Jio World Convention Centre launched the ambassador programme in partnership with Maharashtra Convention Bureau and the International Congress and Convention Association.
The Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), supported by the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), has launched the Conference Ambassador Programme to help attract international conferences, congresses and business events to Mumbai.
The programme seeks to identify Indian association leaders and industry professionals who can serve as ambassadors for international conference bids. Under the model, ambassadors will use their professional networks and subject-matter expertise to support bids, while JWCC will assist with the bidding process, relationship-building and marketing activities.
ICCA will participate as Knowledge Partner, providing industry expertise and access to its international association network to support ambassadors during the bidding process.
The programme is open to active association members and industry professionals based in India. According to JWCC, applications will be assessed on merit, including an applicant’s ability to act as the primary bid champion for an international conference, influence stakeholders and contribute to a successful bid. Selected ambassadors will receive access to bid assets, guidance, site inspection support, publicity, government relations assistance, networking platforms, peer learning initiatives and pitch coaching.
Ambassadors will serve on a voluntary basis. Their responsibilities will include identifying prospective international association events, mobilising local industry support, contributing expertise to bid documents and representing bids before international decision-making bodies. JWCC will support ambassadors through a dedicated bidding team and a Conference Ambassador Grant covering eligible expenses such as bid preparation, international travel, site inspections and related activities.
Sanjay Khandare, IAS, additional chief secretary, tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said the programme was an important step in advancing Maharashtra’s position in the global business events landscape. He noted that India’s ICCA ranking improved from 37th in 2022 to 26th in 2025, and said international conferences could support knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, innovation and wider economic value.
The initiative builds on Maharashtra’s efforts to develop its business events ecosystem. The Maharashtra Convention Bureau, described by the organisers as India’s first state-led convention bureau, was announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany.
Related: This Indian state just launched its new MICE bureau | Meetings & Conventions Asia