MICE @ Kochi | Convention, Exhibitions and Meeting Centres [Archive]

mohammedirshad06

September 5th, 2012, 08:16 PM

Kochi to host Global Healthcare Summit (http://india.nydailynews.com/newsarticle/1a220fed49e0d8064aff510f9155d55d/kochi-to-host-aapi-s-global-healthcare-summit)

http://www.indiapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/AAPI_LOGO_Blue.jpg

To help bring the best, most efficient and cost effective healthcare solutions to India, the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), a powerful body with over 65,000 members, will organise a health summit in Kochi next January.

Aimed at advancing the accessibility, affordability and the quality of world-class healthcare, the Jan 1-3 Indo-US Global Health Summit 2013 (GHS) will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries, the organisation announced Tuesday.

"AAPI USA has been actively engaged in harnessing the power of Indian diaspora," Narendra Kumar, president of AAPI, said.

"Providing a forum for innovative opportunities for learning, networking and giving back to our motherland" the summit has already received confirmation and endorsement from over 300 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons, he said.

During the past four summits since the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit in 2006, AAPI has been instrumental in developing strategic alliances with various organizations.

The Summit, which is a public-private initiative between the Government of India and AAPI, is all about dedication and commitment of Indian-American physicians to improving healthcare in India, said Dr. Jayesh Shah, President-Elect of AAPI.

GHS 2013 will include a scientific programme developed by leading experts covering high priority areas like cardiology, maternal and child health, diabetes, oncology, surgery, mental health, immunology and lung health, he said.

Featuring plenary sessions, interactive roundtables, clinical practice workshops, and meet-the-expert sessions, the first ever scientific poster session will facilitate dissemination and exchange of best practices.
More than 100 opinion leaders and expert speakers representing major centres of excellence, institutions and professional associations from across the globe will present cutting-edge scientific findings related to clinical practice.
For the first time, a CEO Forum representing CEOs from around the world and from hospitals, teaching institutions and major healthcare sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology, will join together to explore potential opportunities for collaboration, Kumar said.

An added attraction to the participating physicians is that the programme will enable them to obtain 14 hours of credit, has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

mohammedirshad06

September 15th, 2012, 07:24 PM

If things move in right direction, Kochi definitely will emerge the biggest MICE Destination in the country, with numerous of convention/expo centers planned in our city. The following are the list of likely to come soon.

1. Grand Hyatt International ICC- Bolgatty will be India's largest and iconic, that is planned to rival Singapore's Suntech

2. Kochi International Expo Center, to be constructed by ITPO and KINFRA

3. A convention center planned in Business district of KOMET in Kakkanad

4. A convention center proposed in Science City by V Guard

5. International Convention Center proposed by Kerala Chamber of Commerce

6. Medical Convention Center by Aster Medcity in Chernanellor.

7. CIAL's Convention Center- Nedumbassery

There are misc proposals, for which clear image not yet made

1. A convention center in Water city (Where is this water city?)

2. GCDA's Marine Drive Convention center in Phase 2 (Will it get EIA?)

3. Abad's proposal to develop a 5 star spa-convention resort near Vaikom (still in drawing board and land finalization)

4. A convention center planned in Aluva.

Malayaali

September 20th, 2012, 05:31 PM

India's biggest conference on HOSPITAL PLANNING, DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE in Kochi

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/377265_479057542118673_1749602052_n.jpg

Malayaali

September 26th, 2012, 06:28 AM

TiEcon Kerala meet in Kochi next month (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article3935187.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy)
TiE Kerala will host the first TiEcon Kerala 2012, the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and professionals from across the country, here next month.

The two-day event will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Le Meridien Convention Centre on October 25. John K Paul, president, TiE Kerala, will preside over the function.

The keynote address will be delivered by Ashok Rao, chairman, TiE Global, in the presence of Kanwal Rekhi, founder chairman, TiE Global, and managing partner, Inventus Capital Partners.

Paul told the media here today that ‘TiEcon Kerala is being organised as a part of expanding activities of TiE Kerala Chapter. The conference, being held for the first time in a non-metro city, provides great opportunities for the new generation entrepreneurs to have pro-active interactions with renowned experts and successful entrepreneurs, he said.

