Hotelivate will host the 19th Edition of its Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige GolfshireResort and Spa from 2 – 4 April 2024.
While the previous few editions have focused on post pandemic resilience, revival of the industry and thereafter exponential growth opportunities, this edition of HICSA will be centered around the hospitality palate. The theme for HICSA this year is Savouring South Asia: Innovations in Food Tech and Designwhich aims at unlocking the potential of South Asia’s culinary future and creating a sustainable, delightful, and technologically advanced hospitality ecosystem. The conference will serve as a knowledge-sharing hub, fostering dialogues aiming to shape the future of the industry.
Commenting on the 19th anniversary of HICSA, Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman – Hotelivate said “We are excited to bring HICSA 2024 again this year to the “Silicon Valley of India”. This year we are focusing on the aspect of technology in our business and no other city would be more appropriate than this one. India is the heart of South Asia’s thriving hospitality industry and this year’s conference promises to be a dynamic platform for exploring investment prospects, trends, and best practices, and to network with the industry’s brightest minds. We believe HICSA will set the stage for numerous investment ventures in this rapidly evolving region. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our delegates, patrons, speakers, and sponsors as we come together in celebration of all things remarkable in food, beverage, and hospitality.”
Hotelivate is proud to announce the presence of three global CEOs at their prestigious conference that brings together a diverse range of participants from the hospitality, real estate, and investment industries. This year, as speakers atthe 19th Edition of this conference, there will be Sébastian Bazin – Chairman &CEO – Accor, Mark S. Hoplamazian – President & CEO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Federico J. González – Executive Vice-President – Radisson Hotel Group.
Accor promises nonstop potential and opportunities with its tagline – “Live Limitless”. In a thought-provoking keynote session at HICSA2024 titled “Live Limitless: Going ALL The Way”, Sébastian Bazin – Group Chairman & CEO – Accor,will talk about his vision in the ever-evolving hospitality scape. “We are proud to be partnering with Hotel Investment Conference South Asia for their 2024 event. HICSA is an incredible platform for the global hospitality industry, bringing us together in India – a country which is alive with endless potential for the travel sector and unique experiences. It is clear that India’s moment is now, actively shaping tomorrow’s journeys and paving the way for the future of hospitality. Our collaboration with HICSA reflects our commitment to India and our vision to become a true trailblazer in this vital market”, said Sébastian. He has a finance background and has held various leadership roles in the hospitality sector. He joined Accor’s Board in 2005, became its Chairman and CEO in August 2013, and chairs the Gustave RoussyFoundation’s Board. Additionally, Sébastien has been on GE’s Board since 2016 and took on the role of CEO for Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle division in January 2023.
On Day 1, the conference will feature some exclusive interviews and keynote addresses in an endeavour to make the event more content rich. The day will close with the ‘HICSA Hotels of the Year Awards’ presented by MakeMyTrip, that recognizes the most remarkable new hotel developments in the South Asian region. The nominations include hotels across six categories: Luxury/Upper Upscale Hotel; Upscale Segment; Upper Mid-Market Segment; Mid-Market Segment; Budget/Economy Segment; Boutique Hotel Segment. The winners will be shortlisted by a designated jury and then finally determined by the HICSA 2024 delegates through a voting process and announced as part of the conference program.
The first full day of the conference will culminate into a ‘Culinary Carnival’ – a celebration of gastronomy, bringing together talented chefs, artisanal food vendors, and passionate hoteliers at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa. In line with the theme this year, the focus will be on a gastronomic extravaganza. A diverse and mouth-watering array of dishes from celebrated restaurants, both standalone as well as in hotels, across India will showcase their cuisines, from street food classics to gourmet delicacies. Marriott International, ITC Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, Massive Restaurants, The Leela Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Hyatt International and Atelier House Hospitality and would be some of brands showcasing their top restaurants.
Day 2 of HICSA will feature curated panel discussions and mini keynote sessions with industry leaders. Post the famous “Hot Seat: Leaders on Fire”, which will bring to light leadership dilemmas, the conference will ultimately conclude with the prestigious MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards 2024. While the Hotel Operations Summit India (HOSI) took a hiatus in 2023, our commitment to celebrating excellence in the hospitality industry remains steadfast. These awards have beenseamlessly integrated into HICSA as a part of the main conference. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognize and highlight the hard work and outstanding performance displayed by the General Managers untiringly running the show. Theclosing dinner will be at Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City as the perfect end to this event. The 19thedition of HICSA promises to be a remarkable convergence of insights, innovation, and inspiration, offering an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact. Join us as we embark on this exciting and intellectually stimulating journey together.