Page 5 - HBiz_October_2024

EVENT ROUND UP
HOSPITALITY BIZ OCTOBER, 2024 5
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After a gap of four years,
stepping back into
organizing the HPMF
Convention and Awards
felt like an enormous task,
especially in a post-COVID
world where uncertainty
and a general lack of
confidence loomed over
everyone. It wasn’t just
belonging and achievement. Attendees praised the holistic nature of the Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale about restarting an event
event, which fostered connections and enriched professional discussions Founder and Secretary General — it was about reigniting
in a congenial, development-oriented yet comfortable and enjoyable the spark of community
atmosphere. and collaboration that had dimmed during the long
One of the highlights of the event was the brilliant speech delivered pause.
by Chief Guest Surendra Jaiswal, President of HRANI and the UP Hotel One of the biggest hurdles was generating sponsorship.
& Restaurant Association. His keynote address emphasized resilience, The time it took to gain the trust and support of
innovation, and sustainability as crucial elements for driving the stakeholders was significant, and there were moments
future of the hospitality sector. The Guest of Honour, Gaurav Prakash, where it felt like the uphill battle would never end. The
renowned entrepreneur and hotelier, shared visionary insights into venue itself presented its own set of challenges, being
the evolving landscape of hospitality in India, with a focus on strategic far from easy to manage. Coupled with the multitude
partnerships and technological advancements. of approvals required in Uttar Pradesh, the logistical
The support of the Tourism Department, Government of Uttar hurdles seemed never-ending.
Pradesh was instrumental in making the event a grand success. Their As if that wasn’t enough, rains on all 3 days of the
commitment to promoting Uttar Pradesh as a tourism and hospitality event and the inevitable last-minute changes in plans
hub was acknowledged as a key element that elevated the convention’s added more layers of stress. At times, it felt like the
significance, reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration universe was testing every aspect of our preparation and
for growth. resilience.
The spiritual journey to the holy Shri Ram Lalla Temple and the Yet, against all odds, the event was a success. Every
cultural festivities at Ram Katha Park, which included a unique laser challenge we faced made that final victory even sweeter.
show, immersed attendees in the rich spiritual heritage of Uttar Pradesh. In the end, it wasn’t just about hosting an event — it
Traditional dress codes, local music, dance, qawwali performances, and was about proving that even in the face of adversity, with
a vast spread of authentic regional cuisines added to the vibrant cultural persistence and teamwork, we can achieve remarkable
experience. The inclusion of GI-certified local arts and crafts with things.
artisans in attendance further promoted the state’s ancient art and crafts
legacy. The successful outcome is a testament to the power of
In addition to the cultural and spiritual dimensions, the convention determination, and I feel immensely proud of what we
achieved significant business outcomes, with more than a hundred deals have accomplished together.
and several MoUs signed during the B2B meetings valued at about 1200
crores. The value and impact of the event far exceeded expectations,
delivering outcomes comparable to government-run events at a fraction learn from Nitin and his remarkable team.”
of the cost. Officials of the Government of Uttar Pradesh conveyed The HPMF Convention has once again demonstrated the power
accolades to Team HPMF for a visionary, impactful event. of collaboration, vision, and execution, setting a new benchmark
Motivational talks, industry discussions, and presentations by top for industry events and earning real accolades for its substantial
industry leaders and government officials provided invaluable insights. achievements. n
The exhibitions were meticulously curated, showcasing the latest
products, services, and new technologies for the hospitality sector,
further elevating the HORECA industry’s knowledge base.
One of the standout moments of the convention was the HPMF
Procurement Excellence Awards, which recognized excellence through a
rigorous and merit-based selection process. Notable honors included the
Thakur Giriraj Singh Ji Lotwara Memorial Award (winner Padmashree
Dr Rajnikant), and the HPMF Lifetime Achievement Award (winner N
Srinivasan) with this year’s focus on Women Achievers of India.
Dr. Nitin Nagrale, the driving force behind HPMF, received
widespread praise for his leadership and vision. As one participant
remarked, “I have been a lifelong achiever, yet there is so much more to

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