DineDesk has been named a Hot100 technology company by CIO-Choice in their annual awards ceremony held in December. The award is presented in association with KPMG, Microsoft Ventures, Amazon Ventures and Netmagic. “We are proud to win this honoured title of Hot100,” said Clyde Vassou, Marketing Manager of DineDesk. “It showcases our excellence in innovation in restaurant technology and it recognizes our hard work in building a scalable company.” DineDesk offers an Online Reservations, Marketing, Guest and Table Management solution for restaurants. Using DineDesk, a restaurant can receive reservations from Facebook, its own Website, and partner websites. The built-in CRM, Table Management and Guest Management systems assist in seating guests, managing wait lists, and tracking guest preferences and other information, such as allergies. “Our team has put a tremendous amount of work into creating the DineDesk suite of tools,” said Bob Lawson, CEO of Dine Desk. “It is an honour to have an outside authority validate the quality of this work.” DineDesk also offers restaurants online marketing tools that can be used to promote a restaurant, including special offers and seasonal menus. Marketing options include social media, email marketing and SMS marketing. Restaurants can use DineDesk on a tablet, mobile phone, laptop, desktop, or any other Internet enabled device. No special hardware or software is required to use the cloud-based system. DineDesk received the award at an event that showcased leading technology companies developing solutions for the “Internet of things,” such as wearable technologies, and software as a service solutions that leverage cloud computing for various business verticals. Anoop Mathur, President of CORE, said: “I congratulate DineDesk on winning the elite tag of being Hot100. We had 60 days of campaigning with 26 Jury members to select the winners, who truly deserve the badge of honour. Selection was made based on a company’s technological innovation, team strength, opportunity size, and product value proposition. The Hot100 Awards measures business achievement across the board, championing innovation, enterprise and the people behind the company.” Dine Desk since its launch in 2014 has been rapidly growing its base. Currently it is operational in 5 countries and looking to expand in the North America and Europe. The ease of usage, hassle free setup, flexibility to work on any device and innovative technology has offered restaurants a very affordable alternative to other services providers like OpenTable.
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Experiential marketing is quite evidently picking up pace and becoming the hot favorite style of marketing for brands these days. This marketing form as we all know is about conveying a live brand experience to the consumers that provides them the opportunity to interact with the brand. Brands have now understood the USP of effective marketing and building connect at the same time. They have realized that social and digital marketing in itself is not enough, experiential marketing is what is best accepted. But in such stiff competition and advancement in technology, brands overlook some basic attributes of marketing. So here at EE we pick few don’ts of experiential marketing. Make sure you have clear objectives: It is very necessary for brands to realize that being ambiguous in their approach and strategies will lead them nowhere. One should not invest in an activity just because their competitors are, but for their own establishment. A brand should have a SMART approach, meaning- specific about the approach, measurable (should be able to measure performance against objective), achievable objectives, realistic plans of action, time-bound goals. It is always fine to have multiple objectives but there should always be one main focus so that the brand does not go astray in its approach. Now why brands should pay heed to this is because there is often a great deal of wasted money and resources that go into experiential activities. Thus, it is important to have established set of objectives and not involve too many entities in one event. Experiential marketing is not a tactic but a methodology: Experiential marketing isn’t a tactic and neither it is a fad. Perhaps it’s the worst of all mistakes to think that experiential marketing is merely a tactic. There is a plan, a pre-plan and a post plan to be executed behind an initiative. Experiential marketing is structuring a feeling catering to the point how potential customers see your business and how you convert that feeling into a reliable, unswerving decision to choose you over others. Thus it should never be a hasty decision but to have a smart approach yielding better ROI. Create activities designed to meet you objectives: All experiential activities that a brand designs and plans should rightly adhere to the audience and satisfy the objectives behind the initiative. Setting objectives is fine, but doing the right things to accomplish these goals is important. If a brand wants to create awareness against women empowerment and hosts a marathon in lieu of that, it won’t solve its purpose and neither would it generate a buzz. Therefore may it be creating awareness about a social cause or celebrating a spirit, the activities should be planned accordingly. One size fits all events hold no good. Hence all events should not be planned in the same manner under the same cloud. Don’t forget to always generate the right audience: As we talk about generating experiences and building relationships, who do we do it with? Well yes the most important part of any event is certainly the audience that it manages to gather. The challenge that prevails further is to get the right audience together. Agencies should focus on delivering as many people as possible to all exhibitors and sponsors. Brands should intend to promote and focus on reasons that would ultimately compel their target audience to attract. The location also plays an important role in choosing the right audience. The activities can be planned and designed in a manner catering to a specific audience at an event. Topics to be discussed at an event should be persuading enough to trigger the emotions and arouse interest in the audience. It is also vital to show to your audience what different and special they can avail at your event and not anywhere else. Also choosing the right audience is interlinked with its previous objective of having clarity about the objectives because only then it is possible to gather the most appropriate audience for the brands initiative. Never overlook the pre and post event details: Social media trending before and after the event is as important as it is during an event. Not only social media but it is essential for brands to create buzz to gain recognition and attract their potential buyers to an extent. Mostly brands overlook on the post event aspect of their marketing initiative. It is important for brands to follow up with their customers quickly and consistently. Generally brands are not prepared as to hoe they will address leads post event. Thus there should be a plan of action to sort and manage queries. Keeping an appropriate track of the acceptance of the event is very significant. Thus pre and post event feedback mechanism should be generated by each brand. No matter it is a negative response or a positive feedback, it should never be ignored because this is what helps a brand to become better every time. These were a few key points that brands overlook while executing activities and planning events. Hence these were gentle reminders for brands and agencies to have a look at.
