From Conversations to Catalysts: Tracing iDAC’s Evolution as the Voice and Vision of India’s Architecture, Design & Construction Fraternity
In 2018, a simple yet powerful belief sparked the creation of iDAC, a belief that the architecture, design and construction fraternity needed more than just events.
They needed a neutral, inclusive space where the community could come together, not as competitors, but as collaborators—sharing ideas, challenging norms, and inspiring one another.
What began as an idea has now become a movement. Over the years, iDAC has not just grown in size, but in spirit, becoming a platform where the industry doesn’t just showcase products or network—it reimagines the future together.
2018 – 2019: A Vision Takes Its First Steps
The first edition of iDAC in 2018 was both ambitious and intimate. With focused conferences and an exhibition spread over 50,000 sqft, it wasn’t about grandeur—it was about intent.
These early days were all about laying the foundation, creating a safe, open, and dynamic environment where the industry could gather, interact, and discover solutions for the challenges they faced.
Attendees left not just with visiting cards, but with new perspectives, collaborations, and a renewed sense of belonging. The feedback was clear—the industry needed this platform, and it needed to grow.
2019 – 2020: From Conversations to Collaborations
The next chapter saw iDAC expand its vision and its footprint. The event grew to 8 conferences and an exhibition sprawling 90,000 sqft. What was once a gathering now became a magnet for industry leaders, emerging players, and future disruptors.
The air was thick with energy. Dialogues moved beyond panel discussions, they became the starting points for new partnerships, product launches, and policy dialogues.
It was clear that iDAC was becoming more than an event, it was becoming a catalyst for progress.
2020 – 2021: A Pause, a Pivot, and a New Purpose
Then, the world stood still. The pandemic brought everything to a grinding halt, including construction, exhibitions, and conferences. But iDAC refused to pause. Instead, it pivoted.
185 digital events were hosted during this time, keeping the heartbeat of the industry alive through screens, webinars, and virtual workshops.
Topics that were once confined to physical rooms now reached living rooms, boardrooms, and even construction sites—spreading knowledge across borders, time zones, and comfort zones. In an isolated world, iDAC became the thread that kept the community connected, engaged, and inspired.
2021 – 2022: The Return of Energy—Hybrid, Dynamic, and Purposeful
As restrictions eased, the community craved face-to-face connections—but with a new mindset. iDAC returned to physical spaces, hosting 11 conferences and 2 exhibitions covering 1.5 lakh sqft.
But the lessons of the pandemic weren’t forgotten—90 digital events continued to expand the reach and inclusivity of iDAC’s ecosystem. This period was about hybrid engagement, where the power of human interaction blended seamlessly with the accessibility of digital platforms.
Professionals, students, and decision-makers came together not just to explore trends, but to reset, recalibrate, and rethink the future of the built environment.
2022 – 2023: Scaling New Heights—Bold, Ambitious, Impactful
iDAC’s ambitions grew alongside the industry’s needs. This year, iDAC expanded to 13 conferences, 3 exhibitions covering 3 lakh sqft, and 70 digital events.
But more than the numbers, it was the quality of conversations, the diversity of voices, and the actionable outcomes that made this phase special. From exploring net-zero building innovations to dissecting urban placemaking strategies, iDAC became the platform where the industry’s future was being shaped in real-time.
2023 – 2024: A Movement Beyond Borders
By now, iDAC wasn’t just an industry event—it was a movement of ideas, influence, and impact. The year witnessed 13 conferences, 3 exhibitions spanning 4 lakh sqft, and 70 digital events. But the real breakthrough came when iDAC crossed international borders for the first time.
iDAC was now connecting minds not just within India, but across the globe—bringing international best practices to the Indian industry and showcasing Indian innovation to the world.
This was iDAC’s boldest chapter yet—and the stage was set for what came next.
iDAC Mumbai Expo 2025: Shaping the Future of Architecture & Design
This March, the iDAC Mumbai Expo 2025 brought together the industry’s finest at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre. Over three transformative days, from March 6th to 8th, the expo welcomed more than 24,500 visitors, hosted over 100 leading brands, and featured 150+ esteemed speakers from India and around the world.
The theme, “Shaping the Future of Architecture & Design,” echoed through every session, booth, and conversation. Eminent voices such as Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar and Mr. Bipin Shrimali set the tone early on, as discussions evolved into action plans and ideas blossomed into tangible visions for the future. Whether focused on urban development, sustainability, or innovation in building technologies, every dialogue was forward-thinking and transformative.
The exhibition itself became a vibrant playground of materials, solutions, and possibilities. More than 100 brands showcased the future of construction, design materials, automation, and much more. For professionals attending, it wasn’t merely about product display; it was about discovery, innovation, and collaboration.
Interactive showcases, masterclasses, and spontaneous networking opportunities created sparks of new partnerships throughout the venue.
One of the most memorable highlights of the Mumbai edition was the grand Infinity Awards Night, an evening brimming with applause and inspiration. Over 100 architects and designers were recognized for their remarkable contributions, perfectly reflecting iDAC’s enduring spirit—to learn, to elevate, and to honour excellence.
iDAC Delhi 2025: By Delhi, For Delhi
Just weeks later, the narrative continued—this time in the capital city. For the first time ever, iDAC came to Delhi, and it wasn’t merely a new location—it was a new emotion. Held at NSIC Grounds, Okhla, from April 3rd to 5th, iDAC Delhi 2025 was a celebration of Delhi’s bold character and unique design sensibilities. Under the powerful tagline “By Delhi, For Delhi,” the event brought together the visionaries who build the city, shape its skylines, and reimagine its future.
From insightful talks on placemaking and technology to crucial discussions on resilience and responsible design, every session pushed boundaries and provoked thought. Industry leaders like Ankon Mitra, Vivek Bhole, Mitu Mathur, and Reza Kabul enriched the conversations with depth and direction, ensuring the dialogue was both globally relevant and deeply local.
A special highlight of the Delhi edition was the Student Program, thoughtfully crafted for the next generation of designers and architects. With industry leaders and mentors like Abhishek Bij and Sabeena Khanna guiding the sessions, it was far more than a lecture—it became a career-defining, perspective-shifting experience. Certified and brimming with inspiration, the program empowered young minds to interact, absorb, and visualize their place within the evolving design ecosystem.
Looking Forward: The Movement Continues
Reflecting on these two landmark back-to-back editions—Mumbai and Delhi—it’s clear that iDAC is not merely growing in numbers or scale. It’s evolving in meaning. It has become the place where ideas are born, where the industry pauses to reflect, recalibrates its vision, and rises together.
This is where stories of progress are no longer written by one but by many. And as iDAC turns the page to what comes next, one thing remains certain: the unwavering belief in the power of coming together—to create, to innovate, and to build. This is just the beginning. The movement continues. #CreateTheChange
