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Southern Region
Member Newsletter |
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In this issue
| 01 | From the President's desk | | 02 | Meet the National Executive Committee | | 03 | Meet the South team | | 04 | Industry update: venues, IPs, government and trends | | 05 | EEMAGINE 2026 in pictures | | 06 | Member Employee, Gopalakrishnan, Aura Events, Chennai |
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01 From the President's desk
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Opening four state chapters since May tells us how much work is happening in the South. |
Dear Friends, Welcome to the first issue of EEMA South Pulse, a monthly newsletter for our members in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. It has been a full year for the region. The Kerala chapter opened at Grand Hyatt, Kochi on 5 May, the Tamil Nadu chapter followed in Coimbatore on 7 May, the Karnataka chapter launched in Bengaluru on 30 June, and the Telangana State Head was announced on 15 September. Opening four state chapters since May tells us how much work is happening in the South. In August, EEMAGINE came to Chennai for the first time. The new National Executive Committee was elected in July with a brief that covers policy advocacy, industry representation, skill development, innovation and sustainable growth. In the South, that work is led by R. Ramkumar, our Vice President South, and Karthik Gowda, Joint Secretary South. You will meet them in this issue. South Pulse will report on the chapters every month, along with the venues, IPs and government decisions that shape how we work here. It will also make room for the people inside our member companies, starting with Gopalakrishnan from Aura. Send us your news, your photos and the colleagues you think we should feature. The next issue is built from what you share.
Warm regards,
Deepak Choudhary
President, EEMA India |
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02 Meet the National Executive Committee
The National Executive Committee for 2026 to 2028
EEMA members elected the new National Executive Committee in July 2026, bringing together leadership from across regions and the industry to shape EEMA's next chapter.
 Deepak Choudhary President |  Mahavir Pratap Sharma Executive Vice President |  Vinod Janardhan General Secretary |  Hareesh Babu P. B. Secretary |  Vipul Agarwal Treasurer |  Vipul Pandhi Vice President North |  Harshal Kothari Vice President West |  R. Ramkumar Vice President South |  Naveen Gupta Joint Secretary North |  Vishnu Muchhal Joint Secretary East |  Nehal Shah Joint Secretary West |  Karthik Gowda Joint Secretary South |
The post of Vice President East is vacant. |
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03 Meet the South team
The South team for 2026 to 2028
EEMA members elected a new National Executive Committee in July 2026. These are the office bearers, committee members and state heads who represent the South.
 R. Ramkumar Vice President South |  Karthik Gowda Joint Secretary South |  Anup Joy South Committee Member |  Venkatesh Govindrajan South Committee Member |  Arun Kumar State Head Telangana |  Martin Emmanuel State Head Keralam |  Rahil Mehdi State Head Karnataka |  Sudarshan Seshadri State Head Tamil Nadu |
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04 Industry update
Venues, IPs, policy and trends across the South
Seven items from the region that affect how members plan, price and produce, followed by quick hits. Each one links to its source.
Government and policy Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Crowd safety rules now shape every public show in Karnataka and Tamil NaduKarnataka's Crowd Control Bill 2025 was with a House Committee at the last public update, and the High Court has held that the state's SOP of 13 January 2026 applies until the Bill becomes law. The Bill as drafted sets police permission tiers for events under 7,000, 7,000 to 50,000 and over 50,000 people, with applications due 10 days ahead. Tamil Nadu's Government Order of 5 January 2026 sets an SOP for gatherings above 5,000, including risk classification and CCTV. Build the permission lead time into every public-show timeline you quote. Source: LiveLaw, 27 February 2026 | Free Press Journal, 6 January 2026 | New venue Bengaluru, Karnataka Contract awarded for Bengaluru's 80,000-seat stadium at AnekalThe Karnataka Housing Board has finalised the main works tender for the stadium at Suryanagar Phase IV, Anekal. J Kumar Infra Projects won the Rs 990.16 crore contract, with work expected to start within two months and a three-year completion deadline. The site is on the city's