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The ACE 2014 maiden event started with immense spirit of enthusiasm and positive atmosphere with event managers and guests from across the country. The first session commenced with Mr. Subhash Ghai and Terence Lewis being the panelists discussing their thoughts on “The Eventful India per say the future of events in the country.” The session began with Terence sharing useful insights about how entertainment and dance witnessed a meteoric rise over the course of years. Entertainment has been a huge part of Bollywood and television and today experts from diverse fields are coming together to showcase their utmost talent catering to the event industry. He believes that entertainment of the contemporary times has broken all barriers and the future of events lies in technology. Marrying dance and technology has become the earnest need of the hour. Terence mentioned that the fusion to turn out to be glorious it requires a certain amount of homework and visualization on the part of the event managers. An effective point raised by the panelist was the importance of collaborating with each other in order to enhance growth and learning. Terence clearly stated that he as a choreographer cannot grow in isolation and therefore people from the same genre should sit together, brainstorm ideas and share their respective inputs with one another. “In a population of 1.3 billion, one thing that binds us together is entertainment, said Terence Lewis.” The key to reach out to the hearts of several people and be applauded at the same time is to think out of the box and marry the most abstract ideas with events platform and medium. Taking the session forward, he elucidated on ‘customization’ being the key for any act to be unique in the events space. He shared his examples to back his thought and exemplified various instances where he along with his troop has customized their dance performances according to the ideas that their client put forth. Considering that we have a parallel economy in India, Terence believes that the wedding segment has offered him way more than the corporate events he started with. Weddings as we all are aware of are becoming huge and classier by the day. In the presence of renowned wedding planners in the country, Studio Neelabh and Samit Garg, the topic of weddings playing a magnificent role in the event industry was duly touched. Moving on to the man behind some of the blockbusters, Mr.Subhash Ghai, delivered his thoughts and notions on the importance of events in our country relating it to the films he has directed on the account of storytelling that is the most important aspect of events . He believed that he turned the moments of celebration into events and that’s how the journey started. Starting from 80s, Mr. Ghai threw light on how event industry has evolved with the span of time and his tryst with technology being integrated in events majorly. “Definition of good commerce has changed along with the audience of present times. Cinema has also become an event eventually, said Mr. Ghai.” Both the experts in their respective domains mentioned how three dimensional acts will soon become the future of India. Mr. Ghai being a maestro in his space believes that the crux behind an event should always be the art of storytelling. Storytelling plays a great role in the structuring of any event. With changing trends and advancement in technology, this art is being brought forth with some innovation. They also shared their views on ‘growing together’ in this community that can help them build together and better. Sitting together, bringing transparency amongst the event bodies, is what can help event managers grow to the next level. Both Mr. Ghai and Terence concluded on the note of getting to the logistics, strategizing and pre-planning being the key attributes of the 360 degree approach.
