India has welcomed a new platform for association leadership, with the creation of what its founders describe as the nation’s first unified ecosystem for industry collaboration and professional excellence. The Society of Association Executives (SAE) officially launched on 25 October, 2025, at the Hilton, Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru –a landmark moment for India’s association landscape.
SAE, its founders say, is the genesis of a movement designed to empower associations, amplify leadership, and catalyse global collaboration by uniting thought leaders and institutions across every industry. This initiative emerges from a strategic collaboration between GConvene, led by Ms Kalpana Uberoi, and international association management expert Gregg H Talley.
Serving as strategic advisors, TMG and GConvene will guide SAE’s mission to elevate standards and drive impactful growth for associations nationwide.
Speaking at the launch gathering, Dr Ramesh S. Bilimagga, president of SAE, spoke about the transformative potential of association-led collaboration: “Strong associations don’t just serve industries, they reshape them. They do not just support communities, they elevate them. And they don’t just strengthen nations; they define their future.”
Dr Ishwar Gilada, general secretary, reinforced this vision by emphasising SAE’s role as the critical bridge linking India’s associations with the global community.
Talley said: “The timing of SAE launch could not be more strategic. With over 10 million associations worldwide driving economic progress, India stands at the epicentre of this global movement”.