The conference will discuss different aspects of entrepreneurship, opportunities and challenges it provides. About 1,000 delegates, including a large number of women and NRI entrepreneurs, will participate in the two-day conference.

TiE Kerala, he said, has submitted its final proposals to the State Government on Entrepreneurship following workshops and roundtable conferences organised earlier. The growing interest in entrepreneurship has prompted the State Government to support and participate in TiEcon Kerala 2012, he said.

The two-day conference will have more than 20 sessions, run concurrently in four tracks and will focus on entrepreneurship, services, manufacturing and mentoring.

Prominent speakers from India and abroad to address the conference include Sam Pitroda, chairman of National Innovation Council, Sramana Mitra, internationally reputed mentor and author of ‘1 Million x 1 Million Programme’ and K.M. Chandrashekar, vice-chairman of State Planning Board.

Further details can be had from www.tieconkerala.org

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), founded in Silicon Valley, US, is a global network of entrepreneurs engaged in promoting entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking and education.

KMC

September 29th, 2012, 07:07 AM

http://www.isdn.asia/image.axd?picture=2012%2f9%2fAITEC-for-web.jpg
AEON Hotels and Resorts Pvt.Ltd proposes to develop a World Class Trade & Exhibition Centre in 12 acres of land near NH bypass, Cochin. The project is expected to provide an integrated venue for conferencing, convention and exhibition equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, audio and video equipment and other auxiliary services required to attract domestic and international conferences along with exhibitions.

The proposed Exhibition Centre cum Conference Hall will have a gross built up area of 225000 sq ft. The project components include an Exhibition Centre within the built up area and other necessary onsite and offsite infrastructures.

The development of the entire project focus in to five major categories namely sustainable sites, water management, energy efficiency and atmosphere, material and resources, and indoor environmental quality. It is sure that this project will be developed as environment friendly and green building concept based.

Malayaali

September 29th, 2012, 07:19 AM

^^

That looks awesome. Kochi is getting too much proposals on the MICE side. :cheers:

DileepKS

September 29th, 2012, 07:52 AM

That is the norm, my friend. When an opportunity arises here, a number of player would appear vying to get a piece of the pie. Finally, market forces would decide how many gets built and how many will be successful.

It is not like the 'planned development' elsewhere, where the govt decides that you need a convention center here and a resort there, and then wait for people to show interest.

Malayaali

September 29th, 2012, 08:41 AM

Incredible Start for tourism at KTM (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/incredible-start-for-tourism-at-ktm/296242-60-122.html)
It was tourism blooming all over Kochi on the second day of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2012. After the grand opening of KTM on Thursday the ‘tourism business’ kickstarted at Le Meridien Convention Centre on Friday with the business to business (B2B) meeting from the morning itself.

Buyers and sellers both from within and outside India have presented their products. There are full-fledged 12 houseboats in presentation outside the venue. The helicopter service from the Cochin International Airport was the major highlight of the meet.

This edition of KTM has seen the maximum number of participation compared to previous editions. As many as 354 international and 971 domestic buyers have come in for the mart, making a total of 1,325 buyers this time. Two years ago the participation was 1,200.

“The KTM 2012 is a big hit. This year we give thrust to ayurveda, adventure and convention tourism. Responsible tourism and sustainability is the theme of this edition. We are seeing active participation from all the stakeholders,” said Suman Billa, secretary of Kerala Tourism.

Although recessionary trends are prevailing in the West, people in the tourism sector are keen to participate in KTM, said Riaz Ahmed, president of Kerala Travel Mart Society.

“We got 104 domestic and 20 foreign spot registrations from buyers on day two of KTM, which shows the significance of the mart. A separate section has been provided for small players in the field and they are getting good business as well,” he said.

Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar visited the stalls and houseboats in the morning. Abdullaziz Al-Touijri, Director, Al-Muhaffiz Tour Company, Saudi Arabia, said the KTM is getting better over the years. “This time more space has been provided for the stalls. During the last edition, we got good business. This time also we expect the same,” he said.

