EEMAGINE 2024, hosted by the Events and Entertainment Management Association
(EEMA), concluded on August 11th in Kolkata with resounding success. Held at the
prestigious ITC Royal Bengal, the convention brought together a distinguished array of
industry professionals, thought leaders, and creative visionaries, all united by a shared
passion for innovation and excellence in the events and experiential marketing industry.
The event kicked off with a powerful lineup of international speakers, including
representatives from the Burning Man Festival, Cocolab, and the College of Extraordinary
Experiences, who shared their unique insights into the global trends shaping the future of the industry. Attendees were treated to an enlightening journey through the ever-evolving
landscape of event management, gaining invaluable perspectives on creativity, sustainability, and technological advancements.
A series of deeply engaging talks and panel discussions enriched the experience for all
present. The first was ‘The Burning Man Story’ by Heather Gallagher, which delved into the
continuous evolution of this iconic festival, highlighting its challenges, innovations, and
unwavering commitment to core principles. Another session was ‘Mastering the Muse,’
presented by Pablo Azuela of Cocolab International, which showcased global case studies
that have redefined the art of storytelling, demonstrating how immersive experiences are
revolutionising audience engagement.
The agenda also included ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ by Sumant Jayakrishnan,
who explored the artistic intersection of architecture, beauty, and temporality in event design. His insights into using recyclable, light, and reusable materials to create grand narratives left attendees inspired to push the boundaries of creativity in their own projects. Meanwhile, Sanjay Tandon’s session ‘Harmonizing the Future’ provided an essential update on the music licensing landscape, a topic of growing importance in the industry.
Additionally, industry stalwarts Roshan Abbas and Sanjoy Roy led an insightful discussion on Intellectual Property (IP), sharing their experiences and the importance of creating and protecting unique event concepts.
EEMAGINE 2024 also emphasised the importance of sustainability and safety in event
management. This focus was reflected in numerous discussions and workshops that
provided attendees with practical strategies for integrating sustainable practices into their
events, ensuring a positive impact on the environment while maintaining the highest safety
standards.
The second day of the convention featured the enchanting ‘Calcutta Kiss’ cocktail dinatoire,
a night of cabaret performances that captivated the audience. The venue, exquisitely
designed by Swarup Dutta, provided a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities,
showcasing the seamless blend of creativity and craftsmanship that defines the industry.
The grand finale of EEMAGINE 2024 was the EEMAX Global Awards, a glittering evening
that celebrated the outstanding contributions and successes of professionals across various
categories, including corporate events, weddings, exhibitions, and digital integration.
Hosted by Neha Dhupia and Manish Paul, the awards night was a star-studded affair, with Usha Uthup being felicitated for her immense contribution to the entertainment industry. The evening was further enlivened by captivating performances from the Bombay Choir and Beat Busters, leaving the audience mesmerized. As the curtains closed on EEMAGINE 2024, the event left an indelible mark on all who attended, setting the stage for future innovations in the events and experiential marketing industry. EEMA President Samit Garg expressed his delight by stating, “Eemagine 2024 turned out to be even better than I had imagined. Everything fell into place perfectly, and it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved.”
Echoing this sentiment, Vinod Bhandari, Eemagine committee chair, added, “This year’s
Eemagine has set a new benchmark for our industry. The level of creativity, collaboration,
and innovation we witnessed over these three days has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
