Kolkata: Kolkata will host Credai Natcon 2026 from Oct 2 to 4, marking the first time in over a decade that the real estate convention is being held in India instead of an overseas destination.The event, usually hosted in cities such as Singapore, Sydney, Shanghai and Sharm El Sheikh, was originally scheduled to be held in Amsterdam. Credai shifted the venue to India after PM Narendra Modi appealed to citizens and organisations to curb non-essential foreign travel, conserve foreign exchange and boost domestic spending amid geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia.More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the convention, including over 800 developers, along with architects, structural and civil engineers, investors, financial institutions, policymakers and legal experts.Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta said Kolkata was selected because eastern India is on the verge of major growth and transformation. “The convention would bring national attention to Bengal’s regulatory frameworks, local demand and regional investment opportunities, while creating a platform for dialogue between national real estate leaders and state authorities,” he added.A new feature at this edition will be an Innovation Hub focused on PropTech, AI-driven design, construction technology and digital SaaS solutions. Organisers said the initiative would position Kolkata as an important centre for the digital transformation of Indian real estate.Credai national president Shekhar Patel said Natcon 2026 would serve as a platform for thought leadership and strategic dialogue on the future of the sector.Speakers will include Adani Group chief AI officer Mukund Seetharaman, Ambuja Neotia Group chairman Harshvardhan Neotia, Lodha managing director Abhishek Lodha, Anarock chairman Anuj Puri, MVRDV managing director Floris Overheul, AEDAS principal country head Rafael Acosta, Insomniacs co-founder and CEO Govind Rai, Dosti Realty chairman and managing director Deepak Goradia, Sugam managing director Suhel Saraf and Gulshan Group director Yukti Nagpal.Actor Abhishek Bachchan, former India football captain Sunil Chhetri, actor-producer Jim Sarbh and fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee will deliver inspirational talks. Invitees also include UN-Habitat executive director Annaclaudia Rossbach and IAS officer Kuldip Narayan.
