Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA)

Mr. Sooraj Dhawan

President, IEIA, Founder Director, Falcon Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.

A PGDM from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta with specialization in Business Finance, Marketing and Strategic Management, Mr. Sooraj Dhawan is attributed with inception and sustainable success of several landmark Trade Shows in India, including International Engineering Sourcing Show (since 2012), InfoComm India (since 2012), IPHEX India (since 2013), Cap India (since 2016), Source India (since 2016), Logix India (since 2019) PlexConnect (since 2023).

He is the Director of Falcon Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. A visionary business strategist, Mr. Dhawan specialises in International Trade development and feels that trade shows are the best way forward to business expansion. He is also a big advocate of ‘Make in India – Export from India and is an acknowledged specialist in organising International Buyer-Seller meets in India in areas, including Engineering, Power & Electricals, Automobile components, Rubber, Plastics & Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles and Information Technology.

Mr. Dhawan is also a trained business mediator and empanelled with the Ministry of Company Affairs in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata for offering business mediation and conciliation

Mr. Rakesh Kumar

Ex- Officio Past President, IEIA, Director General- Chief Mentor, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Rakesh Kumar is responsible for the promotion of Exports from India in general and small and medium sector in particular. Currently Director General- Chief Mentor, of most premier Export Promotion Trade Organization in India i.e. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, having membership of more than 10,000 member exporters and Chairman of the India Exposition Mart, a first state of art project for the cottage sector. Kumar is also on the board of National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) as a Directorship.

Mr. Ubaid Ahmad

Vice President, IEIA, Senior Director, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre- BIEC

Ubaid Ahmad is a Senior Director at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and Indian Machine Tools Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), with over 28 years of leadership experience across the service industry, exhibition management, venue operations, strategic marketing, and large-scale infrastructure development.

An alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, an MBA in Marketing, and an Exhibition Management Degree (EMD) from UFI, France. He is a Qualified Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, providing board-level assurance on ESG integration, regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, and governance frameworks.

Since joining BIEC in 2007, Mr. Ahmad has played a pivotal role in positioning it as India’s foremost green exhibition venue, embedding ESG principles into BIEC’s core operating and expansion strategy. He has overseen the venue’s phased expansion from 30,000 sqm to 1,10,000 sqm, integrating sustainable infrastructure design, energy efficiency, water stewardship, waste minimisation, and robust occupational health and safety systems. His responsibilities include P&L oversight, budgeting, capital planning, revenue diversification, and cost optimisation, ensuring financial discipline alongside sustainability outcomes.

He has been closely associated with flagship exhibitions such as IMTEX, PMTX, DMTX, and Healthex, strengthening their global positioning, ESG-led narratives, organiser engagement, and visitor experience.

His earlier career spans senior roles with TDI, Shamal Media (GCC), and STAR TV (News Corp), delivering extensive international and cross-border experience. During this phase, he led multiple industry-first initiatives, including the launch of CCTV advertising in India, conceptualising the marketing strategy for the Middle East’s first Hindi/Urdu FM station (HUM FM), and serving as a core team member for the launch of Radio City, India’s first 24-hour FM station.

Mr. Ahmad currently serves as Vice President of Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), Governing Board Member of Indian Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), and Member of the MICE Task Force. A regular international keynote speaker, he is recognised for delivering financially resilient, ESG-aligned, world-class exhibition and venue ecosystems.

Mr, Jagdish Patankar

Honorary Secretary, IEIA Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, M M Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.

Jagdish Patankar is the Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, India's leading company in Technology Events, Branding & Corporate Communications, B2B Media and India Partnering Services.
After his PG from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management,

Mr. Patankar started his career with India Today at Delhi & Indian Express and soon after floated his DM and Advertising firm Market Missionaries India Pvt. Ltd. which grew to become one of the top 40 Agencies of India ranked by A&M. His experience in media and brand building cuts across sectors like FMCG, Automobile, IT & Technology, TV Channels, Banks, Transport, Real Estate, Gems & Jewellery etc.

Inspired by leading scientists of India at the beginning of a new millennium, Mr. Patankar incepted first Research and Technology showcase of India during Indian Science Congress which has known to become flagship exhibition of the country. In the last two decades, he has curated over 100 national and international B2B events in the fields of IT & Electronics, Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, Aerospace & Defence, Public Transport, Agrotech, Biotech, Food & Nutraceuticals, Higher Education, R&D and UN SDGs. These events have orchestrated interlinking industry, research, academia and policymakers. He has also been instrumental in attracting International Trade Shows, Conferences and Industry Delegations to India and vice-a-versa to build global partnerships.

Mr. Patankar is a publisher of leading print & digital media like BioSpectrum, NuFFooDS Spectrum and AgroSpectrum from India and Singapore. His group company also operates Mumbai’s only Integrated CIDCO Exhibition Convention Centre at Vashi.

