ES. Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what led you to your current role at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC?
Manuj Ralhan. From a young age, I was fascinated by the hospitality industry, greatly influenced by my uncle who managed F&B operations at a renowned hotel in New Delhi. My journey began with industry exposure at prestigious hotel brands in New Delhi, where I learned the demanding nature of hospitality. This experience cemented my passion for the field as I thrived in both kitchen and front-of-house environments.
My career was shaped by working under esteemed hoteliers at leading brands such as The Oberoi, Taj, Four Seasons, Shangri-la, JW Marriott & my latest assignment at Accor’s iconic Pullman & Novotel Complex Aerocity. They taught me invaluable lessons about service excellence, importance of leading from the front, recognition and the magic potion to a winning team.
Over the years, I have juggled priorities, worked with diverse teams, and embraced the daily challenges and joys of the hospitality industry. These experiences have led me to my current role as General Manager at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC, where I continue to apply my passion for creating memorable guest experiences and leading a team committed to excellence.
ES. Please provide an overview of the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, highlighting its unique selling points and key features that make it a premier venue for events?
Manuj Ralhan. Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC, managed by Accor, redefines excellence in the MICE segment. Its unique selling points and key features include:
Mugdha Convention Centre: Offers 11,737 sq. ft. of versatile space with 740 retractable auditorium-style seats and an adjoining pre-function area of 11,771 sq. ft. with ceiling height of 26 ft.
Pillarless Exhibition Halls (JECC): Two expansive halls, each covering 106,372 sq. ft. with a 43 ft. ceiling height, providing unparalleled flexibility for large-scale events.
Comprehensive Facilities: Includes 16 breakout rooms, a VIP Lounge, and 2 green rooms.
Lush Green Lawn: 70,000 sq. ft. ideal for weddings and any social gathering.
JECC Grounds: 914,000 sq. ft. suitable for carnivals, concerts, and trade fairs.
Outdoor and Recreational Amenities: Beautiful 24,000 sq. ft. rooftop poolside lawn, kid’s play area, fitness centre, spa, and family lounge.
Seamless Check-In & Check Out: One of the very few hotels with two check-in / out lobbies and seven check-in counters ensure swift, efficient & an exceptional arrival & departure experience.
Accommodation: 226 contemporary rooms, including a presidential suite, with extensive parking facilities for 2,000 coaches or 5,000 cars.
Culinary Excellence: Master Chefs for every cuisine. A dedicated vegetarian kitchen led by our Maharaj known for his skills with Rajasthani cuisine.
These features, coupled with our commitment to superior service and technological integration, position Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC, managed by Accor, as a leading venue for all types of events.
ES. How do you perceive the future prospects of the MICE industry in Jaipur, and how is JECC strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities?
Manuj Ralhan. The MICE industry in Jaipur is poised for significant growth, driven by the city’s rich cultural heritage and increasing demand for high-quality event spaces. JECC managed by Accor is strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities by offering state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional service, and a prime location near Jaipur International Airport. Our comprehensive event solutions, combined with a commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensure that we remain at the forefront of the MICE industry, attracting both domestic and international clients.
ES. What key quality and service standards does Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor uphold? What are the primary focuses of your service offerings?
Manuj Ralhan. Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor upholds the highest standards of quality and service, with a primary focus on:
Guest Satisfaction: Delivering personalized and seamless experiences for every guest.
Technological Excellence: Providing advanced audio-visual equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and integrated technology for flawless event execution.
Sustainability: Implementation of eco-conscious practices to minimize our environmental impact, green energy initiatives, DE &I focus, food wastage control & education, water treatment plants & aiming soon to be a plastic free complex.
Culinary Delights: Offering diverse and exceptional culinary experiences tailored to our guests’ preferences.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests through universal design principles and assistive technologies.
ES. How does Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor address sustainability? What sustainable practices have been implemented to ensure environmental responsibility?
Manuj Ralhan. Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor is committed to sustainability through a range of eco-conscious practices, including:
Renewable Energy: Installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and energy-efficient heat pumps. Green Energy focus and installation of a 3 MW Solar plant
Water Conservation: Implementation of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and an in-house water bottling plant.
Sustainable Choices: Utilizing 100% LED lighting, wooden key cards, and paperless transactions.
Environmental Responsibility: Ongoing initiatives to inspire a more responsible and sustainable approach to hospitality.
These practices underscore our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing the guest experience.
ES. Can you highlight some key MICE events that you have hosted in the past year? What were some notable achievements or milestones from these events?
Manuj Ralhan. In the past year, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor has hosted a variety of prestigious MICE events, solidifying our reputation as a premier venue. A notable achievement was winning the Star MICE Hotel award at the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2024 in Mumbai, which highlights our commitment to excellence in service and facilities. Additionally, we have successfully hosted large-scale conferences, international exhibitions, and grand weddings, each demonstrating our capacity to meet diverse event requirements and deliver outstanding results.
ES. What are your future plans and vision? Are there any upcoming developments or initiatives that you can share?
Manuj Ralhan. Looking forward, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor aims to continue enhancing our offerings and maintaining our position as the leading MICE destination in Jaipur. Future initiatives include:
Sustainability Enhancements: Implementing solar panels, water harvesting systems, and advanced waste management practices.
Curated Experiences: Developing bespoke packages for heritage tours, adventure activities, and cultural immersions.
Inclusive Design: Prioritizing universal design principles and assistive technologies to ensure accessibility for all guests.
Community Engagement: Collaborating with cultural institutions, NGOs, and local artists for workshops and community outreach programs.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement.
ES. How does JECC distinguish itself as a leading venue in the MICE industry and what sets it apart from other venues in the region?
Manuj Ralhan. JECC managed by Accor distinguishes itself through:
Unmatched Capacity: Over 14,00,000 sq. ft. of meeting spaces and Two-Pillarless Exhibition halls of 1,06,372 sq. ft. each.
Flexible and Grand Spaces: The Mugdha Grand Ballroom with 740 retractable chairs, extensive breakout rooms, and picturesque outdoor settings.
Comprehensive Solutions: On-site accommodation, extensive parking facilities, and a range of recreational amenities.
Technological Advancements: High-speed Wi-Fi, advanced audio-visual equipment, and dedicated IT support.
These features, combined with our unwavering commitment to exceptional service and sustainability, set us apart as a leading venue in the MICE industry.
ES. What message would you like to convey to the MICE industry at large?
Manuj Ralhan. The MICE industry is experiencing a dynamic evolution, with a renewed focus on face-to-face interactions and impactful events. At Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, cutting-edge facilities, and sustainable practices to create memorable experiences for our guests. Our team is committed to exceeding expectations and setting new standards of excellence. We invite you to explore the unparalleled opportunities at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC managed by Accor, where every event is crafted to perfection and every experience is unforgettable. The future of MICE lies in our ability to adapt to changing needs, prioritize inclusivity, and foster meaningful connections.
