M.Q. Syed

M. Q. Syed, a first-generation serial entrepreneur with over 27 years of expertise in Conventions & Fairs, Media, Hospitality, FMCG, and Healthcare, is the founder of Exhicon Group of Companies and TradeFairTimes (India and Arabia editions). Exhicon is now India’s First 360 Degree Event & Exhibition Company listed on the Stock Exchange. He co-founded the Worldwide Exhibitions Agency Asia Limited, the world’s largest exhibition space-selling agency, the Imamia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Council of Indian Exhibition Organizers. He served as Chair at the UNCTAD India Empretec Program and as Founding Director at the Imamia Chamber of Commerce. Syed has judged prominent startup initiatives like ABP News Hausle Ki Udaan and Startup Kokan. He has received international accolades, including the 13th Edition of Top 500 Brands in Asia 2018 and the International MICE Promotion Award from the Government of Thailand, alongside numerous national awards like the ET Power of Ideas Award, SME of the Year Award, and Hunar Ratna Award. Exhicon Group, established in 1997 with a modest capital of ₹2,300, has evolved into a multinational leader in the MICE industry, with ventures spanning private charters, tourism, hospitality, media, FMCG, and renewable energy. Key ventures include Messe Global Pune Laxmi Lawns, Hotel Al-FresCo, Blue Sky Lounge, and Salam-e-Hind basmati rice.