Last week I had the honor of presenting the opening keynote at EEMAGINE24, the annual gathering of the nonprofit Event & Entertainment Management Association of India (EEMA). Held at the stunning @ITCHotels Royal Bengal in Kolkata this year, the event brought together 700 leaders from across India's event and entertainment industry, offering a platform to share insights, celebrate achievements, show off their capabilities, and discuss the future.
An Immersive Journey into Burning Man
My 45-minute keynote session delved into the transformative power of Burning Man, exploring its unique history, the Ten Principles, and its unparalleled impact on personal growth. This wasn't just a talk—it was an experience designed to engage the audience on multiple levels. Through a combination of storytelling, visual effects, and audience interaction, we created an atmosphere that drew everyone into the narrative, making it a memorable and dynamic session.
Thanks to a fun collaboration with the team at The Livewire Experience, special effects, including fog, lighting, sound, lasers, and sparklers, were carefully orchestrated to illustrate key moments of a Burner's journey, bringing the experience to life. Special shout out to showrunner Akanksha Dost for nailing the effects and suggesting even more fun!
The audience actively participated throughout the session, responding to a call-and-response phrase that appeared on the screen, which kept the energy high. As a surprise element in the spirit of one of Burning Man's Ten Principles, Gifting, I gifted the entire audience blinky rings that had been hidden under the tables, adding an extra layer of fun and immersion, as we recreated the feel of nighttime exploration at Burning Man.
I’m especially grateful that my 20+ years of studying yogic philosophy and Indian culture with my teachers allowed me to respectfully and meaningfully incorporate references to Indian culture throughout my talk. It was important to me that these elements resonated authentically with the audience, honoring the deep cultural heritage that India offers.
Meaningful Feedback and Connections
The feedback I received was incredibly encouraging. Attendees, including seasoned professionals and storytellers, shared that they found my storytelling to be both powerful and authentic. Being recognized for my ability to inspire while sharing meaningful insights with a touch of humor was deeply gratifying.
What made this experience even more special was the chance to connect with some of the industry’s most respected figures—the founders and leaders of EEMA who have been shaping the event landscape in India for decades. They quickly welcomed me into their family and their insights and passion for the industry were inspiring. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.
Following the conclusion of EEMAGINE 24, I had the honor of presenting several awards at the EEMAX Global Awards ceremony. This prestigious event celebrated excellence across 42 different categories in the events and entertainment industry. The night was filled with unforgettable performances, including live music by The Bombay Choir, vibrant dance routines, and two stunning fashion shows featuring Miss India and other pageant winners as models.
Key Industry Insights
Several important themes emerged throughout the conference, including:
- Sustainability: The growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices is reshaping how events are produced, with the LEED Platinum certified @ITCHotels Royal Bengal serving as a prime example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist.
- Safety: Ensuring the safety of attendees at events has always been crucial, but it was clear from the discussions at EEMAGINE24 that the focus is becoming sharper and more comprehensive. With events growing in scale and complexity, the importance of risk management, crowd control, and emergency preparedness cannot be overstated. These elements are vital in maintaining the trust and confidence of the public and in securing the future of large-scale gatherings.
- Training and Skill Development: The role of the event industry in economic development and cultural expression is undeniable, yet historically, event work in India hasn’t been viewed with the same prestige as professions like law or medicine. However, the narrative is changing, and it was heartening to see a renewed focus on the multidisciplinary skill development that the event industry fosters. Events contribute significantly to the creative economy, cultural storytelling, experiential education, and community celebration. They are a vital part of the fabric that supports economic growth, fosters innovation, and celebrates the richness of our cultures. The conversations emphasized the need to nurture and train the next generation of event producers, recognizing the value and impact of their work on society.
- Collaboration: The value of working together was a recurring theme, highlighting the power of collective effort in overcoming challenges and driving innovation. Collaboration between various stakeholders—government, private sector, and communities—is essential in building a resilient and dynamic event industry.
- Self-Care: In an industry known for its high demands, the importance of self-care was a critical conversation, underscoring the need to balance professional passion with personal well-being. Taking care of ourselves allows us to continue doing the work we love without burnout.
A Celebration of Indian Hospitality
Lastly, I want to express my deep appreciation for the exceptional hospitality I experienced in India. The warmth and respect with which guests are treated is something truly special, and it was evident in every interaction. From the vibrant opening night at Calcutta Kiss to exploring some of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks with my guide & angel, Pragya Chatterjee, who quickly became a dear friend, every moment was a testament to the richness of India's culture and the generosity of its people.
A heartfelt thank you to my friend Samit Garg, EEMA President, for the invitation and to his team at E-Factor Experiences for their outstanding support and collaboration.
I am thrilled to have connections with many amazing hospitality, event, wedding, and sports management companies in India. I encourage anyone planning to visit, host events, or needing connections in this vibrant country to reach out to me. I’d be delighted to introduce you to some of the key movers and shakers in the industry.
As I reflect on EEMAGINE24, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my story and for the insights gained from the incredible people I met. The future of the event industry in India is bright, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve in the years to come.
