Cincinnati, OH – October 17, 2026: When autumn settles over Cincinnati, the city often takes on a quiet elegance—crisp air, warm lights, and a hum of anticipation. But this October, that hum grows louder. The Indo-American Press Club’s 11th Annual International Media Conference (IMC 2026), held from October 16 to 18, 2026, arrived at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Cincinnati Sharonville, transforming the Queen City into a crossroads of global journalism, diplomacy, and diaspora leadership.
The IMC was officially inaugurated with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Neeraj Antani, former Ohio Assemblyman; Dr. Sathees Kathula, Chairman of the IAPC Board of Directors; Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chairman of IAPC; Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of IAPC; and board members Babu Stephen, Parveen Chopra, C. G. Daniel, Shan Justus, Meera Shankar, and Sajan Varghese.
The hotel’s corridors echoed with conversations that stretched across continents—journalists comparing notes on emerging media trends, diplomats discussing global narratives, authors sharing stories of identity, and community leaders reflecting on the evolving role of diaspora voices in shaping public discourse.
IMC has always been more than a conference. It is a meeting of minds, a celebration of excellence, and a reminder that journalism—despite its challenges—remains one of society’s most powerful instruments of truth.
In his address, Dr. Kathula said, “IMC 2026 reflects our commitment to bringing together journalists, thought leaders, and community builders from across continents to foster meaningful dialogue, professional collaboration, and responsible journalism in an era of unprecedented media transformation.”
Assemblyman Antani, in his keynote address, reflected on the transformative power of Indian American media, recalling how coverage of his 2014 election connected communities across continents. He honored Gopal Raju’s legacy and emphasized the diaspora’s growing national influence. Citing a recent threat to a Hindu temple, he urged journalists to pursue deeper, sustained reporting beyond cultural events. “You have the power to move public opinion—and to move those of us in public office. That is a special responsibility you carry,” he said.
Highlighting the growing influence of Indian Americans, Babu Stephen, former Chairman of IAPC, drew the attention of the IMC delegates to vital sectors such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality, academia, and Fortune 500 companies. Stephen called upon the Indian American community to stand united, integrate, and become part of the broader mainstream US community.
The multitalented Meera Nair, a celebrated actress and media personality, transported the audience to “God’s Own Country” with a breathtaking performance titled “Karu Kare Karmukil.” In her own words, “Kerala is a very beautiful land, and we are blessed with a lot of water. We have the ocean, we have 44 rivers, we have the rains. Karu Kare Karmukil, which literally means the dark rain clouds, is a tribute to life, to the life-giving force of water and the rains. It is a celebration of the life-giving force of water. It is a celebration of rains, and you will see peacocks dancing, flowers blooming, and people awakening to life.”
Meera Nair shared that she trained under the legendary Padma Bhushan awardee Kavalam Narayana Panicker and that her performance, “Karu Kare Karmukil,” was choreographed by Uma Tapasyananda.
A Gathering of Global Influence
This year’s conference brings together an impressive constellation of leaders, including Greg Landsman, US Congressman; Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati; Neeraj Antani, former Ohio Assemblyman; Mathew Samuel, internationally acclaimed investigative journalist; Meera Nair, celebrated actress and media personality; and Niharika Raizada, acclaimed Bollywood actress.
They join a diverse cohort of journalists, editors, publishers, and media innovators from North America, India, Europe, and the Middle East, reflecting IMC’s growing reputation as a global media forum.
Panels explored the future of journalism in an era defined by artificial intelligence, rapid digital transformation, and shifting public trust. Workshops will delve into ethical reporting, diaspora storytelling, and the evolving responsibilities of media professionals navigating polarized societies.
The Awards Gala: Honoring Excellence Across Continents
If the conference is the heart of IMC, the IAPC Awards Gala is its soul. Held on the evening of October 16, the inaugural gala celebrated individuals whose contributions transcend professions and touch communities.
Muthu Mudaliar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Women’s Empowerment and Literary Excellence Award was bestowed upon Dr. Sunita Reddy, while the Community Service Award was presented to Pramod Jhaveri.
Each name represents a story of perseverance, service, and the quiet determination to uplift others. Their achievements form the backbone of diaspora excellence, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose.
As delegates gathered in Cincinnati, Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chairman of IAPC, framed the conference’s mission with clarity and conviction.
“IMC 2026 reflects our commitment to bringing together journalists, thought leaders, and community builders from across continents to foster meaningful dialogue, professional collaboration, and responsible journalism in an era of unprecedented media transformation.”
His words echo the spirit of IMC: a platform where ideas meet action.
Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of IAPC, added a powerful reminder of the significance of honoring those who shape society. “Our awardees represent the very best of leadership, service, innovation, and community engagement. Their achievements inspire future generations and demonstrate the positive impact that dedicated individuals can make across society.”
Together, their perspectives underscore the conference’s dual purpose: celebrating excellence while charting the future of global media.
Ginsmon administered the oath of office to new members of IAPC. The event was eloquently emceed by Azad Jain, Uma Shankar, and Miley Philip. Shan Justus coordinated the stage and audiovisual arrangements, while Yogi Patel delighted the audience with a beautiful flute recital.
The Media Conclave on AI and the Future of Journalism was moderated by Meera Shankar. The panelists included Dr. Sathees Kathula, Muthu Mudaliar, Vinod Tharakan, Roy Ratnavel, Parveen Chopra, and Ajay Ghosh.
History of Modern Malayalam Literature in America, a book written in Malayalam by George Mannickarottu and translated into English by Ginsmon, was officially released. Ginsmon presented the first copy to Babu Stephen and Dr. Kathula.
A Weekend That Shapes Narratives
As the lights dim for the Awards Gala and conversations spill into late-night lounges, IMC 2026 becomes more than an event. It becomes a narrative of diaspora strength, journalistic integrity, and the enduring belief that stories can change the world. For one weekend, Cincinnati becomes a meeting point for voices, ideas, and perspectives from across the globe.
For more details, please visit www.indoamericanpressclub.com.
