The 21st edition of the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) will take place on 8–9 April 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences Mumbai. HICSA continues to play a key role in shaping the future of hospitality across South Asia. Here are some of the key themes that will shape the conversations at this year’s conference.
Leadership in a World on Fire
The theme for this edition, “Leadership in a World on Fire,” reflects the urgent need for bold, resilient, and forward-thinking leadership in a time defined by rapid global change. Today’s hospitality leaders are navigating an increasingly complex ecosystem. More than ever, success requires the ability to steer through volatility while staying anchored in purpose. Ultimately, the theme reflects the present and ever-evolving hospitality landscape.
Many Paths to the Corner Office
As we celebrate the hospitality industry, we also reflect on the mix of voices that shape it. Today’s leaders often come from varied professional paths, including finance, hotel operations, architecture, legal, development, and consulting. This dynamic leadership mix will be explored at length during the 2026 conference through an analysis of the diverse backgrounds of 100 global hospitality leaders.
Indian Leadership on the Global Stage
India’s hospitality landscape is powered by a strong network of homegrown brands, many of which are now earning recognition and admiration on the global stage. At HICSA, we are honoured to host some of the leaders at the forefront of this remarkable journey. Joining us are industry stalwarts including Puneet Chhatwal of Indian Hotels Company Limited, Anil Chadha of ITC Hotels, and Arjun Oberoi of The Oberoi Group.
Owners’ Only Workshop
A hallmark of HICSA, a specially curated segment titled “Owners’ Only Workshop” will be held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. This closed-door, invitation-only gathering will bring together leading hotel owners for a morning of candid dialogue and strategic exchange.
Redefining the GMs’ Playbook– HOSI General Managers’ Workshop
The General Managers’ Workshop is designed as an energising forum where hotel leaders can step away from daily operations and engage in meaningful reflection. A specially curated segment will be led by two distinguished professors from École hôtelière de Lausanne who will bring global academic rigor and insight to the discussion. As an added bonus delegates will receive a participation certificate from EHL, Switzerland along with renewed clarity, confidence, and connection for the journey ahead.
Design That Shapes Destinations
HICSA has long championed the contribution of both global and regional design firms in shaping the future of hospitality experiences. The 2026 conference will feature multiple engaging discussions that spotlight the evolving role of design in hospitality.
Mind Matters
HICSA 2026 will also welcome renowned mentalist Suhani Shah for a session that promises to explore the fascinating workings of the human mind. More than just a performance, the experience will serve as a thought-provoking reflection on how we think, lead, and connect with others.
Beyond the Conference Room
Beyond its insightful sessions, HICSA has always been just as much about the conversations in between. The fact that these conversations unfold over some of the finest F&B on offer is simply an added bonus. This year highlights F&B across Mumbai, with a curated menu at the Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences Mumbai; Closing Cocktails at ITC Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai; and After Hours at the newly opened Bombay Swim Club at ICONIQA Hotel Mumbai International Airport.
The Deals That Define the Industry
The announcement of strategic partnerships and landmark signings has long been a hallmark of HICSA. Each year, the conference serves as a platform where major collaborations and new hotel developments are unveiled to the industry. As anticipation builds for this year’s edition, the industry will once again be watching closely to see what new partnerships, collaborations, and development announcements emerge from the HICSA stage.
Finding HICSA’s Next Home
In recent years, HICSA has grown significantly in both scale and influence—last year alone, the conference welcomed nearly 800 delegates at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. However, with this growth comes a new challenge: HICSA is outgrowing many of its previous host venues including the Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Taj Palace, New Delhi, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa and the Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences, Mumbai itself.
While several hotel ballrooms can seat the delegates comfortably, they often lack the extensive pre-function and exhibition space that the conference now requires. At the same time, although India has multiple a number of large convention centres, many of them do not have integrated hotel developments—an essential element for a hospitality-conference
This raises an important question: where does HICSA go next? As the conference continues to evolve, finding a venue that can match its scale, ambition, and spirit remains both a challenge and an opportunity for the future.
