In an industry often defined by its relentless pace and pursuit of excellence, empathy has taken centre stage. The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) — one of India’s most respected industry associations — has announced that its Annual Convention and Awards will now be held from January 15–18, 2026, at Hotel Radisson Blu, Amritsar.
The decision comes in the wake of the devastating floods that have affected Punjab and several other parts of India, impacting thousands of families, communities, and businesses — including many within the hospitality sector itself.
For HPMF, the rescheduling is not merely logistical — it’s symbolic. It reflects the forum’s values of care, responsibility, and collective strength, and its willingness to pause and realign in solidarity with those affected.
The decision follows extensive consultations with sponsors, partners, and stakeholders in view of the unprecedented floods that have affected Punjab and other parts of our country, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and business operations across India.
“As an industry body built on solidarity and care, we felt it essential to adapt thoughtfully to the circumstances impacting our fraternity,” added Dr. Nagrale. “Rescheduling the convention will allow us to ensure stronger sponsorship participation, wider delegate engagement, and provide an opportunity to integrate meaningful support initiatives for the affected regions.”
The extended timeline will enable HPMF and its partners to:
1. Rebuild a robust and sustainable sponsorship base.
2. Facilitate broader delegate participation from across India and overseas.
3. Align the event with initiatives supporting recovery efforts in flood-affected areas, especially Punjab.
In addition, HPMF has undertaken an initiative to support Punjab and other affected regions through several achievable measures, aimed at contributing to community recovery and sustainable rebuilding efforts in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.
Mr. Basil Massey, Convenor of the HPMF Convention, shared, “Our priority at this moment is compassion and collective strength. The additional time gives us an opportunity to plan more effectively, include more voices, and ensure that the convention reflects the true spirit of unity and progress that defines HPMF.”
Mr. Mohan Deshpande, Chairman – HPMF, stated, “HPMF has always stood for resilience and collaboration. By rescheduling, we reaffirm our commitment to our members, sponsors, and partners while extending our solidarity to those impacted by the floods. The 2026 convention will be a celebration of recovery, renewal, and fraternity.”
Dr. Nagrale emphasized, “The spirit of our fraternity remains unshaken. This thoughtful pause will help us return with renewed purpose, deeper connections, and greater impact when we convene in January 2026.”
HPMF extends heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, members, and well-wishers for their continued trust and partnership, and looks forward to welcoming everyone to a stronger, more meaningful convention in Amritsar this January 2026.
The HPMF convention — known for bringing together procurement leaders, hoteliers, and suppliers from across India and overseas — was originally scheduled for late 2025. However, following extensive consultations with sponsors, partners, and regional chapters, the leadership team opted to reschedule in light of the floods’ impact on lives and livelihoods.
“As an industry body built on solidarity and care, we felt it essential to adapt thoughtfully to the circumstances impacting our fraternity,” Dr. Nagrale added. “Rescheduling allows us to ensure stronger sponsorship participation, wider delegate engagement, and the integration of meaningful support initiatives for affected regions.”
This strategic move provides HPMF with a broader window to rebuild sponsorship commitments, strengthen logistical planning, and align the convention with community recovery initiatives in flood-hit areas, particularly across Punjab.
Founded on collaboration, HPMF has always positioned itself as more than a professional forum — it’s a collective movement of hospitality professionals united by shared purpose. In the aftermath of the floods, that purpose has become even more relevant.
Mr. Basil Massey, Convenor of the HPMF Convention, described the rescheduling as an act of compassion and prudence: “Our priority at this moment is compassion and collective strength. The additional time gives us an opportunity to plan more effectively, include more voices, and ensure that the convention reflects the true spirit of unity and progress that defines HPMF.”
The new timeline will help the forum:
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Rebuild a robust and sustainable sponsorship base.
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Facilitate broader delegate participation from India and overseas.
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Align the event with social and community outreach efforts in flood-affected regions.
Over the years, the HPMF Annual Convention has grown into a flagship event that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and excellence in hospitality procurement. The 2026 edition, themed around “Recovery, Renewal, and Resilience,” is expected to carry deeper emotional resonance.
Mr. Mohan Deshpande, Chairman of HPMF, emphasized that this decision embodies the forum’s core values: “HPMF has always stood for resilience and collaboration. By rescheduling, we reaffirm our commitment to our members, sponsors, and partners while extending our solidarity to those impacted by the floods. The 2026 convention will be a celebration of recovery, renewal, and fraternity.”
In addition to its industry agenda, HPMF is also exploring collaborative initiatives to aid flood-affected communities — including local procurement drives, community rebuilding partnerships, and long-term sustainability projects in collaboration with regional authorities and NGOs.
The convention’s new host venue, Hotel Radisson Blu Amritsar, will serve as both a meeting ground and a symbol — a place where the industry comes together not just to network and celebrate but to reaffirm its shared responsibility toward people and the planet.
“The spirit of our fraternity remains unshaken,” said Dr. Nagrale. “This thoughtful pause will help us return with renewed purpose, deeper connections, and greater impact when we convene in January 2026.”
As India’s hospitality sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, HPMF’s gesture stands as a timely reminder: leadership isn’t just about growth and performance — it’s also about pausing with purpose when humanity demands it.
