are driving stronger global conversions and faster lead responses, while advanced AV grids and LED walls in Bengaluru and Delhi, and smart hall management make hybrid launches and conferences seamless. Madhav shares, “Our goal is to keep The Leela at par with the world’s best, giving India the global MICE edge it deserves.”

Beyond the Meeting Room

At The Leela, MICE is about curating journeys that engage all the senses and leave a lasting impact. Madhav asserts, “It is no longer enough to provide a ballroom; today, MICE is about creating experiences that inspire, energise, and connect.” Culinary storytelling is central, with wellness-focused menus and immersive experiences that range from artisanal Indian thalis to international food theatres and zero-waste banquets transforming dining into engaging conversations.

Wellness is woven into the event flow with yoga, meditation, and spa-inspired recharge zones, while themed setups ranging from royal galas in New Delhi to phygital summits in Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, and art-led retreats in Chennai enhance engagement. Sustainability underpins it all, with green practices and in-house water bottling aligning with ESG goals and The Leela’s hallmark of responsible luxury.

Engineering Engagement, Maximising Returns

“Successful ROI is designed into the very architecture of venues, ensuring every square foot delivers both efficiency and inspiration,” notes Madhav. Pillarless, divisible ballrooms, high-load AV grids, and seamless logistics flows optimise time and value for clients, while curated themes, cultural storytelling, and experiential design elevate engagement beyond the agenda. Reflecting on The Leela USP, Madhav remarks, “From the grandeur of the Maharaja Ballroom in Bengaluru to the cliffside Ananthapuri Ballroom at Kovalam, our venues balance operational efficiency with a sense of theatre. This duality of precision in functionality and flair in creativity ensures strong outcomes for clients and sustained returns for our properties.”

Challenges Facing India’s MICE Industry

Each year, the country hosts over 35,000 corporate events, supported by a robust ecosystem of nearly 3,000 specialised service providers. Yet, despite this momentum, India’s share of the global MICE market remains below one per cent, a stark reminder of the sector’s vast untapped potential and the need for sharper global competitiveness.

India’s MICE infrastructure still lags behind neighbouring countries like Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Facilities outside major metros often lack international standards. MICE requires skilled, retained manpower, better governmental support, and aggressive destination promotion to attract global clients. Expanding convention venues beyond city centres, including unique locations and entertainment options, with international-standard facilities, is essential. Simplifying approvals through single-window facilities, easy licensing, and robust safety measures is critical. High GST on accommodation and catering has led to cancellations, making tax reduction essential for MICE growth.

States Taking the Lead

As our respondents indicate, improved last-mile connectivity and significant investments in world-class infrastructure are steadily reshaping the landscape. India’s MICE industry is expanding beyond Delhi and Mumbai. Rajasthan’s Rs 25 crore Jodhpur MICE Centre and Maharashtra’s Rs 235 crore International Farmers Convention Centre in Nagpur for Agri-MICE exemplify this growth. Kerala, meanwhile, has firmly established itself as a MICE powerhouse, with the Wedding & MICE Conclave and Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 attracting over 3,000 delegates and generating investment proposals worth Rs 1.53 lakh crore. Together, these developments signal a robust and decentralised future for India’s MICE sector.