Unifying voices, catalysing knowledge exchange and connecting with the world
The Society of Association Executives (SAE) has been launched in Bangalore to unite changemakers and institutions across industries and “empower associations, amplify leadership, and catalyse global collaboration”.
Local associations, global guidance
The initiative emerges from a strategic collaboration between GConvene, led by Kalpana Uberoi, and international association management expert Gregg H. Talley of Talley Management Group (TMG), who brings decades of global best practices to India's association sector.
Serving as strategic advisors, TMG and GConvene will guide SAE’s mission to elevate standards and drive impactful growth for associations nationwide.
Why an association of associations?
Speaking at the launch, Ramesh S. Bilimagga, president of SAE, spoke of the transformative potential of association-led collaboration: "Strong associations don't just serve industries, they reshape them. They do not just support communities, they elevate them. And they don't just strengthen nations; they define their future."
Ishwar Gilada, general secretary, added that SAE will play an important role to bridge India's associations with the global community, unlocking opportunities for shared learning, advocacy, and innovation that transcend borders.
Talley added that India “stands at the epicentre” of a global movement where 10 million associations worldwide drive economic progress.
Digital leadership, global alliance
During the launch at the Hilton, Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, SAE launched a web platform “designed to serve as the nerve centre for association professionals across India and beyond”. The website will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, leadership development and global connectivity, SAE said.
Uberoi added that SAE is strategically aligned with the association bodies in the US, Europe and Africa.
The SAE promise
Thousands of Indian associations across industries, professions, and communities currently contribute billions to economic development, professional standards, and social impact.
Indian associations also play a pivotal role in the MICE ecosystem, by increasingly organising large-scale conventions, congresses, and summits.
SAE leadership crystallised the organisation's mission with the declaration: "When associations grow stronger, entire ecosystems transform. Industries become more innovative. Communities become more resilient. Nations become more competitive. SAE isn't just connecting associations; we're amplifying their collective voice to shape India's future and influence the world."