The Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) is set to host its 59th Annual Convention, INDIAPEST 2026, from 20th to 22nd August 2026 at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Built around the values of Safety and Dignity, this year’s convention will bring together professionals, experts, researchers and industry leaders for three days of knowledge sharing, meaningful discussions and business networking.
INDIAPEST has long served as an important platform for the pest management industry in India. The 2026 edition continues this tradition with a strong line-up of speakers representing diverse fields, including leadership, medical entomology, vector-borne disease research, cybersecurity, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.
A Distinguished Line-Up of Speakers
The convention will feature Cyrus M. Gonda, Joint Managing Director at Brainus Trust, India. A renowned corporate trainer and MENSA life member, he brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership development. His work has helped Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and institutions improve performance and strengthen leadership capabilities.
Joining him is Dr. A. N. Shriram, Senior Scientist and Head of the Division of Vector Biology and Control at ICMR-VCRC. With over 30 years of experience in medical entomology and vector biology, his expertise includes malaria control research and other critical areas of public health.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, will also address the convention. A renowned medical entomologist and former Director of the ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, he brings more than three decades of leadership and research experience in vector-borne disease elimination.
Insights Beyond Pest Management
INDIAPEST 2026 will also explore subjects that are increasingly relevant to modern businesses and organisations.
Yogesh Thanage, Chief Executive Officer of Shellstrong, will bring insights from the field of cybersecurity. With more than seven years of experience in data security, privacy, cybercrime investigation, digital forensics and cyber law, his session will offer valuable perspectives for organisations operating in an increasingly digital environment.
The convention will also feature Dr. Ram Swaroop Bana, an accomplished agricultural researcher specialising in sustainable cropping systems, conservation agriculture, soil health, water management and climate-resilient farming practices. His research focuses on improving productivity while promoting greater resource efficiency.
Adding a global agribusiness perspective is Dr. Dinesh Kumar Chauhan, Global Theme Leader for Agribusiness, Innovations and Nutrition. With more than 22 years of experience in AgTech, business development, international partnerships and Good Agricultural Practices, he brings extensive knowledge of innovation and sustainable growth across the agricultural sector.
More Than a Convention
INDIAPEST 2026 is designed to offer much more than speaker sessions. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in knowledge sessions, explore industry insights, build valuable business connections and discover innovative solutions relevant to the future of pest management.
For pest management professionals, researchers, business owners and industry stakeholders, the convention offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experts while connecting with peers from across the sector. The diverse speaker line-up reflects the changing needs of the industry, where scientific knowledge, technology, sustainability, leadership and business strategy increasingly work together.
As IPCA celebrates 59 years of contribution to the industry, INDIAPEST 2026 marks another important milestone in its journey. From 20th to 22nd August 2026, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai will become a meeting point for ideas, expertise and new possibilities.
INDIAPEST 2026 invites the industry to come together, exchange knowledge and move towards a safer, more innovative and more connected future.