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Cases of drunk driving in India are amongst the highest in the world and increase especially during the holiday season. The growing cab/taxi industry has also seen increased cases of drunk driving accidents by commercial drivers; fleet operators find it next to impossible to ensure that their drivers do not indulge in drunk driving. With this background – BeSecure solutions recently launched smartphone based breathalyzers. These breathalysers plug into the smart phone and the user blows into the device. User/ employer can check the level of Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in real-time through an app. This allows them to make smart decisions regarding how to get back home safely. The app can also be used to call taxis, hail a driver or find near-by restaurants to sober up. Taxi operators can use the app to deny assigning any trips to the driver if his results are positive. BeSecure partnered in “Respect the Road” campaign to curb cases of drunk driving this holiday season. As part of the campaign, they interacted with visitors at cyberhub (Café Delhi heights) and nearby outlets and engaged them through the use of the device and application. Over 100 visitors could check their BAC trends, before they sit behind the wheel. Many of them decided to hire drivers after knowing, while others with a low BAC decided to wait for sometime and grabbed some desserts before coming back to confirm that they were good to go. “We want more and more pubs/bars to come forward and facilitate/enable this for their customers to ensure ‘responsible enjoyment’ and a ‘perfect night-out’. Given the different requirements for different users, we have come out with applications for bars/pubs, individual drinkers, radio taxis to remotely monitor if their drivers are drunk etc.”, said a BeSecure representative.
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Legendary singer-composer A. R. Rahman has a special treat in store for his fans today. On his Birthday, the two time Academy Award winner will take to Facebook to interact with his fans through a live chat on 6 January 2014. Bringing in his birthday with those that are his most ardent followers, the music maestro will chat and answer questions on his Facebook Page live from 8-9pm today. The chat will be hosted by celebrated singer-songwriter Salim Merchant who will mediate the interaction. This interaction HAS been initiated by Qyuki, a digital broadcast network/ MCN backed by A. R. Rahman, Shekhar Kapur and Samir Bangara. Qyuki helps creators build their fan-following by producing and distributing online videos with the aim to create enduring intellectual properties. Fans need to tag @myqyuki on Facebook and Twitter with a hashtag #HBDARR to be a part of the live chat between 8-9pm on 6 January ’14.
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The ACE 2014 maiden event that started with enormous spirit of enthusiasm attracted event managers and guests from across the country who became a platform for great knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas. Several topics catering to the event and entertainment industry were discussed in depth by the experts from their respective domains. Nothing can be as exciting as weddings in this country and India being a melting pot of traditions and cultures, the scope it offers through its diversity is heart-warming. Weddings as we all are aware of have become a much classier and grand affair these days. The celebrations have become massive by collaborating with innovative ideas and approach. Beginning from ‘ghar ka aangan’ till the ‘destination weddings’, the customs have changed tremendously. Prince Lakshyaraj Singh- Executive Director, HRH Group of Hotels, Samit Garg- Owner E-factor, Dr. Jaydeep Mehta- World Wide Weddings and True Events and Saurabh Agarwal- Red Events being on the panel, discussed their thoughts on the Wedding trends in this country. Dr. Mehta looked back in time and shared his views about how the business of weddings is changing in the country. Starting from corporate events he elucidated on the shift of culture differentiating corporate events with social ones. Trends are changing in the great Indian wedding market. Speaking on reasons that made him shift his focus from corporate to weddings, he said, “since, largely my clients were from real estate vertical and I was already serving them for corporate events, but when they required someone to do their social events for them, they approached me and insisted on taking it up. That’s where the idea to set up one-stop shop that caters to both corporate as well as weddings came to my mind. Now, my company World Wide Weddings specializes in signature and destination weddings.” Moving further to Saurabh Agarwal, he threw light on the advent of weddings in Gujarat. He said that Ahmedabad was always understated and there wasn’t much respect paid to a wedding planner initially and slowly and gradually people started accepting concepts and market trends. “After Band Baja Baraat movie, people started looking at the wedding with respect, said Mr. Agarwal.” He discussed how the integration of technology has played a great role in the enhancement of this business. According to Mr. Agarwal, weddings are no more a platform for love solely but a status symbol as well. Thus the concept of Indian wedding has seen drastic changes, over the last few years. In the yesteryear, a wedding used to be a brief affair, confined to an economical budget. On the contrary, in today’s times, the ceremony is generally celebrated in an elaborated way, with numerous rituals and activities conducted before, during and after it. A splendid, colorful and extravagant venue, lavish feast and a series of guest entertainment activities build the show these days. The session was concluded by one of the most renowned wedding planners in this country, Samit Garg. Weddings have become larger than life because they are platforms to share happiness getting together people to rejoice. Technology has been advancing and it is being incorporated in the realms of the events that we produce; we have inhabited a 360 degree approach towards our events. “Weddings are extremely inspirational, said Mr. Garg.” He elaborated on the fact how event managers dream their projects and bring life to them. Samit also mentioned that there are massive costs incurred at times because of a certain dream statement which is to be achieved. The experts then moved on to share that one wedding that remains closest to their hearts and what lead to the execution of those weddings. Some great knowledge and ideas were discussed and showcased at the stage of EMF.
