Pune, Feb 11, 2015 : It was an interesting day at the Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology and Research Centre, Pune. The institute hosted a State level seminar on ‘Hospitality Industry 2020: The Way Forward’ under the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) under the Savitribai Phule Pune University.
The Principal for the degree and masters programme, Ms. Anita Moodliar felicitated the chief guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Vithal Kamat and other eminent speakers.
There was an envious line up of speakers: Dr. Vithal Kamat, Chairman, Orchid group of hotels was the keynote speaker. He shared his views on the future of the hospitality industry with special emphasis on eco friendly hotels and green practices. His speech was very inspiring and enthralled the audience who participated whole heartedly in the question-answer session. Dr. Kamat is a multi faceted personality with varied interests and achievements. His autobiography “Idli, Orchid and Willpower’ is a widely read book and continues to motivate scores of people. He spoke about the true meaning of ‘entrepreneur’ and being a trend-setter. The next speaker was Chef Sudhir Pai, Executive Chef, Holiday Inn International Airport, Mumbai. A chef par excellence, he threw light on the role of food and beverage in today’s scenario and the scope ahead. He shared anecdotes from his stint in the US and some tricks of the trade. Chef Sudhir Pai also mentioned as to how technology can create excitement. Mr. Milind Kothare, CEO, MKONS, spoke on the all important ‘Revenue Management’ and its future. He explained the basics and stressed the importance of understanding and application.
Post lunch, Mr. Jatin Khanna kept the audience captivated with his presence. As the General Manager of Pune’s favourite luxury hotel, J.W. Marriott, he spoke about his journey and guided the hospitality professionals on the steps they should take in their careers. Being very well travelled, he painted a picture of the future of the industry through his vision with a special emphasis on Pune. He spoke about smart phone apps for loyal guests, new millennia and its milieu. Mr. Khanna, amongst other things, also advised youngsters to have a mentor and the importance of mentor-mentee relationship. Dr. Sanjay Lakade, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pimpri-Chinchwad College, Pune was a non hotelier and hence a refreshing change to address innovation and creativity. He stressed on Innovation and its importance in emphasizing futuristic approach in the field of hospitality.
The students and faculty of MSIHMCT, Pune put their best foot forward with impeccable hospitality and organizing skills. All the sessions were very well received and there was enthusiastic response to the seminar. The audience comprised of students of various hotel management institutes within Pune and outside Pune as well as faculty and principals. Each session was followed by an interactive session of question and answers. There was a smorgasbord of new ideas, avenues, thoughts which will be remembered by everyone present for years to come.
The distinguished speakers sure did leave a legacy in our minds!! “You never step into the same river twice” – when we all stepped out of the auditorium this evening, this saying seemed so true!!! CCI Newswire
