GNA University organised a virtual conclave on ‘Hospitality Viz a Viz Technology: changing role of Hospitality Practitioners’ with a key objective to keep students abreast of the latest technology & trends in tourism, hospitality entrepreneurship and accommodation sector. The session was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Rattan (Vice Chancellor, GNA University) and Prof. (Dr.) R.K. Mahajan (Registrar, GNA University) welcomed faculty and students from 50 different institutions across the world. Prof. (Dr.) Monika Hanspal (Dean Academic Affairs) presented the objectives for organizing this conclave and Dr. Sandilyan Ramunujam Pagaldiviti, Dean, Faculty of Hospitality introduced the conclave theme to all speakers and participants. The online sessions during the Conclave were moderated by Dr. Kusum and Mrs.Shagun khaira Sharma from Faculty of Hospitality.

The first session was on ‘Global Opportunities & Challenges in tourism’ where some of the eminent speakers were Mr. NeelkanthPararath (Founder, MD and CTO of WebCRS.com), Mr. VenkatesanDhattareyan,Regional Director (West , Central  & Southern  Region), India Tourism, Mumbai, Mr. Amaresh Kumar Tiwari (Vice Chairman ICPB, Director & Board member FAITH), Dr. G.Saravana Kumar ( Associate Professor Jain University), Ms. Nidhi Bansal ( Founder India City Walks),Mr. Alok Singh, Director, Enriching Journeys Private Limited, New Delhiand Dr. Aditi Chaudhary ( Assistant Professor and Chairperson Placements IITTM Noida).

The second session was ‘Focus on Entrepreneurship in Hospitality’ where some of the eminent speakers were Ms. Shobha Mohan (Founder RARE India), Dr. Susanta Ranjan Chaini (Professor and Dean, Faculty of Hotel & Tourism Management, SGT University, Gurgaon), Mr. Sudhir Chawla (General Manager, Goldfinch Hotels, Surajkund), Mr. Toshit Sharma (National Corporate Chef- India RATIONAL International Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Siddharth Bhan Gupta (Hospitality Consultant & Blogger), Chef Subhodip Majumder (Sr. Vice President WCCF, India & In-charge WCCF West Bengal) and Chef M. Vijay ( Executive Chef, Fern Ahmadabad).

The third session was focussed on ‘Preparing Accommodation for Modern Travellers’ where some of the eminent speakers were Prof. Md. Shahriar Parvez (Advisor to Bangladesh Tourism Research Institute), Mr. Sumit Bharany (Ex Chef Carival Cruises & General Manager Aritara Hotels), Mr. Ganesh Yadav (Housekeeping Manager, Radisson Hotels), Ms. Anita Mary Peter ( Ex Executive Housekeeper, Oberoi Hotels and Freelance Faculty), Mr. Davinder Singh (Principal, FCI Jabalpur) and Ms. Rajnit Kohli ( Principal, IHM Bhatinda).

All the sessions were very informative and enjoyed by one and all, wherein students questions were also taken and well answered. Dr. Sandilyan Ramunujam Pagaldiviti, Dean Faculty of Hospitality thanked all the speakers on behalf of GNA University. President and Pro-Chancellor, GNA University, S. Gurdeep Singh Sihra said, “Such conclaves are important for faculty and students to keep themselves updated with the changing role of hospitality practitioners.”