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A steaming cup of chai, a warm hug, woolen sweaters & oversized mufflers are some of the items that readily come to mind when one thinks of winters in North India. But for numerous underprivileged, the very same season spells struggle. To fight the merciless cold winters, CashKaro.com, a cashback & coupons site, has launched #EkCashKaroEkChai campaign in an attempt to bring a smile on the face of the cold weather-beaten people of Delhi NCR. CashKaro has pledged to serve chai across Delhi NCR when anybody shops via them from 14th -18th January, 2015 The hashtag #EkCashKaroEkChai will be promoted on the brand’s digital platforms and people will be encouraged to shop more and share their special gesture, thereby celebrating and promoting the campaign in the digital space. The initiative by the brand does not call for any donation nor has any applied terms & conditions. One has to simply shop online via CashKaro platform between 14th -18th January 2015 on any of CashKaro’s partner sites like Jabong, Snapdeal, Paytm, Amazon.in, Dominos and a cup of garam chai will be contributed in their name to the needy. Students from various colleges like IIT (Delhi), St. Stephen’s, Hindu, Hans Raj, Gargi and many more have volunteered to participate in this initiative. These CashKaro student volunteers will be serving chai to the destitute across key areas like Delhi University (North & South Campus), Connaught Place, I.T.O., Gurgaon IFFCO Chowk and more on all five days. On this social initiative Rohan Bhargava, Co-Founder, CashKaro.com said, “CashKaro.com is always committed to the welfare of the society. People have being hard struck by the ruthless cold winds across northern India. These winter-related hardships incepted the idea of #EkCashKaroEkChai campaign wherein we will be serving garam chai across Delhi NCR to the needy. A simple cup of chai in this cold weather definitely puts a smile on our face and helps to withstand the cold. We encourage are users to participate in this cause and to share the joy with us.” ‘’Through this small act, we also want to inculcate a sense of social responsibility among organizations and institutions aiming at the welfare of the society.” He adds. As part of CSR, CashKaro.com has partnered with more than 30 NGOs and charities like CRY, Milaap, Joy of Giving Foundation, CARE, The Mind Foundation, and Akshay Patra where CashKaro members have the option to donate some or all of their Cashback to a charity of their choice. Some of India’s leading charities are part of this initiative and CashKaro.com is helping in generating awareness about their cause and raise funds for the same. To read more about this initiative, click here: http://cashkaro.com/charities To see more details, click here: http://cashkaro.com/page/ekcashkaroekchai
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Evolution is unavoidable. Technology is inevitable. Since early 1990’s, we’ve not only seen technology advancement exploding, but witnessed it becoming part of our lives. Today, technology somehow plays a part in every bit of work we do and conversations we have. The same is true for events. Every event, be it a wedding, corporate or entertainment, technology plays a key role in engaging and amusing audiences. It has become really important to understand and master the usage of technology in social events. Factors like light, video, AV, graphics and mapping technologies extensively affect the outcome of any event. Recently, an informative session was held during ACE 2014 event in Ahmedabad, at YMCA convention center on 12th September, 2014, on the usage of latest technology in events. During the session title ‘Technology: Spinal Cord of the Event’, industry experts and technology providers shared their views on how important technology is for any event. There is no denying the fact that technology impact on any event is noticeable and is only likely to increase in the future. What we have today is visually and aurally better than what it may have been a decade ago. The effects that technology provides today has the ability to evoke instant response from the audiences. However, this does not mean that technology has taken over the content. It is about striking a balance. Aural is one of the most important sensory aspect of any event, bigger the size of a venue, bigger the challenges to provide uniform audio experience. The amount of electronics and accessories used at any event is just phenomenal, a contrast to what is visible to the audiences, which are a bunch of huge speakers. However, Warren D’souza – Founder, Sound.com says “Never be intimidated by the size of a venue. Always plan ahead, plot a venue using technology and software, so every seat and every corner is covered. I call it democracy for listeners, be it the first seat or the last, everyone at an event has the right to hear quality audio equally. I plot 3D diagrams of a venue so every staff exactly knows what they need to do.” Staff members who work on a project are key to successful events. At times, automation helps achieve that success, but still, equipment handling and placements are pivotal. Talking about equipment handling, Warren says, “95% of the times when a failure occurs during an event, it is due to human error, mishandling of equipments by staff. These speakers and electronics are built to last.” Creativity is another aspect that is very important for technology providers. When faced with poor infrastructure, it is important to come up with creative solutions to achieve aural quality. Some of the factors that affect successful event in terms of technology are making use of top-notch equipment, safe rigging, good