As Jaipur steadily strengthens its position on India’s MICE map, the JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre is emerging as a preferred destination for large-format conventions, conferences, and exhibitions. At the helm is Manuj Ralhan, General Manager, who is driving a vision that blends infrastructure, sustainability, and seamless execution to deliver impactful event experiences.
In an exclusive conversation with EVENTFAQS Media, Manuj shares how the property is redefining sustainable MICE practices and positioning Rajasthan as a global events destination.
JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre has been recognised as the Best MICE Property for sustainability. How are you integrating sustainable practices into large-format meetings, conferences, and exhibitions hosted at the property?
At JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, sustainability is deeply integrated into the planning and execution of large-format events. We implement energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, heat pumps, and EV charging stations to reduce our carbon footprint. We also focus on water conservation through advanced wastewater treatment and in-house bottling, while promoting paperless operations and ecofriendly materials. Additionally, we encourage responsible practices among clients and partners, ensuring that every event is not only impactful but also environmentally conscious.
Jaipur is increasingly emerging as a preferred MICE destination. What advantages does JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre offer to event planners and corporate clients looking to host large-scale MICE events?
Jaipur is fast emerging as a preferred MICE destination, and at JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, we offer a fully integrated venue with hotel, convention, and exhibition facilities in one location—ensuring seamless execution of small to large-scale events. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, the property features pillar-less venues, including the Mugdha Convention Centre with 740 retractable seats, two expansive exhibition halls at JECC, 12 breakout rooms, a VIP lounge, green rooms, and a 70,000 sq. ft. lawn. Backed by Accor’s global standards, we deliver efficient, high-quality, and large-format MICE experiences under one roof.
From infrastructure to service delivery, what key elements do you believe are essential today for a venue to stand out in the competitive ecosystem?
In today’s competitive ecosystem, a venue must combine strong infrastructure with exceptional service delivery. At JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, key elements include large, flexible spaces such as pillar-less exhibition halls, advanced audio-visual technology, and high-speed connectivity. Equally important is delivering seamless, personalized guest experiences, supported by strong sustainability practices and diverse culinary offerings.
What truly sets a venue apart is the ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver under pressure. A recent example is the 84th Annual Conference of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) 2026, where we transformed a critical operational challenge into a unique culinary experience. By introducing traditional bhatis and chulhas (wood and coal-fired earthen ovens), we ensured uninterrupted service and served over 25,000 meals, blending efficiency with Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage.
This ability to integrate scale, technology, service excellence, and innovative problem-solving is what truly distinguishes our venue in today’s landscape.
How are client expectations around events evolving, particularly with respect to sustainability, technology integration, and experiential engagement?
Client expectations are evolving with a stronger focus on sustainability, technology integration, and experiential engagement. Today, clients prefer eco-friendly events with reduced waste, sustainable culinary practices, and responsible sourcing.
Technology plays a key role, with increasing demand for hybrid event capabilities, digital tools, real-time engagement platforms, and seamless high-speed connectivity. At the same time, clients are looking for personalized and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional formats—creating meaningful and memorable interactions for attendees.
Venues that can successfully blend sustainability, advanced technology, and engaging experiences while delivering large-scale, high-quality events are the ones that truly stand out in today’s competitive landscape.
Could you tell us about some of the MICE events over the past few months that particularly stood out, and how has the response been from clients and attendees?
Over the past few months, we have hosted several standout MICE events, including AIOC 2026, TiE Global Summit, Stone Mart, Material Recycling Association of India Conference, Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas, and Rising Rajasthan—bringing together industry leaders and celebrating the state’s growth and culture. These events also attracted strong participation from international delegates, further establishing Jaipur as a premier global MICE destination. Adding to our accolades, we were honored as South Asia Hotel of the Year 2025, underscoring our commitment to excellence. The response from both clients and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Clients praised the seamless organization, meticulous attention to detail, and robust sustainability practices, while attendees appreciated the interactive sessions, immersive experiences, and smooth technology integration. These events reflect our continued commitment to delivering impactful, large-scale, and memorable experiences.
What is your vision for positioning JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre as a leading hub for national and international MICE events in the coming years?
Our vision is to position JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre as a leading hub for both national and international MICE events by combining world-class infrastructure with global service standards. We aim to strengthen our presence by attracting large-scale international conventions, exhibitions, and corporate events, while continuously enhancing our technology, sustainability practices, and guest experiences. By leveraging Jaipur’s growing appeal and our integrated event ecosystem, we are focused on creating a destination that delivers scale, innovation, and seamless execution, making us a preferred choice on the global MICE map.
