Speaker: Peter Rigby (Chief Executive, Informa Plc.)

Many thinkers and writers in recent years have spoken of India’s geo-strategic advantages, its economic dynamism, political stability, proven military capabilities, its nuclear, space and missile programmes, and the country’s growing pool of young and skilled manpower as assuring India “great power” status as a “world leader” in the new century. Dr Shashi Tharoor, author and former UN Under-Secretary-General, argues that it is not these elements that represent India’s greatest potential as it seeks to play its role in our globalizing world. Instead, he focuses on the “soft power” of India, its attributes and limitations and the challenges it faces, as he outlines India’s true place in Asia and the world, and what it could mean for the country’s future in the 21^st century.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Shashi Tharoor (Chairman - Afras Ventures; former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Author)

We are faced with what is being described as an economic downturn, although some see it more as a free fall with no idea how close to the ground the parachute will open. One thing history tells us is that the parachute will open. Rest assured this economic cycle, as all in the past have, will come to an end. Those who survive will innovate their way up the value chain and economic stability will again emerge. We have seen this cycle many times. The Great Depression of 1929, Black Monday, October 19, 1987, Asian financial crisis of 1997, as well as the period post September 11, 2001, each time the world’s economy has fallen followed by a steady rise as industries consolidated along with new industries born. Rebound is inevitable. When it happens, we must be prepared to make the most of it. There are things we must do today, to position us well for tomorrow. Ed Cohen will put forth ideas that are critical for us to weather this storm.

Keynote speaker: Ed Cohen (Chief Learning Officer, Satyam Computer Services Limited)

The three most pressing concerns for business leaders today: a volatile global economy fuelled by rising oil prices; a lack of  infrastructure to support India’s fast-paced business growth; and a large pool of potential talent awaiting education and training to meet the growing demand for human capital. What are the answers to these growing concerns? What is the government’s role in overcoming these challenges? How can business and politics work together to improve the business environment in India?

Keynote speaker – Mr. Kamal Nath (Minster of Commerce and Industry)

"Leadership qualities are not external. All authentic leaders begin with themselves. They all have a vision and plan for themselves first. They have the inner drive and the passion within, which impacts all those they work with." – Dr. Bedi.

Keynote speaker – Dr. Kiran Bedi

Why are so many international companies flocking to India? What are the opportunities they seek?  How can they overcome the barriers to entry? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in this session by Donald Trump Jr. With his vast experience in leading operations all over the world for The Trump Organisation, Donald will elaborate on leadership qualities required to succeed in vastly different cultural environments.

Keynote speaker: Donald Trump Jr. (Executive Vice President, Development & Acquisitions, The Trump Organization)

An increasing number of organisations are forming alliances to achieve a stronger foothold in the market, increase knowledge sharing and meet growing consumer demands. The session will highlight critical elements in successfully managing such alliances. A focus of this session will include how organisations can effectively build trust, bridge cultural gaps and maximise on the strengths of each partner. Hear from those who have benefited and learned from building successful partnerships.

Panel speakers: Dr. Ian Thomas (President, Boeing India); Sharon Bamford (Chief Executive, UK-India Business Council); Invited – Ajay Piramal (Chairman, Piramal Healthcare Ltd.)

Tom Peters, among the most influential management gurus of today, will tackle one of the most pressing issues on every CEOs mind – ‘how to win the war for talent?’ Competition for talent is increasingly aggressive and the current shortage of skilled human capital, along with rising labour costs, is forcing companies to revisit their existing efforts in recruiting, training, developing and retaining employees. Success will come to those organisations who can convert this challenge into a competitive advantage.

Keynote speaker: Tom Peters (Author & Management Guru)

A panel of CEOs from highly innovative companies will underline how organisations may identify, nurture and maximise their intellectual capital and talent to meet the growing demand for knowledge-based services.  Previously, innovation had been largely associated with the IT sector but this session will reveal how organisations across different industries are successfully implementing creativity and innovation to drive their business. 

Panel speakers: Raman Roy (Chairman, Quatrro); Kishore Biyani (CEO, Future Group); D. Shivakumar (MD & VP, Nokia India).

Banking and Finance is a sector that is undergoing great advancements, particularly in India. CEOs in the forefront of the financial sector will share their ideas on overcoming critical business challenges such as, a volatile global economy, lack of transparency, and intense competition for market share. These leading organisations will share best practices in the areas of people management, branding and creating customer loyalty – all key drivers for sustainable growth that may be applied to any industry.

Panel speakers: Vineet Vohra (CEO & MD, ING Investment); Invited - Stephan Claassen (Executive Director, Firstrand Banking Group, South Africa).

Inspirational sporting icon Anil Kumble will share his insights on leadership, teamwork and perseverance. Find out what business can learn from the world of sports.

Keynote speaker: Anil Kumble (Former Cricketer & Test Captain).

‘Blasting Indian dance into the 21^st century’ – Featuring India's most extraordinary contemporary dancer and Indian actor, Isha Sharvani, the performance combines Indian martial arts with contemporary dance.

This session will highlight four key decisions necessary to dominate your industry. Ideas that will be discussed include how to discover the right strategy; sense early, move fast, and energize your people; how to make strategy happen and build powerful teams: how leaders and managers can deliver sustainable results;  exploring the new business environment; strategies to successfully navigate transformation and change; and attaining superior performance.

Keynote speaker: Verne Harnish (Author of “Mastering the Rockefeller Habits” and CEO, Gazelles Inc.)

Adi Godrej, one of the most admired business leaders of India, will share his secrets of long term prosperity. With a large number of organisations that collapse sooner than they start, Mr. Godrej’s perspective will focus on how businesses must change with time and learn to adapt their policies and practices to stay competitive.

Keynote speaker: Adi Godrej (Chairman, Godrej Group)

All innovations are triggered by ideas. Some have assumed that there are no scientific ways of generating ideas for new product development, creativity, innovation, design thinking and concept development. Hence, ideas are usually left to the spark of a genius or the intuitive abilities of a select few. Many organisations resort to ‘trial and error’ in the absence of a systematic approach. This workshop will introduce you to the ‘Idea Clock’ - a unique model developed by Pravin Rajpal that will allow you to ‘ideate’ in a systematic yet unconventional method, using scientific principles of creativity and innovation.

Keynote speaker: Pravin Rajpal (Pravin Rajpal CEO – Competitive Edge Management Consultants)

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, an inspirational entrepreneur and pioneer of the biotech industry in India, will speak on the making of an entrepreneur. Through a personal account of her journey to success, Kiran will highlight how she overcame the challenges of setting up a business in a new industry, and how governments and private organisations may foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship for the next generation.

Keynote speaker: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Chairman & Managing Director, Biocon Limited).

Hear from some of the most inspiring and passionate young leaders and entrepreneurs that are making an impact on global business and society at large. Learn about their vision and how they will pave the way forward.

Speakers: Suhas Gopinath (CEO, Globals Inc.); Sachin Pilot (M.P. Dausa, Rajasthan); Abhaey Singh (MD - Informa India); Milind Deora (M.P. South Mumbai); Dharti Desai (Co-founder & CEO, Regency Direct Marketing)

Steve Forbes, a revered business man, politician and economist will speak on the rise of India as a new super power and its future role in the world economy. He will answer keys questions on India’s long term prospects - is the growth sustainable? What are the opportunities for India’s development? How can India maximising on its young population and manpower? How can India encourage more FDI? What steps can be taken to improve India’s current business environment?

Keynote speaker: Steve Forbes (CEO, Forbes, Inc).