India’s First-Ever WAVES Summit to Bring M&E Industry Together on a Global Stage

By Pickle February 19, 2025

WAVES 2025 unites media, entertainment, and tech, bringing global leaders together for collaboration, culture, and innovation.

The World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is set to be the first-ever convergence event for the entire Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, taking place from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre and Jio Greens in Mumbai, India. This landmark event aims to blend technology with the human touch, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and the strengths of its M&E industry.

India boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, characterized by its performing arts, literature, and philosophical traditions. The country is home to the world’s largest film industry and a young, dynamic creator ecosystem that is rapidly growing in the digital space. The summit is expected to highlight these strengths, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and holistic well-being, which are deeply rooted in Indian culture.

The event will feature a packed agenda over four days, including conferences, exhibitions, cultural performances, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees can expect to engage with ministers, officials, and policy leaders from various countries, fostering a global dialogue on the future of media and entertainment. The summit will also serve as a platform for innovators and content creators to showcase their work and explore new opportunities.

The inaugural ceremony will take place on May 1, 2025, with the presence of the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who has expressed his vision for the summit to become a global event akin to Davos. The ceremony will include the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, which will showcase India’s creative transformation from “Kala to Code.”

Throughout the summit, various tracks will be available for attendees, including the Thought Leaders Track, which will feature plenary sessions and panel discussions with industry experts. The WAVES Bazaar will allow for interaction between sellers and buyers, with over 1,500 sellers and 5,400 buyers expected to participate. The WaveXcelerator will provide a platform for startups to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists and industry leaders.

Cultural events will also play a significant role in the summit, with classical concerts and fusion performances scheduled throughout the four days. The WAVES Culturals & Concerts segment will highlight India’s rich performing arts heritage, featuring events at prestigious venues such as the Nita Ambani Cultural Centre and the NSCI Dome.

In addition to the cultural showcases, the summit will host masterclasses and workshops for content creators, allowing them to learn from industry leaders and enhance their skills. The PM’s CEO Roundtable will provide a unique opportunity for high-level discussions between the Prime Minister and top global CEOs, fostering collaboration and innovation in the M&E sector.

The event will culminate in the announcement of the WAVES Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the media and entertainment industry. The awards will celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence, further reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the M&E landscape.

With over 30 star speakers and numerous sessions planned, WAVES promises to be a transformative event for the M&E sector. The advisory board includes prominent figures from the industry, such as A.R. Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, and Shahrukh Khan, ensuring that the summit will attract significant attention and participation from both national and international audiences.

WAVES represents a significant milestone for India’s M&E industry, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. As the world increasingly turns to digital media and entertainment, this summit will serve as a beacon for the future of the industry, showcasing India’s unique strengths and rich cultural heritage while fostering global dialogue and cooperation. With its ambitious agenda and high-profile participants, WAVES is poised to become a landmark event in the global media and entertainment calendar.