Mr. Patankar is also a notable faculty, anchor & speaker on various fora. His other interest is in the field of entertainment and content creation for Cinema and OTT platform. He has also acted in a few well-known Marathi movies and TV serials.

Mr. P. Ramakrishna

Honorary Treasurer, IEIA; Chief Executive Officer, India Mobile Congress

With a proven track record of executing turnarounds in P&L positions, his career milestones include establishing the India Mobile Congress as a globally recognized event, startup work on Patented Green energy storage Technology, developing the 1st Digital Modem in India, and contributing to the deployment of the 1st cellular network in the state of Andhra Pradesh under JT Mobile (Now Airtel). Furthermore, he was part of the team that developed India's 1st lightweight Carbon fibre tower.

His cross-continental experiences encompass North and South America, India, and Asia, holding prestigious positions in organizations such as the India Mobile Congress, COAI, Aster Tele Solutions Inc, Aster Teleservices Inc(USA), and Digicon.

As the CEO of the India Mobile Congress since 2017, Ramakrishna has led the organization through six successful editions, transforming the brand from its nascent stages into the largest physical event platform in South Asia in the ICT, Emerging technology & telecom space. He has successfully steered the brand and strategy, fostering key relationships with tech & telecom companies and establishing a solid voice for the Indian telecom & technology sector on the global stage.

Additionally, he has served as the Principal Advisor at COAI, managing RoW Advocacy with Central, State, and UT authorities, EMF Advocacy, and implementing the National Broadband Mission and Broadband Readiness Index of States/UTs. His role involves overseeing relations with Government & Operators, Corporate affairs, Crisis management, Advocacy, Legal Inputs, Policy Inputs, and Implementation across multiple states and central agencies.

Prior to his current roles, Ramakrishna founded Mpraxis Technologies Pvt Ltd in 2006 and led as its CEO for over ten years. He was responsible for operations, sales, business planning, and bringing in operational efficiencies and green energy initiatives for telecom sites.

Ramakrishna holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree from the University of Mysore, a testament to his technical expertise evident in his career journey. His work and influence have been instrumental in shaping the telecom and technology landscape in India and beyond.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Ramakrishna P. serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the India Mobile Congress. With a career spanning over three decades, he has gained robust experience in various realms including Regulatory, Advocacy, Policy, Corporate Affairs, Strategy, Business Planning & Sales, Operations, Marketing, Project Management, and more, particularly in the Wireless, Networking, and Events & Expo Industry.

Mr. Sudeep Sarcar

Executive Member, IEIA, Chief Executive Officer, India Exposition Mart Ltd.

Sudeep Sarcar: Transformational Business Leader and Turnaround Specialist

Sudeep Sarcar, an accomplished business leader with over 25 years of industry experience, is the CEO of India Exposition Mart Ltd. An MBA from IIM Rohtak and a master’s graduate from IIT Kanpur, Sudeep is recognized for his expertise in turning around businesses and driving operational excellence. His leadership spans association management, venue ownership, and third-party event management, marked by a rare ability to translate strategic vision into tactical action.

Under his leadership since 2011, India Exposition Mart has achieved transformational growth, hosting mega-events like Auto Expo and expanding into India’s largest convention-cum-exhibition center. Sudeep has also championed initiatives such as an in-house exhibition academy, grooming the next generation of MICE professionals. His contributions have been widely recognized, earning prestigious awards including the National Tourism Award by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

As Hony. Secretary of ICPB and board member of IEIA, Sudeep’s influence extends across national and international platforms. His dynamic approach—combining strategic insight, innovative thinking, and strong stakeholder engagement—continues to shape the future of India’s exhibition and MICE industry.

Mr. Vipul Agarwal

Executive Member, IEIA, Managing Partner, Expro Events & Exhibits

The 3rd generation disciple of Lallooji & Sons, the simple but talented visionary Mr. Vipul Agarwal, is the mascot of Expro Events & Exhibits.

During his early years in the industry, he felt the need to focus on an important aspects of the event infrastructure “outdoor sets-ups”, which was missing in India. He did extensive research on how things were done globally and today the initiative of exploring and investing in the most modern and reliable outdoor solutions has become a benchmark for the industry. Investment in technology is at par with international standards and can be created throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Expro todays specialises in providing complete outdoor event set up solution of truly international standards across the country through its pan India presence. The client list include not only world’s most famous brands i.e Formula 1, Avantha Masters, India Art Fair, Lakme’ Fashion Week, IPL, India Design Show, Index, Auto Expo.

Mr. Dharampal Singh Malhotra

Executive Member, IEIA; Executive Director, Namdhari Events N Promotions Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Dharampal Singh Malhotra, is Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) and a graduate from Badruka College of Commerce & Arts in the year 2001 and holds a PG Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management from Bhavans.

In order to establish a better foothold and understand the production activity in his business at the grass root level, he got associated with his father Mr.Surat Singh Malhotra in 1996. Later in 2003, he started taking care of the business full-fledged and made it grow from strength to strength.

