Manuj Ralhan, General Manager, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) – managed by Accor in an exclusive interview with Today’s Traveller, shares how JECC has cemented its status as a premier event venue in India and also positioned Jaipur as a key hub for live entertainment
TT Bureau: How have the landmark concerts of Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh at JECC solidified its position as a premier entertainment venue and marked a significant milestone in its growth trajectory?
Manuj Ralhan: The Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), managed by Accor, has rapidly evolved into one of India’s most sought-after event venues, catering to a diverse range of events, from large-scale concerts to summits with global leaders. The landmark concerts of Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh at JECC were defining moments that solidified our reputation as a premier entertainment venue.
Diljit Dosanjh’s concert was a high-energy spectacle that brought as many as 28,000 fans together, while Arijit Singh’s soulful performance created an unforgettable experience for music lovers. These concerts were not just about music; they were about delivering world-class entertainment with seamless event execution, robust security, and an exceptional guest experience.
What made these concerts particularly significant was the scale on which they were conducted. JECC provided the ideal setting with its expansive space and ability to manage large crowds efficiently. With multiple entry and exit points and well-coordinated logistics, ensured that both events were executed flawlessly.
Additionally, the success of these concerts demonstrated our capability to host globally recognized artists and handle massive audience turnouts, reinforcing our position as a venue that meets international standards. The overwhelming response from attendees and the seamless coordination with event organizers further validated JECC as the go-to destination for large-scale concerts in India.
These events have not only strengthened our credibility in the entertainment industry but have also positioned Jaipur as a major hub for live entertainment. The ripple effect of these concerts extends beyond the venue itself, benefiting local businesses, tourism, and hospitality in the city.
TT Bureau: With the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre now hosting some of the country’s most prestigious summits, like the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which had PM Narendra Modi in attendance, what do you think makes it stand out as a top-tier convention venue in India?
Manuj Ralhan: JECC has built a reputation for hosting some of the most high-profile MICE events in the country, setting new standards in the industry year after year. When the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 brought Prime Minister Narendra Modi to our venue, it was yet another testament to our ability to handle large-scale, prestigious gatherings with seamless efficiency.
What makes the property truly stand out is a mix of scale, world-class infrastructure, a prime location, and the added advantage of having the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre within the same complex. Spread across 42 acres, it’s one of the largest convention centers in India, designed to accommodate everything from corporate conferences to massive trade exhibitions.
One of our biggest strengths is our pillarless exhibition halls—two massive spaces covering over 1 lakh sq. ft. each. The unobstructed layout gives organizers the flexibility to set up large trade shows, summits, and conferences without any structural limitations. An additional asset is the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, located right next door, offering 226 well-appointed rooms, ensuring that guests and delegates enjoy a seamless experience from check-in to check-out.
Flexibility is key when it comes to events, and that’s where Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre truly shines. The hotel offers 14 different event venues, including Mugdha, a grand 11,543 sq. ft. pillarless convention hall with an equally spacious pre-function area of 11,771 sq. ft. Plus, with a VIP lounge on-site, we’re well-equipped to host top business leaders and dignitaries in a secure, private setting.
Beyond infrastructure and logistics, we’re committed to a sustainable future. From energy-efficient lighting to EV charging stations and waste management systems, we’re integrating eco-friendly initiatives to ensure that every event hosted here is both impactful and responsible.
At JECC, it is our goal to create experiences that define the future of business, networking, and innovation.
TT Bureau: IIFA has largely been an international event. How do you think hosting it at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre changes the perception of India as a global entertainment hub? What features make it the ideal location for an event of IIFA’s magnitude?
Manuj Ralhan: IIFA has always been a grand celebration of Indian cinema on an international stage, with past editions hosted in destinations like New York, London, Madrid, and Dubai. Bringing IIFA to JECC is a momentous occasion that not only elevates the status of our venue but also shifts the global perception of India as a premier entertainment hub.
Traditionally, IIFA’s international presence highlighted Bollywood’s global appeal. Hosting it in Jaipur showcases India’s world-class infrastructure, proving that we are capable of organizing and delivering large-scale international events.
Jaipur is known for its heritage and tourism, but IIFA presents the city in a new light—as a modern, event-ready metropolis. The international attention this event brings will further boost tourism, business collaborations, and Jaipur’s position on the world stage. Also, this sets a precedent for future award shows, film festivals, and global music tours to consider Indian venues over international ones.
The influx of celebrities, media, and tourists for IIFA is expected to have a direct economic impact, benefiting the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. The global media coverage of IIFA in Jaipur will further boost India’s reputation as a vibrant and capable host for world-class events. IIFA’s execution at JECC will set a new standard for how India and Jaipur, in particular, can host entertainment events with grandeur and precision.
As to what makes JECC an ideal location for IIFA, the fact is that JECC is built for events like IIFA—big, bold, and full of energy. With massive pillarless halls and over 8 lakh sq. ft. of outdoor concert space, we’ve got everything needed for grand stage setups, red carpet moments, VIP lounges, and media enclosures. Handling celebrities, dignitaries, and industry leaders takes top-notch security, smooth logistics, and world-class hospitality. With Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre right next door, guests get the best of both—seamless event hosting and premium stays, all in one place.
And it’s not just about the glitz—we care about the planet, too. Our venue integrates energy-efficient lighting, EV charging stations, advanced water conservation systems, and sustainable waste management practices to ensure an environmentally responsible event. This year, we’re backing the IIFA Green Challenge, where the organisers, along with celebrities, are planting as many as 15,000 trees in and around our premises. The IIFA Garden will be a lasting reminder of our commitment to a greener future.
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