ES. Since you were appointed as the General Manager of Novotel JECC in 2023, can you share your transformational journey and key milestones that you have achieved?
Manuj Ralhan. Since stepping into this role in 2023, my vision has been to establish Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC)-Managed by Accor as India’s leading destinations for MICE and large-scale events. Over the past year, we have successfully hosted multiple high-profile conferences, exhibitions, and social events, reinforcing Jaipur’s position on the global events map. Key milestones include strengthening strategic partnerships, enhancing operational efficiencies, and elevating guest experiences through service excellence. We have also focused on sustainability initiatives, technological upgrades, and positioning JECC as the go-to venue for mega-events, culminating in the selection of JECC-Managed by Accor as the venue for IIFA 2024.
ES. With JECC being selected as the venue for IIFA’s Silver Jubilee edition, what do you think were the key factors that made it an ideal choice?
Manuj Ralhan. The selection of JECC for IIFA’s Silver Jubilee edition is a testament to our expansive multiple venues, seamless operational expertise, and Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage. JECC offers one of the largest pillarless exhibition halls in India, spanning over 1 lakh sq. ft., along with state-of-the-art facilities, making it ideal for grand-scale events like IIFA. What truly sets us apart is the convenience of having Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre within the same complex, offering 226 well-appointed rooms. This meant that event organizers, delegates, and VIP guests didn’t have to worry about accommodation or logistics—everything was seamlessly integrated under one roof. From comfortable stays to world-class dining and event spaces, the our hotel complex provided a hassle-free and immersive experience for IIFA team.
Additionally, Jaipur’s excellent connectivity, world-class hospitality, and its ability to blend tradition with modernity made it a compelling choice. The city’s vibrant cultural appealadded a unique charm to the event, making it not just a
celebration of cinema but an unforgettable experience for global attendees.
ES. Can you share about the success story of IIFA and how your team successfully managed the operations, throwing some key insights into the scale of this event?
Manuj Ralhan. IIFA 2025 was an event of monumental scale, bringing together Bollywood’s biggest names, international delegates, and thousands of guests from across the world. Managing an event of this magnitude required meticulous planning, collaboration, and execution. Our team worked closely with event organizers, the Government of Rajasthan, and the Rajasthan Police to ensure flawless logistics, security, and guest experience. We successfully managed crowd control, technical setups, VIP movements, and sustainability-driven operations, making it a benchmark event for JECC. The event’s success reaffirmed our capability to handle large-scale international gatherings with precision and excellence.
ES. Can you highlight your efforts in placing Jaipur on the MICE map of the world and what makes it an ideal destination?
Manuj Ralhan. Jaipur is quickly becoming a top MICE destination, and we’re working hard to position it alongside global convention hubs. We’ve been active in promoting the city at global trade shows and industry forums, showcasing Jaipur as a prime location for meetings and events. At JECC, we have made sure our infrastructure supports the demand with the largest pillarless ballroom in Jaipur, cutting-edge technology, and seamless facilities for all kinds of events. We have also formed strategic partnerships with tourism boards, corporate stakeholders, and international event organizers to bring more global conferences and exhibitions to Jaipur. With its proximity to Delhi and improving air connectivity, Jaipur is becoming an even more attractive option for both national and international events.
Our goal is clear: to make Jaipur synonymous with MICE excellence. The recent successes, be it IIFA or Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 speak volumes about the progress we have made.
ES. Please throw some light on your venue’s performance in the last year?
Manuj Ralhan. The past year has been remarkable for Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC in terms of event volume, revenue growth, and global recognition. We have successfully hosted over 200+ events including big ones like The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit graced by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, India Stone Mart 2024, JITO Connect 2023, Jaipur Jewellery Show, Entertainment Premier League 4.0, Zomaland by Zomato, Dermacon 2025, 7 concerts including Diljit Dosanjh, Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla and Honey Singh. This strong performance has not only reinforced JECC’s position as a top MICE destination but also contributed significantly to Jaipur’s hospitality and tourism sector. Our occupancy rates at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre have seen consistent growth, and we have been recognized with industry accolades for our contribution to the events and hospitality landscape.
ES. Can you share about your upcoming plans and what would be your key priorities in the next one year?
Manuj Ralhan. In the coming year, we’ll focus on three main priorities. First, expanding our MICE footprint by attracting more international conventions and exhibitions through strategic partnerships and promotions. Second, driving sustainability with green initiatives like waste management, energy-efficient infrastructure, and eco-friendly event planning. We are already in the process of installing 2.5 MW Solar Plant to further reduce our carbon footprint. Finally, enhancing guest experiences by upgrading facilities, adopting smart technology, and offering personalized services to elevate every event. We’re also diversifying our event portfolio, targeting new segments like medical conferences, tech summits, and global trade expositions to further solidify Jaipur’s position as a leading event destination.
ES. Since you are associated with Exhibition Excellence Awards, could you share your insights on its significance for the industry?
Manuj Ralhan. The Exhibition Excellence Awards serve as a benchmark for recognizing innovation, operational excellence, and impactful contributions within the exhibition and MICE industry. These awards not only celebrate industry leaders but also encourage continuous improvement, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in large-scale event planning. For us at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC-Managed by Accor, being associated with such a prestigious platform reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class events and staying ahead of industry trends. It also provides an excellent networking opportunity to exchange insights with global peers and adopt best practices that drive excellence in the MICE sector.
