The 13th India Association Congress (IAC 2026) will take place on August 7–8, 2026, at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, bringing together association leaders, policymakers, industry experts and institutional stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s association sector.
Held under the theme “Reset. Rethink. Reinvent.”, the congress will focus on how associations can adapt to rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, policy shifts, sustainability and evolving workforce expectations. The event will explore strategies to strengthen governance, member engagement, advocacy, innovation and long-term institutional resilience.
More than 300 delegates representing trade associations, professional societies, chambers of commerce, federations, nonprofits, corporates, convention bureaus and government bodies are expected to attend. The programme will include keynote sessions, leadership discussions, workshops, case studies and networking opportunities.
Key topics on the agenda include regulatory changes, funding models, AI adoption, governance, member retention, cross-sector collaboration and building future-ready associations.
Confirmed speakers include Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India; Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, Indian Tourism Development Corporation; Kamlesh D. Shroff, President, Association of NSE Members of India; and Dr. Shilpa Varma, Director, India Association for Parenteral and Enteral Association.
The congress will also host the Association Excellence Awards, recognising innovation, leadership and impact across India’s association ecosystem. Delegates will conclude the event with a half-day heritage tour of Kumartuli, Kolkata’s renowned artisan district known for its traditional clay idol-making.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Prasant Saha, Chairman, India Association Congress, said, “The 13th India Association Congress is not just a meeting—it is a movement to redefine how associations lead in a disruptive era. In Kolkata this August, we are turning challenges into blueprints for a resilient, reinvented future.”
Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “In an increasingly dynamic global order, strong associations are drivers of economic progress, industrial competitiveness and social transformation. They serve as a vital bridge between government, industry and civil society, by facilitating businesses across the world, and taking care of the people doing the work. India’s vibrant association ecosystem has emerged as a key enabler of policy advocacy, capacity building and collaborative growth. At this pivotal juncture, the India Association Congress 2026 will provide a valuable platform to foster innovation, share best practices and go a long way to help realise the global importance of the Association Sector.”
