Manav Thadani, Founder & Chairman Hotelivate

HICSA 2023 is a new avatar, the industry is looking forward to with lots of enthusiasm and curiosity. Please share your vision behind the following :

a. A new location: Bangalore – Why did you choose Bangalore? And how was your experience with the city during your planning and execution pre-event? 

It was actually a very democratic process which took place at HICSA 2022 last year. We did a live poll which had three cities as options and the winner was Bangalore. If you recall, the numbers on the screen for the poll were changing even 5 mins before the poll closed but Bangalore did have a landslide victory. 

Experience in this city so far has been magical. Apart from visiting our venues at the Hilton and JW Marriot, we are excited to be hosting our AI-themed conference here, at the innovation and technology capital of India. Besides, the city has so much more to offer – amazing weather, excellent golf-courses, bars and pubs, great hotels and restaurants. 

b. The year’s theme is AI – Artificial Intelligence, Astute Investments, and Aesthetic Interiors. – Why is AI the theme of the year? What should the industry look forward to from this theme? 

AI – Artificial Intelligence, Astute Investments and Aesthetic Interiors are the three main pillars on which future development will depend. Whether we are looking at expansion, acquisition or mergers, AI – all three pillars – is all set to lead the way. We at Hotelivate do believe in keeping up with the changing times and listening to the feedback that we get at the end of every HICSA, like I mentioned earlier. A lot of positive feedback was received for the sessions talking about Artificial Intelligence and that is when we thought that this was something that needs the importance it deserves.

c. Unique concept: Golf Tournament – Why was a Golf hotel and Tournament chosen by you? How do you think that would be an added experience for the industry patrons attending the event?

We do believe that you get more done when you’re having fun and the relationships built over a round of golf, undoubtedly have a significant impact. Also, we have come to understand that delegates like the idea of having some more time for networking opportunities. We are so thrilled to have received an amazing response in terms of registrations and signups and are so excited to see how it all unfolds. I play golf and honestly that’s probably the only thing that I’d wake up for happily at 5am! I am sure all my golfing buddies out there feel the same. 

HICSA sets a benchmark so high that HICSA can only raise it. With the past year, please share a statement for our Reader on what to expect from HICSA 2023. 

We are excited that HICSA 2023 is not going to be just another conference. It will be an experience! There is an exciting and engaging Agenda in place which covers a range of topics from Metaverse Implications in the Hospitality and Travel Industry, Google Trends for Hospitality, to Enhancing Guest Experiences, Increasing Incremental Revenues, Future of Financing in terms of Profitability, Real Estate and Asset Management, Architecture and Master Planning and so many more! 

We have introduced four exciting new experiences for HICSA delegates to enjoy. We have spoken already spoke about the HICSA Golf Round and lunch. Apart from that, there will be the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa Tour. The Owners Only Meet will happen as an exclusive pre-event and Hotelivate’s Bengaluru Bar Hop as a post event. The idea of the conference is to bring together like-minded people and also offering structured as well as informal events which can provide access to experts and provide an opportunity to connect. 

Can you please share about your dream project INJA?

The pursuit (and completion!) of a dream project can be quite a journey. INJA fulfils my personal and professional aspirations. I would love to call myself a connoisseur when it comes to food and beverage, and this was something I was deeply passionate about and motivated to see completed. INdian and JApanese food being created to be in perfect harmony has been delightful to watch (and eat!). This is The Atelier House Hospitality’s first international project outside the GCC, and it could be the first step in terms of bringing F&B to another level in the country. 

As a hospitality consultant, there are times that you need to work on a mandate, within boundaries. INJA has been completely opposite of that! Its been an outlet for my creative expression and experimentation. The sense of achievement and satisfaction, when you follow your heart, is honestly immeasurable. 

RAPID FIRE 

● Who is Manav Thanadi in the Hotel Industry in one line? 

Someone you can aways rely on for calling a spade a spade.  

● If a biography to be written or a biopic to be made on Mr Manav Thadani? What would be the title? 

Manav’ Thadani: The Unfiltered Truth  

● The most unexpected thing at HICSA 2022? 

It’s actually quite unbelievable that the theme was this year was decided on Day 2 of HICSA. We knew what we wanted to do, and we made it happen. 

● One word for HICSA 2023?

Unprecedented 

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