Society of Association Executives (SAE) Launches in India

From Associations to Assemblies — Building India’s Convention Momentum.

India’s premier platform for association leadership debuts, creating the nation’s first unified ecosystem for industry collaboration and professional excellence.

The Society of Association Executives (SAE) officially launched on October 25, 2025, at the Hilton, Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, a landmark moment that transforms India’s association landscape.

SAE represents more than a launch; it is the genesis of a movement designed to empower associations, amplify leadership, and catalyse global collaboration by uniting changemakers, thought leaders, and institutions across every industry.

This groundbreaking initiative emerges from a strategic collaboration between GConvene, led by Ms. Kalpana Uberoi, and International Association Management expert Mr. Gregg H Talley, who brings decades of global best practices to India’s dynamic association sector. Serving as strategic advisors, TMG and GConvene will guide SAE’s mission to elevate standards and drive impactful growth for associations nationwide.

Speaking at this historic gathering, Dr. Ramesh S. Bilimagga, President of SAE, delivered a powerful message on 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.”

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, General Secretary, reinforced this vision by emphasising SAE’s role as the critical bridge linking India’s associations with the global community, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for shared learning, advocacy, and innovation that transcend borders.

Mr. Gregg Talley said “the timing of SAE launch could not be more strategic. With over 10 million associations worldwide driving economic progress, India stands at the epicentre of this global movement”.

The Association Revolution

Thousands of Indian associations across industries, professions, and communities are already contributing billions to economic development, setting professional standards, and creating measurable social impact.

Yet this explosive growth demands more than individual excellence, it requires collective power, unified vision, and strategic collaboration. SAE answers this call.

The Society of Indian Associations (SIA) plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) ecosystem by serving as a unified platform that represents the diverse interests of professional and trade associations across sectors. As associations increasingly organize large-scale conventions, annual congresses, and industry summits, SIA acts as a catalyst in promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy that directly fuels the growth of India’s MICE industry.

Digital Leadership & Global Alliances

A defining moment of the launch was the unveiling of SAE’s comprehensive digital ecosystem, a sophisticated platform designed to serve as the nerve centre for association professionals across India and beyond. This is not merely a website; it is a transformative hub for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and global connectivity.

Ms Kalpana Uberoi said “SAE’s strategic alignment with the world’s most influential association bodies: the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), and African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE) signifies India’s emergence as a global leader in association excellence”.

The SAE Promise

SAE leadership crystallized the organization’s mission with this powerful 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.”

About SAE

The Society of Association Executives (SAE) stands as India’s premier professional body representing associations across all industries and sectors. Known as “The Association of Associations,” SAE operates as a dynamic catalyst for learning, leadership, innovation, and advocacy, enabling associations to connect with purpose, collaborate with impact, and lead with vision.

Through its network of member associations, SIA facilitates partnerships with destinations, convention bureaus, and event organizers, enhancing India’s position as a preferred hub for global and domestic meetings. By fostering professional development, standardization, and best practices in event management, the ‘Society of Indian Associations’ contributes to the evolution of a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive MICE landscape—driving tourism, economic impact, and intellectual capital across the nation.

SAE’s mission is to build a globally connected community of association leaders dedicated to shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered future for India and the world.

Stronger Associations. Stronger World!