southern edge, so audience transport will need its own plan for any large show booked there. Source: The Hans India, 7 September 2026 | New venue Chennai, Tamil Nadu Kalaignar International Convention Centre on ECR, targeted for NovemberThe Rs 525 crore centre at Muttukadu will have a 91,024 sq ft exhibition hall for 10,000 people, a 5,000-capacity convention hall and a 1,500-seat auditorium. In January 2026, M.K. Stalin, then Chief Minister, said it would open by November, after an earlier February target was missed. Check the opening date with the venue before quoting it for 2027 conferences. Source: DT Next, 20 January 2026 | Government event Kochi, Kerala Kerala Travel Mart 2026, and a convention centre announced for KochiKerala Travel Mart ran from 24 to 27 September at Bolgatty and Willingdon Island, with MICE and destination weddings among its themes and more than 3,000 buyers registered. At the opening, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an international convention centre near Kochi airport. No size or timeline has been published yet. Source: EventFAQs, 21 September 2026 | MediaIndia, 25 September 2026 | Government event Bengaluru, Karnataka Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 runs 17 to 19 November at BIECThe 29th edition takes the theme AI and Beyond. The state expects more than 1,800 exhibitors, 25,000 delegates and 60,000 business visitors from over 75 countries. Members quoting for exhibitors should lock crew, fabrication slots and hotel rooms near BIEC early. Source: The South First, 24 July 2026 | New IP Bengaluru, Karnataka UN40 festival returns to Bengaluru in February 2027Saregama Live's UN40 mixes music, comedy, gaming and food for audiences under 40. Its first edition drew about 18,000 people over two days at NICE Grounds in March, and a second edition is announced for February 2027. A multi-format festival needs more than a music crew, from gaming set-ups to food courts. Source: EventFAQs, 16 March 2026 | Trend India Organised live events grew 44% in 2025, and the next ten cities lead the growthThe FICCI-EY 2026 report puts organised live events at Rs 145 billion in 2025, driven by ticketed concerts, weddings, government events and religious gatherings. It projects Rs 196 billion by 2028, with a slight dip in 2026 because there is no Kumbh Mela. Growth is moving beyond the metros, and the report names the next ten cities as the source of the next wave. Source: EY, 24 March 2026 | Medianews4u, 27 March 2026 |
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Quick hits
Proposed Telangana plans a cricket stadium of more than 1.32 lakh seats at Begarikancha, near Bharat Future City. Foundation stone likely in December 2026. The Sunday Guardian, 30 August 2026 | New IP The first Super Chennai Summer Festival ran through June with more than 36 events at beaches, parks, metro stations and cafes. Madras Musings, 22 July 2026 | New IP The India Basketball League has confirmed teams in Bengaluru and Chennai. Season 1 starts in early 2027. India Sports Hub, 1 July 2026 | Trend Bengaluru recorded the highest year-on-year rise in average hotel room rates in May 2026, at 15 to 17%, on corporate demand. HVS Anarock, 9 July 2026 | Policy Andhra Pradesh plans a MICE policy with city bureaus in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada, and proposes an Andhra Mandapam convention centre for Vizag. TTG MICE, 25 February 2026 |
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05 EEMAGINE 2026, Chennai
EEMAGINE came to Chennai for its 18th edition
 EEMAGINE 2026, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Photo: EEMA EEMA's annual convention, EEMAGINE 2026, was held from 7 to 9 August at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, marking the first edition of EEMAGINE in the city. The convention brought together more than 850 policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, with 43 speakers from India and international speakers from Dubai, London and Toronto. A key highlight was the launch of EEMA's report, developed in partnership with KPMG and Mastercard, examining the socio-economic impact of India's events and experiences industry. The report identifies Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai as the five leading cities for organised events activity in India, highlighting the growing scale and economic significance of the sector.
 Flag hoisting at the opening |  The EEMAGINE 2026 floral installation |  Delegates in the convention hall |  Winners on stage at the EEMAX Awards |
EEMAX 2026: South agencies among the winners
At the EEMAX Awards, 15 agencies from the South won 29 of the 144 medals: 10 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze.
