IHE 2026 is Bringing the Global Hospitality Ecosystem Under One Roof
Industry Leaders, Hospitality Professionals, Buyers and Global Brands Converge at India’s Premier Hospitality & HORECA Sourcing Platform
Greater Noida, Delhi NCR | 05 August 2026: The 9th edition of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2026) opened today on an impressive note at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, transforming the venue into the country’s largest annual convergence of the hospitality, HORECA and foodservice industry. Organised by India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), the four-day exhibition commenced amidst tremendous enthusiasm, bringing together hospitality leaders, hotel owners, procurement professionals, chefs, architects, designers, consultants, manufacturers, technology providers and solution partners from across India and overseas.
The exhibition was formally declared open with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony led by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML); Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH); Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President, Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI); Shalini Kumar, Editor, Spiritz; Anil Malhotra, President, HOTREMAI; Barun Gupta, COO, Indeva Hotels & Resorts; Neeraj Dhawan, Founder & Chairman, IWIA; Hemant Sood, Chairman, IIID; Sudeep Sarcar, ED & CEO, IEML, along with several eminent personalities and distinguished members of the hospitality fraternity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), said, “IHE has grown into far more than an exhibition—it is the annual meeting point of India’s hospitality ecosystem. As the industry continues its remarkable growth trajectory, IHE provides the ideal platform where innovation meets investment, sourcing meets opportunity, and partnerships shape the future of hospitality. We are delighted to welcome the industry once again to India Expo Centre & Mart.”
The exhibition halls witnessed a vibrant opening day as thousands of visitors explored cutting-edge products and solutions across hospitality infrastructure, hotel supplies, commercial kitchens, foodservice equipment, bakery solutions, smart hospitality technologies, interiors, wellness, housekeeping, security systems, lighting, furnishings and hospitality design.
Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), remarked, “India’s hospitality sector reflects the country’s craftsmanship, creativity and service excellence. Platforms like IHE not only strengthen domestic business but also create valuable opportunities for Indian manufacturers and artisans to connect with hospitality buyers seeking quality, design and innovation.”
The expo floor resonated with business conversations, networking opportunities and product discoveries, reaffirming IHE’s position as India’s most comprehensive hospitality sourcing platform.
Highlighting the importance of strategic sourcing, Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President, Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), said, “Procurement today is about creating long-term value through innovation, sustainability and trusted partnerships. IHE has become an indispensable platform where procurement professionals can engage directly with solution providers, discover emerging technologies and build relationships that strengthen the hospitality supply chain.
This time, one of the most innovative pavilions, One District One Cuisine (ODOC), supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, showcases authentic regional delicacies from districts across the state. The initiative promotes Uttar Pradesh’s rich culinary heritage, boosts food tourism, and creates business opportunities for local food enterprises by connecting them with the hospitality and HORECA industry.
The opening day was marked by a series of engaging B2B sessions and competitions. The 5th Edition of Pastry Queen India 2026 was inaugurated amidst great excitement, celebrating excellence in pastry artistry. Visitors also witnessed an inspiring Culinary Masterclass by Chef Gautam Chaudhry, drawing enthusiastic participation from chefs, culinary professionals and hospitality enthusiasts.
Sharing his perspective on operational excellence, Sudeep Sarcar, ED & CEO, IEML, stated, “The future of hospitality belongs to businesses that can seamlessly blend guest experience with operational efficiency. IHE provides hospitality leaders with access to ideas, technologies and partners that enable hotels to innovate, optimise operations and deliver exceptional value to guests.”
The excitement continues over the next three days with an action-packed line-up of conferences, competitions, culinary showcases and networking initiatives. Highlights include the Hospitality Design Symposium 2026 by IIID, Housekeepers Conclave 5.0 by PHA & YUVA, Madhu Mandapam, PPFI B2B Meets, Master Bakers Challenge India, AGROPURE’S Culinary League – Battle of Besan, additional culinary masterclasses by renowned chefs, hosted buyer meetings, leadership forums and several knowledge-driven sessions designed to foster innovation, collaboration and business growth across the hospitality ecosystem. Also making its debut at this edition, Madhu Mandapam is another highlight at IHE 2026 as a dedicated platform celebrating the rapidly evolving alcobev industry.
Running until 08 August 2026, IHE 2026 is expected to welcome 25,000+ business visitors and features 1,000+ exhibiting brands across 10,000+ sqm, making it India’s largest destination for hospitality sourcing, networking and business development. As the industry gathers under one roof, the exhibition continues to reinforce India’s growing stature as a one-stop hospitality and HORECA hub.