scaffolding, high-quality musical instruments and most importantly the right set of people who make it possible. Geometry of speaker placements and arrangements also play important part in getting an event right aurally. Visual effects is yet another important factor that decides the outcome of an event. Event managers have increasingly been using latest technologies such as 3D mapping to take event experience to a new level. It is not only about displaying great visual effects, but it is about telling good stories through technology on a large scale. But, technologies are only as good as a venue. Visual technology, especially 3D mapping has been a hit with the event industry. Nitin Chowdhry – Founder & Creative Head, The One Film Co., says: “95% of calls we get from clients ask for 3D mapping, it has become the must-have thing at events including weddings.” Although new technologies can amplify the experience of an event, but, it is important for event managers to spend some time with the technology understanding it, how it works and how best it can be integrated to an event’s theme first, and how they can provide better solutions to their clients. Technology only helps a product make better, not salvage it. So, knowledge of technology is key in getting maximum creativity out of it. Speaking on the use of ‘3D mapping’ technology in creating virtual 3D models of a to-be-constructed mall or a structure, Nitin says, it acts as a prelude to see and visualize what a structure may look like in the future.” He further adds, “the most important thing for any technology company is ‘tech run’, like a home run in baseball, if your tech run is good then your show is good Lighting forms the third most important sensory aspect of any event. Video mapping that was done in the London Olympics, where seats were beautifully lit up; it is the latest trending thing at large scale events, which brings the event alive. At the same time, video is taking over lighting as large scale displays have started to appear in events. At the same time we’re increasingly making use of LEDs almost everywhere and almost in all events. Viraf Pocha – Director, Landmark Productions, says: “Although we are moving to LEDs, it is not true light. It has lots of advantages like there is no heating, no danger of fire, electricity consumption is very less, but it is not true light. So, any environment that requires true colours, LED may not be the best choice.” However beautifully lighting may be done, using LEDs or near to natural light, storytelling is very important. The technology should not be the highlight of an event, but it should disappear while the content is being presented. If we take the example of a theatre, technology that enhances movie experience is a must, we don’t go through traffic, congestion and then pay an amount to just watch film, we could perhaps do that at home as well. But, it is experiencing content at a different level with the use technology that does not interfere, is what every event company should keep in mind.
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Fremantle Media, best known for producing international brands like Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent have partnered with Mobile video streaming servce ZengaTV and YouTube MCN of India OneDigital Entertainment to announce the launch of first digital talent show in the world ‘India’s Digital Superstars’. A first of its kind Digital talent hunt where the audience will be the judging who is the next Big Digital Star. The show is presented by Amazon.in, powered by Gionee in association with radio partner RedFM. This digital show will be inagurated by Atul Khatri (winner of CEO’s Got Talent – 2014), Salim Merchant, Anu Malik, Music Director Duo Vishal Shekhar, Director & Producer Anubhav Sinha, Bhoomi Trivedi and Swaroop Khan (Singer, Tharki Chokro, movie PK). This will be a 14 week journey in search of a Digital Superstar where Musicians, DJ’s, comedians, mimicry artists, dancers, contortionists, jugglers, singers, acro gymnasts and many more across all ages are welcomed to participate. Indiasdigitalsuperstar began auditions from January 19th and will culminate with a finale in May. The winner will be given a contract worth Rs. 20 Lakhs from FremantleMedia and One Digital. The auditions are open to all Indians across the world. Auditions will span across 13 weeks. The 14th week is the grand finale to be held in Mumbai. The Indiasdigitalsuperstar.com platform will encourage participants to upload multiple videos of the talent that they wish to showcase, and will be judged by the audience through the number of views and likes across Youtube, ZengaTV and Facebook. Internet is a free, democratic, unrestricted medium and fresh videos can be uploaded until a week before Finale Night. The host will come online thrice a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 10 continuous weeks starting from the 5th week of audition. Anupama Mandloi, Managing Director, FremantleMedia India says “After the super success of Indian Idol, India’s got Talent, we at Fremantle are delighted to launch a platform that will be accessible to everyone with internet access. Given that India is a priority market for FremantleMedia and a popular destination for many of our hit international brands, we want to continue driving our strategy of aggregating talent across media with India’s Digital Superstars. We have been instrumental in sourcing, discovering and unleashing talent across television and this is the obvious next step for us to take the talent hunt to the internet which is a world unto itself. ”Manish Kalra, Director Integrated Marketing, Amazon.in says “The digital medium