Two days of academic excellence, innovation, inspiration and camaraderie
24–25 October 2026 | Aurika hotel Mumbai.
MASCON 2026, organised as part of the World Anaesthesia Day celebrations, was one of the most remarkable anaesthesia conferences hosted in Mumbai in recent years. Held on 24th and 25th October 2026 at the prestigious Aurika Hotel, Mumbai. the conference brought together the anaesthesia fraternity for two extraordinary days of academic enrichment, professional exchange, inspiration and entertainment.
With approximately 500 delegates, 70 faculty members, including 15 national faculty members, and participation from 36 industry partners, MASCON 2026 emerged as a spectacular celebration of the speciality.
The conference was organised under the leadership of its Chief Conference Organisers, Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Vijay Shetty, along with a dedicated team of corporate organisers and members of the anaesthesia fraternity.
An Academic Extravaganza
The academic programme was designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
The two-day conference featured:
• Two days of intensive and interactive CMEs.
• 16 specialised masterclasses.
• Two parallel lecture halls running simultaneously.
• An impressive faculty panel comprising national and local experts.
• An exhibition featuring 36 companies showcasing the latest products, technologies and innovations in anaesthesia.
The academic sessions covered contemporary developments, practical challenges and evolving techniques in anaesthesia practice. The emphasis throughout was on clinically relevant knowledge, practical learning and meaningful interaction between faculty and delegates.
Special attention was given to ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience for all participants, including excellent hospitality and exclusive food arrangements throughout the conference.
Special Academic Contribution – Airway Management
As Chief Conference Organiser, I was also privileged to contribute academically by conceptualising and conducting specialised sessions on airway management.
My first presentation was titled:
“Fiberoptic Intubation in Private Practice – My Way”
In this session, I shared my practical experience with fiberoptic intubation in private practice, highlighting real-world challenges, decision-making, techniques and lessons learned from clinical experience.
This was followed by an engaging panel discussion on difficult intubation scenarios, featuring an eminent panel comprising:
• Dr. Shila Mehra
• Dr. Apeksha Patwa
• Dr. Kala Ishwaran
• Dr. Amla kudalkar
The discussion focused on challenging airway situations, clinical judgement and practical strategies for managing difficult airways.
“What Will Kalpesh Do?” – Learning Through Real-Life Experiences
One of the most memorable highlights of MASCON 2026 was a unique and interactive session titled:
“What Will Kalpesh Do?”
Conducted on Sunday, this session combined academic learning, audience participation, clinical storytelling and a touch of theatre.
I presented some of the extremely challenging cases encountered during my anaesthesia practice, discussing the circumstances, critical decisions, management strategies and lessons learnt.
To make the discussions more realistic, I even enacted the role of a patient on stage, recreating the clinical situation and allowing delegates to experience the challenges from a different perspective.
The audience was actively involved in discussing possible approaches, making decisions and exploring alternative management strategies.
This session was supported by an outstanding team of colleagues:
• Dr. Sonali Saraf
• Dr. Jitu Bapat
• Dr. Amla Kudalkar
• Dr. Shailesh Mulgaokar
Together, we presented insightful, practical and thought-provoking clinical scenarios, particularly focusing on cases where things did not go as planned, what could have been done differently and how similar situations could be managed better in the future.
The response from the delegates was overwhelming. The session generated tremendous enthusiasm, and several participants requested that it be extended beyond its scheduled one-hour duration.
It was particularly gratifying to see how an unconventional approach to academic teaching, combining real-life experiences, audience interaction and entertainment, could create such a powerful learning experience.
This was undoubtedly one of the most appreciated and talked-about sessions of MASCON 2026.
An Evening of Inspiration Beyond Anaesthesia
MASCON 2026 was not just about academic excellence. We also wanted to celebrate the human spirit, resilience, compassion and commitment to society.
The evening entertainment programme featured a series of inspiring motivational talks before the musical entertainment and DJ programme.
Three exceptional personalities shared their remarkable journeys.
Mr. Tushar Joshi – A Story of Courage and Leadership
Mr. Tushar Joshi, who was associated with the operational response to the 2002 Akshardham Temple terrorist attack, shared his extraordinary experiences and insights into leadership, courage, crisis management and decision-making under extreme pressure.
His address was deeply inspiring and offered valuable lessons extending far beyond professional boundaries.
Dr. Sathe – Anaesthesia with a Purpose
An anaesthesiologist with an extraordinary commitment to social responsibility, Dr. Sathe shared his work towards educating underprivileged children.
His journey demonstrated how medical professionals can contribute meaningfully to society beyond their clinical responsibilities.
Maitri – The Power of Resilience
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the address by Maitri, a patient who has overcome significant personal health challenges and is wheelchair-bound.
Despite her difficulties, she has established an NGO dedicated to helping others facing challenging circumstances.
Her story of determination, positivity and service to humanity was a powerful reminder that physical limitations need not limit one’s ability to make a difference.
The evening continued with Bollywood-themed quiz activities, entertainment, music and a lively DJ programme, creating wonderful memories and strengthening bonds within the anaesthesia community.
A Celebration of Teamwork and Excellence
The success of MASCON 2026 was the result of extraordinary teamwork, meticulous planning and the collective efforts of the organising committee, faculty members, delegates, industry partners and support staff.
From the academic content and masterclasses to the exhibition, hospitality and entertainment, every aspect was designed to provide an exceptional experience.
The conference successfully brought together education, innovation, inspiration and friendship under one roof.
A Personal Note
Being associated with MASCON 2026 as one of its Chief Conference Organisers was a deeply satisfying experience.
While organising a conference of this magnitude was a tremendous responsibility, I was equally fortunate to participate as a faculty member and contribute to the academic programme.
The opportunity to share my clinical experiences, discuss challenging airway situations and conduct the interactive session “What Will Kalpesh Do?” made the experience particularly memorable.
The appreciation received from delegates, especially for the interactive clinical session, was extremely encouraging.
My sincere gratitude to Dr. Vijay Shetty, the entire organising team, all faculty members, our industry partners and every delegate who contributed to making this event such a grand success.
MASCON 2026 was much more than a conference. It was a celebration of our speciality, our collective knowledge, our friendships and our commitment to better patient care.
It will certainly remain one of the most memorable milestones in the recent history of the Mumbai anaesthesia fraternity.
A conference created through teamwork. Enriched by knowledge. Inspired by humanity. Remembered for its spirit!