M V Shreyams Kumar MLA, who is visiting Kerala Travel Mart for the first time, was very much impressed by the way it is organised. “Tourism has to be sold well and KTM provided an excellent platform for it. This year’s theme is very much relevant since responsibility, sustainability and waste management are the three areas that need attention when tourism is concerned,” the green league MLA said.

There will be two seminars on Saturday at the KTM. One will be on Buyers Reflections and the other on ‘Sellers -in the digital space’. On Sunday the KTM will be open to the public.

Prasanth_KCV

September 29th, 2012, 11:49 AM

Nice find KMC:cheers:. There will be cut throat competition in this market after 5 years as so many new projects declared in MICE category will get completed by that time.

http://www.isdn.asia/image.axd?picture=2012%2f9%2fAITEC-for-web.jpg

Malayaali

October 10th, 2012, 02:54 PM

Kochi to be first non-metro city to host TiEcon event (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article3979171.ece)
Kochi will become the first non-metro city to host a ‘TiEcon’ when the two-day 2012 event unfolds there on October 25.

'TiEcon Kerala 2012’ (http://tieconkerala.org/) will feature a large gathering of entrepreneurs and professionals from across the country, said John K. Paul, president, and C. Balagopal, founder president, TiE Kerala.

The conference will be a platform for new generation entrepreneurs to interact with renowned experts and successful entrepreneurs.

It will discuss different aspects of entrepreneurship, opportunities and challenges. About 1,000 delegates, including women and NRI entrepreneurs, are expected to participate.

Well-known entrepreneurs from the country and outside will also share their experiences, the organisers said.

Malayaali

October 13th, 2012, 09:53 AM

Ocean remote sensing meet coming to Kochi (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/ocean-remote-sensing-meet-coming-to-kochi/article3993646.ece)
Kochi will host the 11th biennial conference of Pan Ocean Remote Sensing Conference (PORSEC) (http://www.porsec2012.incois.gov.in/) next month.

Around 500 delegates from 25 countries are expected to attend the conference with the theme ‘Ocean remote sensing for wellbeing of all’. Deliberations will be held in 28 technical sessions, which would deal with various aspects of ocean remote sensing. An exhibition will showcase emerging technologies in the field of ocean science and technology, ocean remote sensing, sensors, products developed by researchers.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Hyderabad will host the five-day event, which will begin at IMA House on November 5. Taiwan had hosted the conference in 2010. The conference would provide a platform to debate with the scientists the recent trends and issues related to ocean-atmosphere remote sensing.

Malayaali

October 16th, 2012, 08:13 AM

mohammedirshad06

October 16th, 2012, 08:36 AM

CIAL Convention center is a big time hit. We looked for a date in the weekends and had to hold the function on a weekday in order to get the auditorium. The main hall costs Rs 3 lakhs + for a day event.

Actually its not a convention center... Its Exhibition center... If Expo Center gets this much hits, I wonder why they delay in construction of CIAL Convention center, so that the real potential of Expo center may be explored.....

Malayaali

October 16th, 2012, 01:26 PM

Government to highlight big-ticket reforms in Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nri/nri-investments/government-to-highlight-big-ticket-reforms-in-pravasi-bhartiya-divas/articleshow/16837003.cms)
Government will highlight the big-ticket reform measures and policy initiatives to woo overseas Indian investors at the next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, India's annual event to connect with its diaspora, to be held in Kochi from January 7.

Attracting investment, highlighting resilience of the economy and explaining steps taken to reverse the growth slump will be the major focus of the three-day event. Over 2,000 overseas Indians, including top businessmen, entrepreneurs and economists, from 60 countries are expected to participate in the Divas.

"The main focus of the 11th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be to highlight resilience of Indian economy and to woo the investors to diverse sectors of the economy," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told a press conference.

Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag will be the chief guest of the event, he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the high profile event on January eight while President Pranab Mukherjee will deliver the valedictory address the next day.

A number of Union Ministers will directly interact with the delegates to address their queries on investment and other issues besides briefing them about the long-awaited reforms measures like increasing foreign investment caps in multi-brand retail and aviation to rebound the growth rate.

India's economic growth rate during 2011-12 slipped to a nine year low of 6.5 per cent. The government has announced a a slew of reform measures to revive growth.

