Maharashtra launches India’s first state-led convention bureau

Aims to boost global MICE tourism to India

In a move to position itself as a premier global hub for business events, Maharashtra Tourism has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB), India’s first state-led initiative dedicated to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Maharashtra Tourism announced the formation of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB), India’s first state-led initiative focused on propelling the state’s position as a destination for global conventions, exhibitions and business events.

In a press statement, Maharashtra Tourism says that the initiative reflects the key focus of the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024, highlighting the growing importance of MICE tourism and aims to accelerate the growing visitor economy across the state.

The statement adds that the bureau was introduced at IMEX Frankfurt, which is one of the world’s largest and most influential tradeshows of the MICE industry.

“The establishment of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau marks a transformative moment for our state’s economic and cultural landscape. Maharashtra has long been a leader in industry, education, and innovation and with this new bureau, we are unlocking the full potential of the business events industry to amplify that leadership on a global stage. Through strategic investment in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and intellectual exchange,” says Indranil Naik, Minister of State for Tourism, Industries, Public Works, Higher and Technical Education, Tribal Development, Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Maharashtra.

“This initiative will serve as a catalyst across key sectors, from tourism and hospitality to higher education, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It will attract global thinkers, investors and changemakers to Maharashtra, generating new opportunities for our youth, our entrepreneurs and our communities. As Minister of State, I am proud to support this visionary step forward that will elevate Maharashtra as a premier destination not just for business, but for bold ideas and inclusive growth,” he adds.

According to the statement, the announcement comes on the heels of India’s G20 Presidency. Additionally, Mumbai city has successfully secured future conventions such as the International Baccalaureate Congress (2026), ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Annual Conference, International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025), Asian Seed Congress (2025), and the UIA International Forum of Architects (2027), which will all be hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre. The city has also recently bid for the prestigious International Astronautical Congress in 2028.

“The establishment of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau is a transformative milestone, not only for Maharashtra but for India’s entire MICE industry. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging its world-class infrastructure, thriving economy, and diverse destinations to attract global conventions. By creating a dedicated bureau, Maharashtra is setting a benchmark for other states to follow, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and economic growth through international events. As ICCA, we are excited to see Mumbai and Maharashtra take their rightful place on the global MICE map,” says Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).