“Many times there is apprehension about holding a major conference in Kolkata but after seeing our facilities, fears are totally allayed,” said Manu Sharma, Director of Sales, Taj Bengal, Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta, this mega metropolis of some 14 million residents is rarely considered when MICE organisers plan an event in India. Mumbai–the former Bombay–and New Delhi continue to snare the tiger’s share of MICE business in the subcontinent. While I have attended several international conventions in each of those cities, I was surprised to see the quality of infrastructure in and the ease of access to Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai during a recent update in these three emerging conference centres.
While there is a 1,000 seat convention venue in the IT oriented suburb of Kolkata called Salt Lake, it pales in comparison with the grandeur of the Taj Bengal’s Crystal Room where highly polished wood wall panels glisten from the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The dignified room which is suitable for 550 conference delegates or banquet guests was the venue for an annual conference of the Confederation of Indian Industries.
Another organiser who found services and facilities at the Taj Bengal to be exemplary provided positive feedback when he said, “This was one of the best conferences that we have organised to date.” We especially value that compliment because the organiser did not make a site inspection before the convention, said Mr Sharma.
The Taj Bengal is close to some of the heritage listed attractions in Kolkata including Dalhousie Square – the administrative centre for British India – and it’s also close to the city’s two veteran golf courses. Golf is an important part of a MICE itinerary although many business itineraries and conference schedules are packed so tightly there’s no time to relax. If organisers knew the quality and heritage of Kolkata’s two vintage courses perhaps it might be a different story, he said.
Golf with the Veterans
Golf days and special events can be organised at the city’s two colonial era golf courses, the century old Tollygunge Club course which was laid out over an old indigo plantation and the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Conferred with ‘Royal’ status in 1911 by King George V and Queen Mary, the second oldest golf club in the world is only a short drive from the Taj.
Kolkata, the capital of the heavily populated state of West Bengal, is a metropolis in transition and so is India’s sixth largest city.
Founded in 1589, the 3 million strong state capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, will be the venue from September 25 – 27 for the 2008 PATA Travel Mart. This event which is likely to attract the most travel industry personnel to Hyderabad at the same time will be held in India’s first purpose-built convention centre.
The Hyderabad International Convention Centre is a state-of-the-art facility brought to life in an ACCOR-managed joint venture between Emaar Properties of Dubai and the Andhra Pradesh Investment Infrastructure Corporation. Built on 15 landscaped acres, the centrepiece of the HICC is a 6480 sq. m pillar free hall able designed for up to 5000 delegates.
Soundproof mobile walls covered with teak and silk are used to partition the cavernous space into six halls. The list of inclusions at the HICC is impressive with rear projection screens, halogen lights, 18 break out rooms, ergonomic chairs and 22 cappuccino machines just the beginning.
Another property with a definite ‘wow’ factor is the 260 room Taj Krishna in the Banjara Hills. Set over 9 acres and one of three Taj hotels in Hyderabad, the Taj Krishna leaves a lasting impression of elegance. The grand lobby is exquisitely decorated with motherof- pearl inlay on white marble pillars. The 6,600 sq ft Grand Ballroom is adorned with gold leaf work, hand woven carpets andcarved wooden panels. As well, the regal meeting room incorporates the latest electronic equipment for use by up to 800 delegates theatrestyle. The even bigger Deccan Conference Hall has played host to many international conventions as well as some very elaborate themed parties, said Veer Vijay Singh, General Manager.
A concierge at the Taj Krishna told me that guests “do ask about golf opportunities”. He can make arrangements at the 18 hole Army Golf course which has links with Sir Winston Churchill and a still evolving but playable course next to historic Golconda Fort that belongs to the Hyderabad Golf Association. The association’s dedicated secretary Vikramdev Rao said that, the new double storey clubhouse set for completion in mid 2008, would be a sanctuary for work weary business executives to rejuvenate after a game outside the 16th century fortress.
The sound and light show staged before the mighty structure every night can be incorporated in a memorable incentive evening which must also include the Char Minar. Graced with four stately towers, Hyderabad’s principal landmark stands in the midst of an Arabian-like bazaar noted for pearls and jewels.
Southern Charms
Chennai, the 4 million strong state capital of southerly Tamil Nadu played host to more than 600 delegates from 38 countries attending the SKAL International Conference in 2003. While MICE events are staged in the 700 seat Gitanjali Convention Centre, various high level meetings and incentive parties organised during SKAL were held in the 205 room Taj Coromandel and the 150 room Taj Connemara.
With a heritage dating to the early 19th century coupled with the most modern facilities, the Taj Connemara, Chennai offers style with substance, said Aamir Faisal, Sales Manager. In addition to its eight banquet halls accommodating between 10 to 1500 guests including a British Raj-reminiscent ballroom catering for 400 theatrestyle there’s a poolside cocktail area where 300 guests can sip in colonial charm.
There’s also an aura of yesteryear at the city’s two golf courses. The 6,325 yard course at the Madras Gymkhana Club Golf Club is set inside the race track at suburban Guindy. Closer to the city, the 6,289 yard Cosmo-TNGF Golf Course was inaugurated by the Viceroy of India in 1938. Beyond golf greens, post conference tours include St Mary’s Church, one of the oldest churches in India, and the spectacular architecture of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in suburban Mylapore.
Just 45 minutes south of Chennai – known as the “Detroit of India” because of its car manufacturing capabilities – Fisherman’s Cove is an idyllically located 88 room resort facing the Bay of Bengal. The resort’s purpose built pillar free and Wi-Fi-fitted Casuarina Conference Hall can easily manage conventions of up to 350 delegates while preparations are being made for an on-site 9 hole golf course.
As this is a stand-alone property well away from city distractions attendance at conferences and seminars is guaranteed! Flower scented breezes and lavish seafood buffets coupled with exotic tunes played on sitar and tabla and the subtle sounds of waves breaking on the beach ensure that evening functions are also long remembered after leaving a MICE event so well organised in South India.
Sydney-based Thomas E. King is executive editor of the 32 year established professional editorial agency, Media East Pty Ltd and the co-author of the first golf travel book to India, Tee Off in India: People, Places and Golf.