Major business forums in Russia in 2025
India and Russia continue to strengthen their partnership, with trade turnover between the two countries increasing by 15% in the first ten months of 2024. Attending conferences is one way for business entrepreneurs to explore this promising market. Events like these are not just platforms for presenting a company, but also the perfect opportunity to establish valuable business connections. Here’s how to make the most of Russia’s business forums in 2025.
Major events in Russia
Every year, Russia hosts dozens of large-scale business events. For example, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) attracts up to 22,000 attendees, while one of the largest agricultural forums, Golden Autumn, welcomes over 30,000 visitors. These forums bring together representatives of major businesses, public bodies, and industry experts from different economic sectors. They provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen business ties and expand your presence in the Russian market.
Read this article to find out what opportunities the Russian market offers and learn about the key characteristics you may need to take into account.
Strengthening cooperation between Russia and India has been a regular item on the business agenda over the last few years. In 2024, SPIEF dedicated an entire segment of the forum to Russian-Indian relations, bringing an 80-strong Indian delegation to St. Petersburg. The Russia–India session at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) focused on logistics development and collaboration in the banking sector. The programmes for these forums in 2025 are yet to be announced.
The following characteristics are typical of business conferences in Russia:
The way conferences are organised
A conference programme will include plenary sessions, panel discussions, and roundtable events. An exhibition space provides an opportunity to rent a stand and showcase your products. A strong emphasis is placed on networking and informal business meetings, with receptions, coffee breaks, and relaxed gatherings featured in the schedule.
Representatives of Indian companies can take part in the business programme and/or present their products at an exhibition stand. Many conferences also offer content partnerships, providing additional opportunities for promotion and raising brand awareness among event attendees.
Making your participation count
Business forums and conferences worth attending in 2025
18–21 June St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), St. Petersburg
22,000 people from 139 countries
A world-leading platform for discussing global economic issues.
7,000 people from 74 countries
In 2024, a roundtable on Russian-Indian cooperation featured Tribhuvan Darbari, Chairman of the India-Russia Business Council.
5,000 people
Ideal for finding Russian partners in the fields of manufacturing and technology. Offers a platform for showcasing achievements. You can deliver a presentation or organise your own event.
Best for: Robotics, mechanical engineering, metalworking, automation
1,000 visitors, 90 participating countries
International industrial expo. Brings together buyers from around the world.
Best for: advanced technology, B2B partner search, networking.
4,500 participants in the business programme, 500 speakers
Demonstration of the capabilities of Russia's ICT sector (software development, IT services, and electronics). An opportunity to find a partner among Russian IT companies.
Conference on data analytics and AI technology.
Gathering place for owners and top executives of the largest Russian and global IT companies.
171+ million views, 190 countries, 200 speakers
International AI experts come together on a single online platform.
More than 300 participants from 5 countries
Metalworking, welding equipment, lasers, automation. Demonstration stands by Russian companies. Possibility to set up an equipment demonstration stand.
More than 500 participants from 12 countries
Direct contact between manufacturers and suppliers.
Stands, advertising, presentations. Visa support provided.
100 companies from 40 cities in Russia, Belarus, Turkey, and China
Technology and equipment for the metallurgy and foundry industries, as well as finished metal products.
136 organisations, 31,000 visitors, 87 regions of Russia
A platform for showcasing the achievements of the agro-industrial complex and discussing key issues for the sector's development.
6,500 expert visitors
Sponsored by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. A priority project for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
1,100 participants, 22,000 visitors, 28 countries
Wholesale trade, manufacturing, retail, and catering industry. Opportunity to find suppliers. Companies can showcase their products at stands, organise tastings, and participate in plenary sessions.
One of the largest food industry forums in southern Russia.
200 participants from 8 countries, around 8,000 visitors
Demonstration of equipment for forest management and the forestry industry, primary raw material processing, and secondary wood processing.
200 participants from 8 countries, around 8,000 visitors
Opportunities for showcasing equipment and furniture components and fittings, and finding new clients among companies from Russian regions.
275 participants, 12,000 visitors
Children's fashion professionals from more than twenty countries. Sponsored by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade.
200 companies from 8 countries
Meeting point for fabrics and accessories manufacturers and fashion specialists interested in high-quality materials for clothing production.
More than 1,000 participants, 17,000 visitors from 20 countries
Wholesale fair for textiles and light industry goods and equipment. Textiles, knitted fabrics, fabrics, clothing and accessories, home textiles. Stand reservations available.
More than 1,000 participating companies, 17,000 visitors, 250 speakers from different countries
Positions itself as a business contact exchange for negotiations and contract signing between Russian and international participants in the light industry market.
More than 900 participants from 30 countries, 16,000 visitors from 83 regions of Russia
International tourism business platform. Tour operators can use stands to present India as a travel destination. Visa support and consultations available. Visitors include travel agencies, tour operators, and hoteliers.
More than 3,000 visitors
The largest business platform for domestic and inbound tourism. The forum is also the venue for the Hospitality and Restaurant Business 2025 expo.
More than 130 participants
Opportunity to present your services to a wide audience. Networking with senior figures in the Russian tourism industry and high-level colleagues.
185 speakers in the business programme, 583 participants, 30,000 visitors
The largest logistics conference in Russia. Held alongside the special SkladTech warehouse equipment expo.
19,000 visitors, 35 countries, 74 exhibitors
International trade fair for transport, logistics services, warehouse logistics, and development. Opportunity to find partners in Russia’s regions.
Part of the Russia—Islamic World: Kazan Forum. Opportunities include a stand, advertising partnership, and participation in the business programme.
5,000 visitors, 100 participants, 5 countries
International real estate expo. Valuable connections, one-on-one negotiations, and business expansion into new regions.
10,000 visitors, 560 participants, 13 countries
Brings together industry technology leaders interested in selecting equipment, raw materials, and production technologies for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, veterinary medicines, blood products, and cosmetics.
3,200 visitors, 60 participants, 11 countries
Pharmaceuticals and biotech. Covers the entire production chain. Independent venue for dialogue among pharmaceutical industry experts. Buyer programme for finding and organising meetings with target buyers at stands.
More than 100 speakers
Meeting place for top executives of international and Russian pharmaceutical companies, representatives of regulatory authorities, professional associations, scientific organisations, patient communities, and industry experts.