Purchasing Managers' Forum’s Convention in Mumbai December 18-19

By BW Hotelier TO COMMEMORATE the fifth anniversary of Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF), the first-ever Convention and Awards is being held from December 18-19, at Hyatt Regency Mumbai. The theme of the Convention is ’Hum Sab Sath Hai’. Commenting on the event, Nitin Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary, HPMF and Director of Materials, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mumbai Powai, (see photo) said, ’The industry needs a collaborative approach towards hospitality procurement and HPMF is determined to create the synergy and cohesiveness. I have always believed in the power of networking and togetherness; we at HPMF will ensure that we work together and create a better environment for the hospitality procurement fraternity.’ There will be a special presentation on Mile Sur Mera Tumhara wherein 20 Purchase Managers will perform together on stage, he added. Nagrale further added, ’At this first ever Convention, we will structure a strategy and create a plan of action to achieve it. My objective is to have a learned procurement person at all hotels be it three-, four- or five-star, which will allow every organisation to excel in procurement activities and benefit the bottom line. Training and development needs will be identified and a solid three-year plan of action will be created to implement the strategies for achieving 100 per cent results.’ The association has invited 150 hospitality purchasing managers from all over India. The synergy, coordinated efforts and the passion will lead to better environment in hospitality procurement. The first day will witness arrivals of delegates from various cities. In the evening there will be a panel discussion on ’Importance of Vendor Relationship Management in the life of a Successful Purchasing Professional’. This will set the tone of the two-day program. The second day will have keynote presentations, two panel discussions and four presentations on different topics covering entire spectrum of hospitality procurement. The topics include Ethics in Purchasing, Sustainability Development, What Not To Do During Negotiations and Who Stole My Cheese. Panel discussion will witness panelists from different fields including an IAS officer, Commissioner of Customs, Commissioner of FSSAI, Director of FICCI and Chairperson from Environment Organization. The second half will be dedicated for B2B events wherein 30 top suppliers of India will have one-on-one meetings with 150 buyers. Talking about the awards, Nagrale said, ’We have initiated HPMF Awards for Procurement Excellence in Hospitality Industry. These awards will help the fraternity to get motivated and work better. The award categories are Emerging Procurement Person of the year, Procurement Person of the year, Female Procurement Person of the year, Best Hospitality Procurement Team, Best Sustainable Development Sensitive Procurement Team and The Living Legend Awards.’