Humbled.

Past month I had the privilege to associate with Event & Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) in capacity of the Jury for the EEMAX Global Awards 2023. The event was hosted in Mumbai and attended widely with friends of old and legends within the industry (some were missed). Some experiences stand out as an events professional and surely I carry back a few that will make me reminisce. Legend Shiamak Davar's performance was probably the stand-out highlight of entertainment evening. Also, announcing awards to friends, former colleagues and acknowledging the best efforts in the industry were nothing short of a personal milestone moment. Allow me to share with you my key learnings from my association and participation in Mumbai.

Underdog mentality

It is a dynamic mindset that transforms challenges into catalysts for determination and innovation. It empowers individuals or groups facing overwhelming odds to embrace their perceived disadvantages, channeling them into unwavering resilience, creative problem-solving, and an unbreakable spirit to achieve extraordinary feats. I'm a fan of this attitude. It's not the only way to follow, but it goes a long way 'to make it big' when you're starting small.

During the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, India's cricket team was considered an underdog due to their limited experience in the format. Despite early doubts and a loss to New Zealand, the team's spirit shone as they overcame challenges. In a crucial match against England, little-known bowler Joginder Sharma secured victory under immense pressure. Advancing to the semifinals against cricket giants Australia, India's teamwork and determination prevailed. The final, against rivals Pakistan, further showcased their underdog mentality. India set a competitive target and their bowlers sealed victory, winning the championship. The victory not only earned them the title but also spurred the T20 cricket revolution in India, leading to the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This triumph stands as a testament to the potential of self-belief, resilience, and determination in conquering adversity.

Not everything that looks perfect is so...

I underscore the notion that appearances can be deceiving. It reminds us that even when something seems flawless on the surface, it might still possess imperfections or hidden complexities beneath the veneer. IYKYK ;) and it's what happened at the EEMAX awards too. Always a stark reminder that process is important to create what I cover next 'muscle memory'.

Perfection needs practice - muscle memory

Appreciate that achieving perfection requires consistent practice and repetition. Just like how muscle memory is developed through continuous training, mastery in any skill or endeavor comes from dedicated and repetitive practice. It emphasizes that excellence is a result of persistent effort rather than an innate trait. This, when done right collaboratively, creates champion teams.

No alternate - Make an event memorable

Boman Irani in his invigorating talk with Brian Tellis shared many anecdotes. Some brutal for the listeners and relevant too :). BUT for the industry audience he emphasized "make the event memorable". With this sole objective, if decisions and plans are streamlined, who's to say the event wasn't a success. Rest will be history…?

Winning takes a team

A great thing about winning is that when the joy of winning is shared among a team, it multiplies? many folds. There's a strange pleasure in synergy and remembering efforts, applauding teammates and leadership with honesty. I noticed that most organizations present at the event were represented by teams and shared this joy of winning and making memory in unison.

Components are important but trust is critical

Respect is earned. The industry thrives on human connection. Artists, venue, planners, audience, orchestra, suppliers, consultants and the industry has a thousand more roles that have played a pivotal role. It's the trust between them that makes businesses grow, create spell bounding occasions, make audiences trust a brand and to top it all, make marketing experiential.

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Thank you EEMA! It's been a humbling exercise to notice how far the industry has travelled over time. A vocation that wasn't a career choice two decades ago has created aspirational roles, transformed with technology and touched thousands of lives. Glad to be a small component in the universe, still learning and hoping there be more occasions to make happy memories, possibly off camera too ;).