democratises opportunities and choices and enables easy access to them for everyone like no other medium. We are very excited to be part of India’s Digital Superstar and support this effort to celebrate the immense talent that is waiting to be discovered Shabir Momin, MD & CTO, ZengaTV & OneDigital adds “The youth today is hungry for exciting and engaging content and ‘India’s Digital Superstar’ is an opportunity where every moment will count and adrenal will be on the high. This gives everyone a chance to showcase talent from anywhere in the world and be the next start in this world which has no boundaries.” Mr. Arvind.R.Vohra, India Head – Gionee Smartphones said “Digital as a a platform is connected to the youth of this country. IDS as a digital platform is the first in the country which creates the opportunity for the youth to showcase the talent and get recognized. We at Gionee are proud to be associated with IDS as this allows the youth to follow their passions and this has got a great synergy with our brand as we also want our consumers to follow the passions and we help them as an enabler for it” Mr. Gurpreet Singh, COO & Co-founder One Digital Entertainment says “With the unique format of the show specially created for the digital platform, India’s Digital Superstar will create opportunities for Indians globally to showcase their talent without having to stand in queues or reach specific locations at specific time. Moreover the show is not about highlighting only a couple of contestants but we want to showcase as many talented Indian creators, and that is why the call for entries never stops during the show. As long as the show is on, people can participate and stand a chance to win.”
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Recently at EMF’s maiden event ACE 2014, event managers and agencies convened together with a spirit of eagerness and excitement to debate on the changing phases of events and entertainment industry. A session by Mr. Tarsem Mittal, Head TM Entertainment, Ms. Reema Gupta, Director Red Entertainment and Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Founder Laughing Colors shared their thoughts and views about the challenges they face as talent managers with the artists. Artist management is not anymore the concept and practice that it used to be. It has become a more grand and extravagant show in the present days. Mr. Tarsem Mittal highlighted the issues associated with managing artists considering past, present and future. Earlier most people felt that a celebrity manager is an unnecessary broker between an artist and its organizer, whereas there has been a change seen over time. People have realized and started accepting the talent that our artists have been showcasing these days. Some of the other points that Mr. Mittal mentioned were, the talent managers have become an organized agency these days and thus they have become easily accessible to official agency representatives. He further moved on to explain what an entertainment manager does and offers to its clients and what the clients expect in return of the budgets they invest. “Today event manager is the boss, who decides which artist should be performing in which event and he has the liberty to customize and conceptualize his event according to his requirements so that he can efficiently fulfill the needs of his clients, said Mr. Mittal.” Taking the subject forward, Ms. Reema Gupta elucidated on the need and importance of featuring international artists on our national platform. She clearly said it is no more the same situation of bringing a singer or a Bollywood personality to the table and attaining satisfaction. As event managers, it is needful to accommodate and bring international artists to India considering the increasing talent seen nationally and globally. There was a time when a big vacuum was generated, to be filled with something which was unique, an experience worth remembering and that when certain agencies came into existence and went all across the world to pick talent that suited the Indian industry. This urge brought a lot of artists to India, adding to the economy, showcasing unknown talent, adding value in terms of clients and thus making it more convenient for logistics. Ms. Gupta said “People have become more quality conscious and creative. Imagination plays the key role in events of present times.” She stressed on the fact that how important it has become to fulfill all verticals of the event one is hosting. But what makes it a complete event, is when both Indian and International artists can perform on one stage. “International artists coming to India might reduce in future but what will surely increase is the usage of International concepts in this country.” Speaking specifically about comedians in this industry, Mr. Rajesh Sharma threw light on the challenges faced with comedy artists. He started off by mentioning how comedians in earlier times were considered as fillers in an event, but with the advent of comedy shows on television “these fillers have become pillars, said Mr. Sharma.” They have gradually started stealing the show to a great extent. He also spoke about the demand of the comedians in terms of budgets with the increasing acceptance and love showered by their viewers. Mr. Rajesh Verma summed up the key issues; first being a contract to be signed with the artist before the event, post event report should be capitulated and analysis should be made. Another point made was to form an artist association which addresses the issues that occur, and last but the least talent managers should generate trust in their clients when asking for a quotation.
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