Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), managed by Accor, and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC) faced a critical operational situation while preparing to host the 84th Annual Conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) from 12–15 March 2026.
With thousands of delegates attending and a large-scale culinary operation underway, the teams turned to Rajasthan’s centuries-old culinary heritage for a solution.
This initiative reflected the core ethos of JECC-creativity, quick decision-making, resilience, and the ability to think beyond conventional solutions-transforming a logistical challenge into an elevated culinary showcase.
Traditional bhatis and chulhas – wood and coal-fired earthen ovens – were introduced to ensure uninterrupted service. Over the four-day conference, the property served more than 25,000 meals prepared on these traditional cooking systems, turning the operational challenge into an authentic cultural dining experience.
Prepared in the traditional Maharaja-style, the dishes were slow-cooked over open fire, bringing rich, smoky flavours rarely replicated in modern commercial kitchens. Guests were elated to experience the distinctive taste created through this slow, flame-based cooking method.
Despite the shift to traditional techniques, the culinary operations strictly adhered to food safety guidelines, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. Dedicated monitoring by the culinary and stewarding teams ensured that all meals were prepared in a controlled and hygienic environment while maintaining efficiency for large-scale service.
For the thousands of ophthalmologists and medical professionals attending AIOS from across India, the experience offered more than just meals—it delivered a rare taste of Rajasthan’s living culinary heritage.
Executing such a large-scale operation required seamless coordination between culinary, engineering, and service teams, further demonstrating the agility and operational excellence of JECC and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre.
Manuj Ralhan, General Manager, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre, said:
“At Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, creativity is part of our culture. When operational challenges impacted the industry, our team rediscovered a piece of Rajasthan’s culinary heritage. Cooking on traditional chulhas allowed us to serve thousands of delegates seamlessly while offering them an authentic regional experience.”
By turning a challenge into an opportunity, JECC and NJCC demonstrated that exceptional hospitality lay in innovation, resilience, and the ability to create memorable experiences under any circumstance.
About Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC – Managed by Accor
The Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre is conveniently located in Sitapura, Jaipur, just a 15-minute drive from Jaipur International Airport. Featuring 226 modern rooms, a grand ballroom equipped with advanced technology and 740 retractable chairs, along with 16 meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and the all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, Food Exchange, the hotel offers a comprehensive experience for both business and leisure travelers.
The property is connected to the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), one of the largest pillarless exhibition, convention, and entertainment venues, spanning 42 acres. It boasts two pillarless halls, each measuring 106,372 sq. ft. with a ceiling height of 43 feet, and a seating capacity of over 18,000. Together, NJCC and JECC—managed by Accor-create a sprawling complex ideal for MICE, weddings, and tailored events.
