Breaking the CONVENTION
Santanu Guha Roy, General Manager, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, on breaking the norms
Kindly elaborate on the meeting space allotted in your hotel for events?
We have closed conferencing area of 5,000 sq.ft and open venues which are close to 25,000 sq.ft. In addition, we also have smaller halls which can serve as breakaways for groups which need to do a brain storming session. All public areas, the indoors in particular are WiFi enabled. We also have AV equipment to cater to the needs of corporates. Availability of multiple halls enables us to host more than one conference at a time, which is really beneficial.
What are the special technical arrangements in your exhibition and meeting spaces that mark your USP?
More than an exhibition, we are geared more towards meetings. Technical arrangements vary by a little margin across hotels, as there is that much that one needs, from a technology perspective, to cater to a conference requirement. We are a resort destination and our guests come to us for an “experience”. What really differentiates us, is our unique concepts like Experience Meetings, where the set up is more informal, bar stools, bean bags, games and the food which is designed to keep participants alert all through the deliberations. The availability of open space in and around the conference area is an added advantage. If groups want to do a closed door, intense meeting / deliberate session, then we are the place to be.
Kindly enlighten on the specialised menus and its specifications during an event?
It depends on the nature of the event and customistion is the name of the game today. Our specialities are Indian, Continental, Oriental and Medditeranean cuisines, besides the local favourites from the Konkan Region.
How do you engage your audience during the events? How crucial is the role of an emcee? Mostly our guests bring their own Emcee. Our core area is hospitality.
What are the special offerings that you give to your MICE clients for the events in your hotel?
As has been mentioned before, it all depends on what the client wants. Some of them want to be pampered and for these guests, we can do a special welcome with say dhol or lezim dance which is essentially Maharashtrian. For those who prefer a formal arrangement, we keep the arrangements as formal as the guest wants.
Availability of multiple halls enables us to host more than one conference at a time, which is really beneficial