Ms. Avisha Desai

Executive Member, IEIA, Executive Director- IMEA & Consumer & Capital Goods, Messe Muenchen India

With over 13 years of dedicated service at Messe Muenchen India, Avisha Desai has successfully led the Consumer & Capital Goods Business Unit to new heights. In her new role, Avisha will drive Messe Muenchen India's expansion in the IMEA market, playing a key role in ensuring long-term success.

Ms. Nazeeba Zarin

Executive Member, IEIA; Managing Director, PDA Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

Nazeeba Zarin is the Managing Director of PDA Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a home-grown company that organises niche trade fairs, conferences, seminars, world congresses, and multimedia exhibitions.

With over 20 years of experience, she has worked across most aspects of the exhibition business, from developing go-to-market strategies to marketing, sales, business development, communications, brand management, operations, P & L management and overall project management. Her approach is practical and hands-on, with a strong focus on getting things done well.

Nazeeba has conceptualised and launched several greenfield expos, taking them from idea stage to established industry events. She has led projects across sectors such as maritime, organic agriculture, airport technology, non-aeronautical revenues, banking technology, beauty and fitness, alco-bev, broadcast and media, and wind energy, many of which have grown steadily over successive editions.

She has also played a key role in putting standard operating procedures in place within the organisation, helping bring consistency and clarity to how projects are planned and delivered. Nazeeba has also built a strong track record in forging strategic partnerships and collaborations, enabling the scale-up of projects and sustained growth for the organisation

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, an MBA in International Business, and an MA in Mass Communication and Journalism. She has also completed entrepreneurship programmes at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore under the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative, and the Accelerate Your Growth Programme at the Indian School of Business.

Overall, Nazeeba’s work reflects a steady focus on building relevant platforms, improving processes, and growing events in a sustainable way.

Ms. Pallavi Mehra

Executive Member, IEIA, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets India Pvt. Ltd.

Pallavi Mehra is currently working with Informa Markets as Sr. Group Director and Publisher. She leads and manages the Travel, Jewellery, Maritime and Beauty portfolios. Informa Markets which is owned by Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Within just ten years of its inception, Informa Markets in India ( formerly known as UBM India) finds itself firmly positioned as the nation’s leading exhibition organizer, dedicated to help specialist markets and customer communities, domestically and around the world to trade, innovate and grow through exhibitions, digital content & services, and conferences & seminars.

At Informa Markets in India, Pallavi’s repertoire of businesses is extensive and includes large format B2B exhibitions, conferences, seminars and publications, with reputed properties such as SATTE, Travel Trends Today, Cosmoprof Hyderabad Jewellery Fair and Delhi Jewellery & Gems Fair, INMEX, India Port Conference that serve leading event and publication brands within their respective sectors.

A seasoned professional with a deep knowledge of the exhibition business, Pallavi has been in Informa Markets in India since July 2011. With an always innovating “Never Impossible” attitude & a strong hunger to look for alternatives, she has been able to steer new business ideas and implement projects and strategies that have shaped and impacted organizational commercial future.

Key Mantra for success – Keep things simple and efficient to drive costs down and revenues up. There is always room for improvement.

Mr. Satyendra Mehra

Executive Member, IEIA; Group Director and Member of the Management Board, Nürnbergmesse India Pvt. Ltd.

Satyendra Mehra is currently the Group Director and Member of the Management Board of NuernbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd. In his current role, Satyendra is responsible for managing, developing, steering, aligning and strengthening the business and operations of the company ensuring parallel growth and profitability. He is also responsible for providing Strategic Inputs, Alliances, Relationship Management, and driving Sustainability, and IT infrastructure/upgradation for the organisation. His skills sets include - Expertise in Planning, Budgeting, Forecasting, HR and General Management skills, Administrative, Profit centre responsibilities, and Crisis Management. At the same time, he is proficient in steering multiple events in both national and international territories.

Satyendra brings with him over 25 years of rich and diversified experience in varied industries, which brings him to this blue chip league. In his career span he has successfully lead teams, has demonstrated great leadership skills and won various awards and laurels for his work. His focus and clear thinking, and ability to deliver projects across categories have contributed significantly to the growth of the organization.

His earlier assignments included working for India’s premiere organisations such as UBM India (now Informa Markets India), India Express Group (Business Publications Divisions), The Bird Group (AMADEUS), and Jet Airways.

Mr. Sudhir Dhavan

Executive Member, IEIA; Chief Executive Officer, R E Rogers India Pvt. Ltd.

Mr Sudhir Dhavan joined M/s R. E. Rogers India Pvt Ltd, an OHSAS 18001 & ISO 9001/14001 Company in April 2010 initially as its Country-Head Sales & Operations. Based on his hard work, perseverance and matchless performance, he was later promoted to Chief Executive Officer.

Executive Committee