By Mewati Sitaram
The Hospitality Procurement Managers Forum (HPMF) Convention, held from September 26 to 29 in Lucknow-Ayodhya Dham, has added a remarkable chapter to the organization’s history. With meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and seamless execution, the HPMF team received well-deserved recognition for their efforts.
The HPMF Convention offered valuable opportunities for professional growth while introducing several key initiatives that showcase the organization’s commitment to progress and social responsibility. Highlights included the launch of the “100 Milestones in 1000 Days” initiative, the HPMF Gurukul program, plans for an advanced tech platform, and an expansion strategy to establish international chapters and partnerships with government and industry leaders. HPMF’s focus on sustainability, green technology, gender equity, and social causes further underscores its identity as a rapidly growing, purpose-driven organization.
More than 525 delegates, partners, media representatives, and industry leaders attended the event. The convention fostered a profound sense of belonging and accomplishment.
A highlight of the convention was the inspiring speeches delivered by Chief Guest Mr. Surendra Jaiswal, President of HRANI and the UP Hotel & Restaurant Association, who emphasized resilience, innovation, and sustainability as pivotal for the future of hospitality. Guest of Honour Mr. Gaurav Prakash, a prominent entrepreneur and hotelier, shared insightful perspectives on India’s evolving hospitality landscape, emphasizing strategic partnerships and technological progress.
The support of the Tourism Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh was crucial to the event’s success, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in promoting the state as a hospitality and tourism hub.
Attendees also enjoyed a spiritual journey to the Shri Ram Lalla Temple and cultural festivities at Ram Katha Park, featuring a captivating laser show. Traditional attire, local music, dance, qawwali performances, and an array of authentic regional cuisines enriched the cultural experience. The event showcased GI-certified local arts and crafts, promoting the state’s rich artistic heritage.
In addition to its cultural and spiritual elements, the convention yielded significant business outcomes, with over a hundred deals and several MoUs signed during B2B meetings valued at approximately 1,200 crores. The event’s impact and value exceeded expectations, achieving results comparable to government-run events at a fraction of the cost.
Motivational talks, industry discussions, and presentations by leading figures in the sector offered invaluable insights. The meticulously curated exhibitions highlighted the latest products, services, and technologies in the hospitality industry, enhancing the knowledge base of the HORECA sector.
A standout moment was the HPMF Procurement Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements through a rigorous selection process. Notable honors included the Thakur Giriraj Singh Ji Lotwara Memorial Award (awarded to Padmashree Dr. Rajnikant) and the HPMF Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded to Mr. N. Srinivasan), with a special focus on Women Achievers of India.
Dr. Nitin Nagrale, the visionary leader behind HPMF, received widespread acclaim for his leadership. As one attendee remarked, “I’ve had a successful career, yet there is so much to learn from Nitin and his exceptional team.”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
