The inaugural edition of the Creative Economy Conclave 2026 concluded successfully at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, bringing together leading voices from the events, entertainment, tourism, media, culture, and creator economy sectors to discuss the growing significance of the Orange Economy in India’s development journey.
Organised as part of the World Events Economy Week (WEEW) 2026, the conclave served as a platform for policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, creators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore opportunities emerging from the rapidly evolving creative economy ecosystem.
The event featured participation from prominent industry leaders including Annurag Batra, Sabbas Joseph, Shaju Ignatius, and Harinder Singh, alongside creators and cultural influencers such as Smita V and Gitikka Ganju Dhar.
Representing the Telangana Government, Sriram Karri outlined the state’s vision to strengthen tourism, culture, conventions, and experience-led economic development. He emphasised the importance of creating globally recognised events, enhancing urban infrastructure, and positioning Hyderabad as a destination known for world-class experiences, cultural assets, and innovation.
A recurring theme throughout the conclave was the growing influence of the Orange Economy, which encompasses creativity, intellectual property, entertainment, culture, technology, and experiences as key drivers of economic value and employment generation.
Industry leaders highlighted how creators, storytellers, artists, and experience designers are increasingly contributing to tourism growth, destination branding, innovation, and economic development. Discussions also explored the convergence of tourism, live events, entertainment, technology, and creator ecosystems, creating new opportunities for investment, employment, and global visibility.
Key sessions focused on event-led tourism, cultural entrepreneurship, destination branding, intellectual property creation, creator economies, music and entertainment industries, and the future of live experiences in India.
Participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry, investors, academia, creators, and cultural institutions to unlock the full potential of India’s creative economy and establish the country as a global leader in the sector.
The conclave concluded with a shared vision of positioning Hyderabad and Telangana as hubs for culture, innovation, tourism, and live experiences while reinforcing the Orange Economy’s role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
Organisers announced that the Creative Economy Conclave will continue as an annual platform under the World Events Economy Week umbrella, bringing together stakeholders from across the creative and experience economy ecosystem.
