IHA-2024: A milestone in hospitality excellence

One of the most anticipated events in the hospitality industry, The BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards (IHA-2024), is all set to take place on October 21 and 22, 2024, at the prestigious Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. Bringing together top 
industry leaders, the brightest minds and most experienced professionals from Indian hospitality, travel, tourism, and F&B sectors under one roof. It offers a platform for industry leaders to network, share insights, and explore the future of hospitality in India, with insightful discussions, awards, and networking opportunities that make it the highlight of the year.

Building on its legacy since it started in 2016, IHA has consistently been a great success, helping the Indian hospitality industry claim its rightful place on the global stage. This time, the 2024 edition promises to be no different, featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions led by nearly more than 100 leading experts. These sessions will dive deep into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the industry, offering participants a chance to gain valuable insights and contribute to shaping its future.

In 2020, IHA made history by going virtual, hosting over 200 speakers and presenting 100 awards. This event had set a high standard, and now IHA-2024 is all set to take it even further, offering two days of inspiration, celebration, and opportunities for the Indian hospitality industry.

Thought leaders and visionaries take the stage
Here are just some of the eminent speakers, on the first day, at this year’s BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards include:
• Dr Dipak C Jain, Former Dean at Kelloggs School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA, and currently Co-Chair of Academic Council of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
• Dimitris Manikis, President – EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
• KB Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group
• Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International
• Nihat Ercan, CEO, Asia Pacific, Hotels & Hospitality, JLL
• Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels
• HE Maharaj Kumar Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur
• Jaideep Dang, MD, Hotels and Hospitality Group, JLL
• Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts
• Ranju Alex, Area Vice President - South Asia, Marriott International
• Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels
• Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
• Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group
• Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President & Country Head, Hilton-India
• Sudeep Jain, MD – SW Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Sunjae Sharma, MD – India & SW Asia, Hyatt
• Nikhil Sharma, MD & Area VP – SA, Radisson Hotel Group
• Samir MC, MD, Fortune Park Hotels
• JB Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels
• Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited
• Aman Kapoor, CEO - Airport Land Development, GMR Airports Holding Limited
• Pramod Ranjan, CEO, MD & Executive Director, Oriental Hotels Ltd.
• SP Reddy, Chairman & MD, Terminus Group
• Sameer Nayar, CEO & Founder, CapCity
• Amit Grover, CEO-Cityside Development, Adani Airports
• Raghu Sapra, Head of Hospitality, Embassy Office Parks REIT
• Vineet Verma, Executive Director & SBU Head, Brigade Hospitality
• Mandeep Lamba, President, South Asia at HVS ANAROCK
• Farhat Jamal, Chairman – Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Veer Vijay Singh, CEO & MD, Trance Hotels
• Jatin Khanna, Chief Executive Officer at Sarovar Hotels & Resorts
• Souvagya Mohapatra, MD for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

And that’s not all — many more distinguished names will be revealed as the event draws nearer.

Thought-provoking roundtables, sessions
While the first day of IHA-2024 will witness insightful and stimulating sessions, including BWH Leadership Dialogues on Regional Leaders on India’s Growth Trajectory, Strategic Development Perspectives, and Global Insights for Local Growth, to BWH Investment & Development Roundtable On Capitalising on Opportunities, Strategic Partnerships, and Shaping the Future, 
the second day will feature the BWH Visionaries Roundtable, BWH Women Leadership Roundtable, BWH Operational Excellence Roundtable, and BWH Architecture & Design Roundtable, along with roundtables on HE-HR, IT & Tech, F&B, and Heritage.

BWH awards and experiences jury panel
The highlight of the two-day event will be the BW HOTELIER Awards, distinguished by transparency and fairness, recognising talent across various functions, regions, and the country impartially. The evaluation process involves four regional juries and culminates in the final assessment by a national jury comprising esteemed industry veterans. There’s an open online nomination process, welcoming all who meet the common set of criteria and conditions. While BW HOTELIER ensures compliance, the entire process is meticulously managed by a reputable and independent agency, ultimately subject to the judgment of five juries.

The Jury Chair is KB Kachru, with the National Jury members including:
• Rajiv Kaul                             • Suresh Kumar
• Veer Vijay Singh                   • Farhat Jamal
• Dilip Puri                               • Rattan Keswani
• Diwan Gautam Anand           • Mandeep Lamba
• Rahul Pandit                         • Jaideep Dang
• Rakhee Lalvani                     • Yateendra Sinh
• Chef Hemant Oberoi             • Sandip Mukherjee
• Kamal Kant Pant                   • Kunal Vijaykar

The four regional juries
The North Jury, chaired by Suresh Kumar, includes Hemant Mediratta, Naveen Jain, Rifaqat Ali Khan, Samir Kuckreja, Sunil Gupta, Sanjeev K Nayar, Natwar Nagar, and Chef Parvinder Singh 
Bali.

The West Zone Jury, headed by Farhat Jamal, includes Antoine Lewis, Chef Hemant Oberoi, Jehangir Aibara, Nisheeth Srivastava, Timmy Kandhari, Rakhee Lalvani, and Ravi Wazir. Veer 
Vijay Singh leads the South Zone as Jury Chair and comprises Anand Rao, Chef Chalapathi Rao, Chef Vijaya Baskaran, Dhunji Kavarana, PK Mohan Kumar, and Vinod Valson. The East Jury, led 
by Sandip Mukherjee, includes Dr Pooja Grover, Chef Sharad Dewan, Raja Sadukhan, Kuldeep Bhartee, and Sharada Ghosh.

Explore the best of global and Indian hospitality at IHA 2024
This year, immerse yourself in a unique showcase of India’s finest domestic and globally renowned hospitality brands at IHA 2024. Our expertly curated experience centres will feature an exciting mix of established icons and new entrants debuting in India. Each centre will highlight the luxurious amenities, innovative services, and unique features that set these brands apart. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to explore, engage, and discover the very best that the global and Indian hospitality industry has to offer.

Discover the future of hospitality innovation
Alongside top hospitality brands, IHA 2024 will spotlight leading suppliers showcasing their latest innovations. Through tastefully designed experience centres, these suppliers will present cutting-edge products, from advanced technology solutions to sustainable practices and groundbreaking design concepts. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to explore how these innovations are shaping the future of the hospitality industry. This event promises to be an exciting journey into the evolving world of hospitality, offering insights into the tools and services driving industry transformation.

Explore, engage and elevate
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the future of hospitality at IHA 2024. As India’s hospitality sector prepares to expand its global presence, this event will serve as a hub for inspiration, innovation, and growth. Whether you’re seeking to network with industry leaders, discover new trends, or experience cutting-edge advancements firsthand, IHA 2024 is the place to be.

The BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards (IHA) promises more than just a gathering—it’s a transformative experience. With a focus on revolutionising Indian hospitality, the 
event will offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, connecting, and celebrating excellence. Industry leaders, innovators, and forward-thinkers will come together to share insights, drive transformation, and shape the future of hospitality. Join us for this landmark event and be part of the vibrant convergence of ideas, leadership, and innovation. 

We look forward to welcoming you at IHA 2024 as we chart the course for the next phase of hospitality excellence!!!