| Organisation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total | | Aura Integrated Solutions | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Evoke Media | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Impresario | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Make My Day | · | 1 | · | 1 | | Phase 1 Events | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Promopower Promotion | · | 1 | · | 1 | | Rainmaker | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | | Razzmatazz Ventures | · | 1 | · | 1 | | Renaissance | · | 1 | · | 1 | | Shiga Pettals | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Showman Entertainment | · | 1 | · | 1 | | Swordfish Events | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | | Swordfish Integrated Marketing | 2 | 1 | · | 3 | | Tessarakt | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | | Watermark Weddings | · | · | 1 | 1 | | Total | 10 | 10 | 9 | 29 |
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06 Member employee voice
Five questions for a member employee
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Gopalakrishnan
Associate VP, Projects
Aura Event & Experiences, Chennai
Aura Integrated Solutions, which trades as Aura Event & Experiences, is a Chennai event company founded in 2002. It won an EEMAX 2026 Bronze for YI Take Pride, and in February 2026 ran PayPal's employee gathering across Chennai and Bengaluru. |
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"Every project brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn." |
How did you get into events, and what do you do at Aura today? I got into events through a passion for creating experiences and have grown with the industry over the years. At Aura, I work across projects, helping turn client briefs into meaningful, well-executed experiences. What does a normal week look like for you right now? No two weeks are the same. My time moves between client meetings, creative discussions, planning and execution, while working closely with teams and partners to keep every project on track. Which recent project taught you the most, and what did it teach you? YI Take Pride was a particularly rewarding project, especially with the EEMAX 2026 Bronze recognition. It reinforced how strong ideas, audience understanding and disciplined execution come together to create an impactful experience. What is changing in how clients in the South brief events? Clients are looking beyond execution and expecting stronger ideas, engagement, technology and measurable outcomes. They want experiences that are both locally relevant and aligned with larger business objectives. What should EEMA do for member employees like you? EEMA can create more opportunities for employees to learn, network and grow through mentorship, knowledge-sharing and regional engagement. It can be a stronger platform for the people building the industry every day. |
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Dates for the diary
11-21 Oct | Mysuru Dasara Mysuru. Jamboo Savari on 21 October | 14 Nov | Guns N' Roses NICE Grounds, Bengaluru | 17-19 Nov | Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 BIEC, Bengaluru | 22 Nov | Shreya Ghoshal, The Unstoppable Tour opens Bengaluru, then Vizag 23 Jan, Hyderabad 20 Feb, Kochi 7 Mar and Chennai 20 Mar 2027 | 27-28 Nov | TEMA Connect Madurai Chapter Madurai, Tamil Nadu | 29 Jan 2027 | Foo Fighters, India debut Bengaluru LIVE, Bandland on Tour | 19-21 Mar 2027 | South Factor: Spotlight, INSPIRE & Harmony ITC Kumarakom |
Dates are as published on the organisers' websites. Please verify before registering. |
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Membership
Don't Just Be Part of the Industry. Be Part of EEMA.
The industry is growing. The conversations are evolving. And the people shaping what comes next are already coming together at EEMA. EEMA membership puts you closer to the people, ideas and opportunities driving India's events and experiential industry forward. Whether you are an established organisation, a growing business, an industry partner or an artiste, there is a place for you in this community. Join EEMA and be part of the network shaping the next era of experiences.
Your industry is moving forward. Make sure you're in the room.
Membership Categories & Fees
Platinum Joining fee ₹50,000
Annual fee ₹40,000 | Event management, activation or experiential marketing companies with a minimum annual turnover of ₹4 Crores in the immediate past financial year Minimum existence: 2 years
Membership rights: Voting rights; eligible to hold office in the National Executive Committee (NEC) | Gold Joining fee ₹40,000
Annual fee ₹25,000 | Event management, activation or experiential marketing companies with a minimum annual turnover of ₹50 Lakhs in the immediate past financial year Minimum existence: 2 years
Membership rights: Voting rights in zonal elections; not eligible for national office positions | Associate Joining fee ₹25,000
Annual fee ₹25,000 | Event support providers, supply chain partners or artist management agencies with a minimum annual turnover of ₹50 Lakhs in the immediate past financial year Minimum existence: 1 year
Membership rights: Voting rights for regional positions only | Star Joining fee ₹15,000
Annual fee ₹10,000 | Artistes, emcees or performers from the industry Minimum existence: Not Applicable
Membership rights: As applicable |
Note: 18% GST is applicable on the annual fees.
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Scan to become an EEMA Member
Scan the code, or use the button to choose your membership category and apply online.
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Have news from your state?
Send chapter updates, event photos and member nominations for the next issue to jssouth@eemaindia.com, copying info@eemaindia.com, with South Pulse in the subject line. |
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Download the EEMA Brochure to know who we are, and the EEMA Docket to see our sub committees and NEC vision.
SOUTH PULSE
Event and Entertainment Management Association, Southern Region
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Zonal Manager, West and South: Ankita Mukherjee, +91 84486 93113, zmwest@eemaindia.com
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EEMA Administration Office: E-330, Ground Floor, Greater Kailash Part 2, New Delhi 110048
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