Chief Ministers of various states have also been invited to the event for separate interaction with the delegates so that they can address various issues.

Ravi, whose Ministry organises the event, said government will also use the platform to enhance engagement with young overseas Indians.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being held in Kochi following a request from Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, he said. The last Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in Jaipur.

Malayaali

October 16th, 2012, 02:08 PM

Kochi to host Indo-US Global Health Summit (http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/10/16/270--Kochi-to-host-Indo-US-Global-Health-Summit-.html)
More than 1,000 people from across the world will gather here in January for the Indo-US Global Health Summit (GHS) 2013. (http://www.aapighsindia.org/ghcs_abt_main.php)

The Jan 1-3 summit, to be organised by the Overseas India Conclave of Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in collaboration with the Government of India, aims at advancing the accessibility, affordability and quality of world-class healthcare by focussing on prevention, diagnosis and treatment options.

The event, organisers said Tuesday, would feature plenary sessions, interactive roundtables, clinical practice workshops, and meet-the-expert sessions.

Cancers, diseases of the heart, mental health and mother and child health would take centrestage.

The event will also host a first-of-its-kind CEO forum in which CEOs of hospitals, teaching institutions and heads of pharma, medical devices and technology companies will get together to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

"Indian doctors have made tremendous progress in the 21st century and India is now being touted as a medical tourism hub. This entails additional investment in health infrastructure," said R. Narendra Kumar, who is leading the Overseas India Conclave.

Amongst those expected to attend are Jeremy Lazarus, president, American Medical Association, Chicago, Chittaranjan Ranawat, clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery, Cornell University, New York and Prathap C. Reddy, chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals.

Malayaali

October 22nd, 2012, 06:19 AM

DIC to set up facilitation centre in TiEcon meet (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/DIC-to-set-up-facilitation-centre-in-TiEcon-meet/articleshow/16908794.cms)
KOCHI: The Directorate of Industries and Commerce (DIC) of the government of Kerala will set up a facilitation centre in the TiECon meet, to be held on October 25 and 26 at Le Meridian, Kochi. "This unique opportunity will be another milestone in the state, showcasing the close interactions the industry is having with the government and policy makers," said John K Paul, president of the Kerala chapter of TiE.

"TiE Kerala and the state government have engaged in several discussions on improving the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem in the last two months. In a series of discussions since August, which was followed up by a joint, round table talk during Emerging Kerala, the industry and the government had considered various things that they can do together. The DIC has already taken up some of the recommendations and made changes to re-engineer the processes to disseminate information in a more efficient manner and make the processes more entrepreneur-friendly," Paul said.

While TiEcon is a standalone event, discussions are on for the creation of a joint committee, consisting of entrepreneurs and the government, to suggest initiatives to make the state a destination for potential entrepreneurs.

mohammedirshad06

November 2nd, 2012, 08:21 PM

Kochi to host another major International conference

The 11th Biennial Conference of Pan Ocean Remote Sensing- PORSEC 2012, which will be graced by 500 delegates across 25 countries, will be hosted in Kochi IMA House

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/67110_367279326690245_1069112726_n.png

Prasanth_KCV

November 8th, 2012, 05:56 AM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Kochi-to-host-international-conference/articleshow/17136659.cms

Kochi to host international conference

KOCHI: The Kochi corporation along with Mumbai-based All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) will organize an International local self-government conference in February, 2013. The conference will be held with the intention of improving efficiency of local bodies and also to seek co-operation in technology and financial matters.

Representatives from local self-governing bodies in Asia-Pacific countries will attend the meeting. The decision was announced after a meeting held between Kochi mayor Tony Chammany and AIILSG chief adviser A N Shetty at Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Ahead of the conference, a meeting of All India mayors' council will be convened in Kochi. T he conference will be held with the support of United Cities Local Government-an association of local self-governing bodies across the world. Talks were also held with minister for local self government M K Muneer. Department of urban affairs and Kerala Institute of Local Administration will also associate with the conference.

Prasanth_KCV

November 27th, 2012, 07:57 AM

http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1356250.ece

City to be spruced up ahead of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Gearing up for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be held in January, Minister for Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) K C Joseph has asked various department heads to begin preparations to spruce up the city.

