ITEF officially launched the programme for GCC Connect 2026, the forum's annual flagship summit, at a curtain-raiser event attended by more than 150 members and partner-industry representatives.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in the forum's history. Headline numbers:

• 4 days · 12–15 September 2026 · Chennai Trade Centre, Tamil Nadu
• 800+ delegates expected from 18 countries
• 40+ speakers across keynotes, panels, and masterclasses
• 3 parallel tracks — Industrial Corridors, Engineering Leadership, Innovation & Startups

Confirmed keynote speakers include:

• Shri B. Krishnamoorthy, IOFS — General Manager, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL); Ex-Commissioner NR1; Special Secretary/Project Director, TIDCO
• Dr. L. Shaw Nawaz Khan, PhD — Guest of Honour, themed session on Connecting Industries with Global Talents
• Senior delegation from StartupTN presenting the 15-venture innovation cohort

Members who register before 15 June 2026 will receive the early-bird rate. Group bookings of five or more from a single GCC chapter receive an additional 15% discount.

Sponsorship enquiries can be directed to the ITEF Secretariat through the contact form. The full event microsite goes live next week.