New Delhi, 11 September 2026:
More than 100 business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, industry experts and decision-makers came together at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Dwarka, New Delhi, for the inaugural The CEO Magazine Business Conclave & Leadership Awards 2026.
The event, organised by The CEO Magazine, part of Indiamanthan Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd., combined leadership discussions, business interaction, networking and recognition, bringing together perspectives from business, entrepreneurship, technology, public policy and related sectors.
The conclave also recognised achievements through 50+ awards spanning business leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, transformation and industry excellence.
The programme opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Dr. Anil Sethi, Mr. Durga Singh Bhandari and Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.).
Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.) delivered the inaugural address, setting the context for discussions around leadership, strategic thinking and India's changing strategic and entrepreneurial environment. This was followed by an address from Dr. Anil Sethi.
The conclave then moved into its first panel discussion, “Inc for India,” which explored issues including entrepreneurship, trade, artificial intelligence, social entrepreneurship and India's future growth. The panel brought together Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.), Mahmood Akhter, IRS, Amb. B. Bala Bhaskar and Dr. Kazem Samandari, with Malika Pandey, Public Policy Specialist, as moderator.
The second panel, “Markets and Mandates,”, examined India's Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship & Policy. Participants included Dr. Amitabh Ranjan, Amb. Muktesh Pardeshi, Dr. SuvroKamal Dutta, Vani Patel and Shantanu Jugtawat, moderated by Dr. Kamalika Banerjee, Scientist and Former Consultant, PSA, PMO, Government of India.
Further addresses and presentations by Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Mr. Prateek Golecha, Mr. Sandeep Ahuja and Vani Patel added perspectives covering technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare and business development.
The Minister's Session featured His Excellency Shri K. J. Alphons Kannanthanam, Former Union Minister, Former IAS Officer and former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
The programme also featured Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd.), with the session moderated by Dr. Kamalika Banerjee and Ayanangsha Maitra, PhD.
The discussion examined India's strategic trajectory, national development and leadership, while also considering opportunities emerging from India's expanding global role.
Additional addresses by Mr. Kaukab Abbas and Dr. Rakesh Kumar continued the programme before the recognition segment.
The awards ceremony was attended by Ms. Dipika Chiklia, Guest of Honour, who was welcomed by Mrs. Jyoti Pandey.
The awards recognised organisations, entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals across multiple areas of business and industry. Categories included Company of the Year, Brand of the Year, CEO of the Year, Founder of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Woman of the Year, Industry Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, Startup of the Year and Business Transformation, among others.
The event also included felicitations for distinguished contributors to the programme. Grand Jury members Dr. Shyam Raghunandan, Dr. Anil Sethi and Mr. Durga Singh Bhandari felicitated panellists, generals and ambassadors. Mr. Shrikant Pandey felicitated Chief Guest Shri K. J. Alphons Kannanthanam.
The conclave received support from APS Industrial Solutions, Gifting Partner; Business Uttarayani Conclave of Himalayan Entrepreneurs, Outreach Partner; and Rudrakshology, Spiritual Partner.
The inaugural conclave represents an extension of The CEO Magazine's work in business and leadership storytelling into a live environment where professionals can exchange ideas, build connections and recognise achievements.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Publisher, The CEO Magazine.
Reflecting on the purpose of the gathering, he said, “Leadership deserves to be recognised, but more importantly, it deserves to be remembered for the impact it creates.”
The event marked a new chapter in The CEO Magazine's journey, which began in 2015 with a focus on documenting the journeys of entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders and organisations.
Part of Indiamanthan Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd., The CEO Magazine is a business media platform covering leadership, entrepreneurship, companies, industries and emerging business trends.
Since 2015, the publication has documented 7,500+ leadership stories featuring entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, professionals and organisations across sectors.
Its magazine, digital platforms, leadership stories, industry features, events and recognition initiatives continue to create platforms where business leaders connect, engage and get recognised.
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