Mantra for sucess: Innovate
Corporate retreats and conferences will become more and more unique as a result of rising expectations, says Mahesh Shirodkar, Managing Director, Tamarind Global.
Which places in India are popular for MICE among the Indian companies?
We have expertise in developing new itineraries, destinations and experiences that cater to all sizes and types of MICE requirements. Based on our experience, popular MICE destinations in India continue to be the metro cities, largely because of venues, hotels and infrastructure. However, leisure destinations like Kochi and Goa too remain on the MICE map, along with Jaipur, Agra, Pune and Bengaluru. Delhi NCR has developed infrastructure in a big way with Manesar, Moradabad and the Delhi-Jaipur highway throwing up viable options. Bhubaneshwar in Orissa boasts a hotel that can accommodate a large group, and has the added attraction of its heritage temples.
What are some of the offbeat destinations that Tamarind has worked with?
We have organised corporate events in a variety of international destinations that are gaining popularity among Indian companies. One of
them is Bhutan with its lovely venues that enable conferences against stunning views and a rich and beautiful culture to incorporate in entertainment, food and sites to see. Another place that is perfect for a company retreat is Moscow.
Are there any new destinations that show potential?
Baku in Azerbaijan is a unique and exotic destination, where Tamarind has successfully executed a large conference. Baku is the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan and is a low lying city with coastline along the Caspian Sea. In recent years, it has become an important venue for international events. It has great weather, solid infrastructure, beautiful venues and some top class hotels that make Baku a great destination to consider for MICE. Other MICE-friendly destinations that Tamarind has organised include Tokyo and Cambodia.
What are some of the time-tested destinations that continue to be on top of the list for MICE? Macau is one of the fastest-emerging sector in recent years. It has easy accessibility, great hotels and amazing nightlife. Shanghai also remains one of the top places to hold a conference for clients. It offers some exciting event venues. As an economic hub, Shanghai provides a solid infrastructure for planning and executing an event. Tamarind has held conferences for over 900 people in this stunning city. With a variety of top-end hotels to host the guests, Shanghai also offers swift logistic solutions with respect to technology, stay and travel.
Baku in Azerbaijan has become an important venue for international events
Can you share some of the trends you see emerge in 2017?
Corporate retreats, conferences and off-sites are becoming more and more unique. Employees, partners, vendors and members of organisations are now better travelled and less easily impressed and gratified. With expectations rising, corporates are now always on the lookout for unique, never-done-before and memorable experiences for their people. Whether it is a niche HNI network or employee outbound, companies now spend time looking for new experiences to delight their attendees.
Especially for the niche groups and high-end clientele, the trend is to go for a completely fresh and unchartered destination, where there is an inherent rich culture and history that can be inculcated into the conference.