AdAsia to return to India after 15 yrs; ACI gears up to host 2027 edition

In a major win for India’s advertising and media industry, the country has been chosen to host AdAsia 2027, marking the event’s return after a 15-year hiatus. 

The biennial congress is tentatively scheduled for November 2027, following AdAsia 2025, which will be held in Macau this October.

Established in 1958, AdAsia is Asia’s largest and most influential advertising congress, organised biennially by the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA).

The Advertising Council of India (ACI), which serves as the umbrella body for industry associations like AAAI, ISA, INS and IAA and has been dormant after 2011, has geared up to spearhead preparations for the landmark event. 

Speaking to e4m, Ramesh Narayan, the Chairman of the Advertising Council of India (ACI) said, “The venue for AdAsia 2027 could be anywhere among Delhi, Mumbai or Goa. A decision in this regard will be taken after consultations with the respective state governments to explore partnerships and infrastructure readiness.”

The decision to award hosting rights to India was finalised at the April 30 meeting of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) in Kuala Lumpur. “India pipped the US and Vietnam to win the hosting,” Narayan revealed.

India’s selection to host the 2027 edition is not just a nod to its infrastructure but also an acknowledgment of its rising influence in the global advertising landscape. With a booming consumer market, rapidly growing digital penetration, and a flourishing creative sector, India has become a focal point for international advertisers and media strategists.

Notably, the country previously welcomed the summit in 2011, 2003, 1982 and 1970. Barring 2003 when it was held in Jaipur, all other editions were held in New Delhi. 

Early Mobilization 

The ACI convened its governing council a week ago to initiate the groundwork not just for AdAsia 2027 but also for the upcoming AdAsia 2025, Narayan said. 

ACI is putting together a high-profile Indian delegation for the 2025 edition which will also lay the foundation for the 2027 edition. “India will have a significant representation at AdAsia 2025. We are targeting over 100 Indian delegates from agencies, brands, and media houses to ensure robust participation and visibility. We need to showcase to the world why they should attend AdAsia in India,” said Narayan. 

The first AdAsia was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1958. Now it is held and hosted in turns by member countries in Asia under the auspices of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA). It is the largest congress of its kind, attracting approximately 1,200 advertising professionals from Asia and around the world.