The District Collector has been ordered to conduct follow-up meetings to ensure that all works are completed on time.

The Minister also asked the PWD officials to ensure that the road repair works are complete before December 20.

To add colour to the city, traditional art forms will be displayed along the route from Nedumbassery airport to the venue. The Minister has also strictly ordered the removal of all flexes on the roads. In order to give the visitors a warm welcome, arches would be erected. To ensure complete cleanliness in the city, the Minister also ordered tightening of all waste management measures. Meanwhile, he added that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would be recommended to avoid load shedding from January 7 and 9.

Medical facilities would be set up at all the venues and special arrangements would be made at hospitals. Norka secretary Rani George, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) director P Radhakrishnan, Deputy Police Commissioner Gopalakrishnan, among others, were present.

Malayaali

November 29th, 2012, 06:16 PM

Cochin to host AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit 2013 (http://www.indoamerican-news.com/archives/12887)
CHICAGO, IL: Healthcare in India is one of the largest sectors, in terms of revenue and employment. India is making significant improvements in the healthcare infrastructure and is building modern medical facilities throughout India. Indian doctors have made tremendous progress in the medical field and India is now being touted as a medical tourism hub. With a rise in population, there is an urgent need to create additional health infrastructure, which entails a higher level of investment in the Indian healthcare market in the coming years.

This innovative Summit is aimed at advancing the accessibility, affordability and the quality of world-class healthcare to the people of India. Among other areas, the Summit will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries.

This international healthcare summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Hemant Patel and moderated by Anwar Feroz. “Providing a forum for innovative opportunities for learning, networking and giving back to our motherland that have now enabled us to plan ahead and prepare for an outstanding event that has already received confirmation and endorsement from over 300 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons from abroad, who are very passionate about serving their homeland, mother India,” Dr. Kumar added.

Featuring plenary sessions, interactive roundtables, clinical practice workshops, and meet-the-expert sessions, the first ever scientific poster session will facilitate dissemination and exchange of best practices. More than 100 opinion leaders and expert speakers from across the globe will present cutting-edge scientific findings related to clinical practice, and the dozens of Chairs and speakers will represent major centers of excellence, institutions and professional associations.

For the first time at GHS, a Healthcare CEO Forum representing CEOs from around the world and from major hospitals, teaching institutions and healthcare industry sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology, will join together to explore potential opportunities for collaboration, Dr. Kumar said. Omar Ishrak, Worldwide CEO of Medtronic, the foremost device company in the world has agreed to be the keynote speaker for this Forum. Several other senior Vice Presidents of pharma companies have already accepted our invitation.

Among those representing the Government of India and addressing the Summit include: India’s Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri. Vayalar Ravi, India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. Oommen Chandy, Kerala Health Minister Shri. V.S. Sivakumar, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri. A.P. Anil Kumar, Shri. Ramesh Chennithala, Shri. Pinaray Vijayan, Smt. Sreemathy Teacher and Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, Shri. T.K.A Nair.

Expected to have over 1,000 participants from across the globe, GHS 2013 keynote speakers and expert panel will include Jeremy Lazarus, MD (President, American Medical Association, Chicago), Emmanuel G. Cassimatis, MD (President and CEO, ECFMG USA), Shri P.K. Pradhan, IAS (Principal Health Secretary), Dr. Jagdish Prasad (Director General of Health Services), Shri Rajeev Sadanandan, IAS (Kerala Health Secretary), Dr. Prathap C. Reddy (Chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals), Devi Prasad Shetty, MD (Medical Director, Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Bangalore), Dr. Dilip Jeste (President of American Psychiatric Association), Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli (Past President of ACCP), Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori (Professor of Oncology, The New York Presbyterian Hospital), Dr. Mani Menon (Professor of Urology & Robotic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit), Dr. P. Mahalingam (Chairman, Santosh University, Delhi-NCR), Dr. K.K. Talwar (Chairman, Medical Council of India), Dr. Shiv Kumr Sarin (Former Chairman, Medical Council of India), Dr. Ranjan Pai (CEO, