TMS. Since taking charge in 2023, you’ve steered Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC toward operational profitability from day one. What strategic priorities did you implement to achieve this early success?
Manuj Ralhan. Since opening in November 2023, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre has delivered outstanding results—exceeding our first-year revenue target by 22% and achieving 46% revenue growth in the second year, while securing the highest earnings per square meter among MICE hotels in India. This success was driven by a clear strategy focused on positioning MICE as our core business, contributing 60–65% of total revenue through large-scale conferences, exhibitions, medical conventions, weddings, government summits, and music concerts.
We leveraged our unique “everything under one roof” model, which combines a 226-room hotel with expansive convention and exhibition spaces—12,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 12 meeting rooms, two pillar-less exhibition halls, and open-air lawns—all seamlessly managed by Accor, giving organizers
unmatched convenience and scale. A strong emphasis on concert tourism further enhanced visibility and revenue, while partnerships with leading industry bodies like FICCI, India Association Congress, and tourism boards helped build credibility and attract marquee events. To maximize profitability, we ensured high asset utilization—maintaining 60–75% occupancy of event spaces annually and over 85% during peak seasons. Our commitment to eco-friendly practices, hybrid event solutions, and tailored service packages also added value for clients, while efficient resource deployment allowed us to optimize costs alongside revenues.
Together, these strategic priorities enabled us to achieve operational profitability from day one and sustain strong year-on-year growth. Positioned in Jaipur, an emerging hub for both business and culture, we are now well-placed to attract more international exhibitions, hybrid events, medical conventions, and world-class concerts, with a continued focus on modern infrastructure, sustainability, and service excellence in the MICE segment.
TMS. JECC has recently hosted several high-profile exhibitions and mega-events. What factors do you think have positioned JECC as one of India’s most sought-after exhibition and convention destinations?
Manuj Ralhan. Three pillars define JECC’s success: scale, accessibility, and service. JECC – Managed by Accor has rapidly positioned itself as one of India’s most sought-after exhibition and convention destinations owing to its unmatched scale, strategic location, and premium facilities. Spanning 14 lakh sq. ft. of versatile event space, the complex offers two pillar-less JECC halls of 1,06,372 sq. ft. each, the Mugdha Convention Centre with a 11,543 sq. ft. and an 8,216 sq. ft. pre-function area, alongside expansive outdoor venues such as the 34,565 sq. ft. Mugdha Lawn and the 24,000 sq. ft. poolside. Complementing these spaces are 12 breakout rooms, 226 well-appointed guest rooms, and extensive parking facilities accommodating up to 2,000 cars or 1,000 coaches – making it ideal for events of every scale.
Accessibility further enhances its appeal. The improved Delhi–Jaipur stretch of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, from Sohna to Dausa, has significantly reduced travel time between the two cities—from nearly five hours to just around three hours ensures seamless road connectivity, while proximity to Jaipur International Airport makes it a convenient and globally connected venue for delegates and visitors.
Since its opening, JECC – Managed by Accor and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre has hosted over 250 large-scale events, including corporate conventions, exhibitions, grand weddings, and cultural celebrations. Esteemed organizations such as the Government of India, FICCI, Herbalife, Lions Club, Pfizer, Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, CIPLA, Entertainment Premium League (EPL), Indian Exhibition Industry Association, GITB, and Eventsthan have trusted the venue for their landmark gatherings. Adding to its reputation, JECC has also become a preferred stage for world-class entertainment, with celebrated artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, Arijit Singh, Yo Yo Honey Singh, and internationally acclaimed DJ Alan Walker performing here.
TMS. What new initiatives has JECC undertaken to enhance the exhibitor and visitor experience for B2B trade shows?
Manuj Ralhan. JECC – Managed by Accor & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre has been redefining the way B2B trade shows and large-scale events are experienced with a series of thoughtful, guest-centric, and large-format initiatives. Working closely with the state government, JECC is actively promoting Jaipur as a premier hub for global music tours and live events. This collaboration has not only enhanced JECC’s industry credibility but has also boosted Jaipur’s economy through tourism, hospitality, a.nd allied businesses—firmly
positioning the Pink City on the global entertainment and MICE map.
At the heart of JECC’s approach is a commitment to personalisation and cultural immersion. Hospitality here feels warm, human, and memorable—whether it’s welcoming Sunidhi Chauhan with her chartbusters playing in the lobby, surprising Rupinder Handa with a symbolic black Activa and her signature track, or curating a personalised culinary showcase for Karan Aujla. Each gesture demonstrates hospitality at its most authentic and personal.
Cultural relevance is woven into the MICE journey. Local women are invited to prepare traditional Rajasthani cuisine, creating meaningful exchanges that highlight the richness of Rajasthan’s heritage. Guests are further delighted through personalised amenities, instant photo keepsakes, and milestone surprises. This structured guest engagement framework anticipates needs, setting new benchmarks in event hospitality.
JECC and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre have also proven their ability to manage scale with precision:
GITB: Flawlessly managing the Food Court for thousands of delegates with efficiency and warmth.
Herbalife Mega Event: Executing 24,000 packed food boxes with consistency and care.
IIFA Awards: Strategically bringing the event to Jaipur and delivering seamless VIP hosting, custom menus, and ambience.
Visit of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Demonstrating operational finesse under the highest standards of security and protocol.
To enrich experiences further, we have pioneered unique engagement initiatives:
Heartfelt Tiffin Service: Home-style meals in traditional tiffins, paired with handwritten notes from participants’ mothers.
Ranthambhore Ride: A safari-inspired site tour that captures Rajasthan’s storytelling spirit.
Regional Language Welcome Notes: Greeting guests in their native language to ensure every visitor feels recognised.
Personalised Check-ins: Replacing room numbers with guest nameplates, as done for Maruti Suzuki’s Global MD, Hisashi Takeuchi.
Adding to this are immersive dinner themes designed to create unforgettable dining moments:
Sajjangoth: A wedding-inspired thali with vibrant dishes and festive ambiance.
Dharti Dho Rari: A rustic dining experience celebrating Rajasthan’s earthy flavors.
Golden Thali Sit-Down: An elegant dinner served on golden thali plates.
Sant Bhojan: A vegetarian feast on handwoven pattal (leaf) plates, honoring Indian traditions.
These initiatives collectively show that JECC is more than just a venue. It is a curator of experiences, a strategic partner for global events, and a cultural bridge connecting business with the soul of Rajasthan. By balancing operational scale with deeply personal touches, JECC and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre are setting new standards in global MICE and event hospitality.
TMS. Could you highlight a challenging exhibition setup that your team successfully managed, turning it into a case study for operational excellence?
Manuj Ralhan. Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC)- Managed by Accor, have faced and successfully overcome several challenges in hosting large-scale events, key challenges and strategic solutions:-
Establishing Jaipur as a Global MICE Destination: Initially, positioning Jaipur as a prominent location for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) posed a significant challenge. To address this, the team actively participated in over 50+ trade events and exhibitions worldwide, promoting the complex and city’s capabilities and infrastructure. These efforts culminated in Jaipur’s selection as the host city for the IIFA 2025 Awards, marking a significant milestone in its MICE journey.
Managing Large-Scale Events with High Attendance: Hosting events like the Diljit Dosanjh Dil-Luminati concert, which attracted nearly 27,000 attendees, required meticulous planning and coordination. The venue’s expansive layout, including two 106,372 sq. ft. pillarless halls and a 35,000 sq. ft. lawn, facilitated the accommodation of such large crowds. Furthermore, the integration of the Novotel hotel within the same complex streamlined logistics, offering seamless accommodation and event services .
Ensuring Operational Efficiency and Guest Experience: To enhance operational efficiency, the property implemented separate lobbies for check-in and check-out processes, reducing congestion during peak times. Furthermore, a dedicated vegetarian kitchen was established to cater to specific dietary requirements, such as Jain cuisine, ensuring a personalized guest experience.
Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into our guest experience. From EV charging stations and e-bikes for conscious mobility to in-house glass bottling, wooden key cards, e-menus, and biodegradable amenities, each initiative reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact. Energy-efficient practices and refillable dispensers further strengthen our green operations, while eco-friendly parting gifts such as jute bags, seed diaries, and sustainable stationery reinforce our mission to “Bee-lieve in Sustainability.
Through strategic planning, infrastructure development, and collaborative efforts, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC have effectively addressed and overcome the challenges associated with hosting large-scale events, positioning Jaipur as a leading destination for international conferences and exhibitions.
