Mumbai contributes over 6% of India’s GDP. The city is home to some of India’s most prestigious institutions — including the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and top-tier medical and research centres like Tata Memorial Hospital, creating a rich ecosystem of intellectual capital that fosters innovation, knowledge exchange, and academic collaboration. As the financial capital of India, Mumbai also attracts global investment and talent, making it a strategic hub for international conventions and association meetings.
Mumbai has recently hosted globally significant events, including the World Congress of Accountants, key G20 Summit preparatory meetings, the International Olympic Committee’s 2023 session, several editions of the Global Fintech Fest, WAVES Summit 2025, Miss World Grand Finale 2024, and the 11th Indian Association Congress (IAC), among many others. The city's growing popularity as a preferred business destination is further highlighted by its upcoming role as host to prominent events such as the Asian Seed Congress 2025, the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific Regional Congress 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers (ICANN) 2026, the International Baccalaureate Global Conference 2026, the 35th International Congress on Occupational Health 2027, and the UIA International Architecture Forum 2027.
Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) — home to the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) — is Mumbai’s first master-planned business district. Hosting key foreign government and trade offices, cultural institutions, luxury hotels, and premium retail, BKC offers a world-class ecosystem that stands out as one of Asia’s most compelling and well-connected precincts for global events.
The Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB), India’s first state-led MICE initiative, supports national associations in bidding for and securing global conventions. It also assists with the planning and execution of world-class events to ensure a seamless delegate experience. As a strategic partner to MCB, the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) plays a key role in elevating Mumbai’s global event capabilities. JWCC offers associations a comprehensive event ecosystem, combining flexible spaces, premium hospitality, and end-to-end event services in one integrated destination.
As an Associate Member of the UIA, JWCC further supports international associations by providing customised solutions and connecting them with Mumbai’s broader network of hotels, cultural venues, and trusted local partners.
Located within an 18.5-acre, multidisciplinary precinct, the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) is among India’s largest and most advanced convention facilities, spanning over 1 million sqft in Mumbai’s premier business district — BKC. JWCC offers versatile event spaces including modular exhibition halls, pillarless convention halls, a luxe ballroom, and multiple meeting rooms, designed to accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate meetings to large-scale international conferences.
Beyond the convention centre, delegates can enjoy a dynamic performing and visual arts centre alongside an uber-luxury shopping plaza. These vibrant cultural, retail, and social spaces enrich the event experience by providing excellent opportunities for networking, entertainment, and leisure.
Mumbai is home to several other premium venues such as Grand Hyatt, Taj Lands End, Trident Hotels, Fairmont, ITC Maratha, and Four Seasons — all offering exceptional facilities and services that cater well to the needs of international conferences and business events.
Mumbai offers over 7,000 hotels across categories in and around BKC. Five-star options in close proximity include the Trident, Sofitel, and Grand Hyatt, while Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz, Fairmont, and JW Marriott are also easily accessible. A wide range of four- and three-star properties ensures accommodation for every budget. This strong hospitality infrastructure, combined with fine dining and international retail, makes it convenient for delegates to stay close to the venue.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is India’s second-busiest, with direct flights to over 100 cities worldwide, making it highly accessible for international and domestic travellers. Jio World Convention Centre in BKC is approximately 6 km from the domestic terminal and 9 km from the international terminal, with multiple transport options to reach the venue quickly.
The JWC precinct is also well-connected by Mumbai’s expanding public transport network, including the new Metro Aqua Line, which links BKC to key parts of the city, as well as the extensive suburban railway system.
For road travel, BKC sits at the intersection of major arterial highways, allowing smooth access by car or coach from different parts of Mumbai and neighbouring regions.
Mumbai is more than just a business destination — it’s a city that invites exploration, offering delegates a rich blend of culture, history, and coastal charm. After a day of events and meetings, visitors can unwind with a walk along the iconic Marine Drive, known as the Queen’s Necklace, where the Arabian Sea meets the city skyline in a stunning sunset spectacle.
For those interested in arts and culture, Mumbai presents a thriving scene from contemporary galleries and immersive art spaces to live theatre, classical performances, and film screenings. One of the city’s standout cultural hubs is the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, which hosts world-class Indian and international shows throughout the year, alongside immersive exhibitions and striking public art installations.
Shopping and leisure options are equally abundant. From bustling markets and independent boutiques to luxury retail, the city offers something for every taste. Within the Bandra Kurla Complex, delegates can enjoy high tea overlooking the Fountain of Joy — a lotus-inspired water, light, and music spectacle — or explore nearby destinations like Jio World Plaza and Jio World Drive, which feature curated selections of global brands, Indian couture, and fine dining, ideal for relaxed strolls or a touch of retail therapy.
The city’s architectural heritage is equally compelling, with a striking mix of Gothic, Victorian, Indo-Saracenic, and Art Deco buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites offering a glimpse into Mumbai’s layered past. Whether it’s a coastal drive, a quiet moment in a heritage café, or an evening immersed in local culture, Mumbai offers countless ways to experience the city beyond business.
For all inquiries, reach out to Thomas2.Joseph@ril.com
Issue #19 – October 2025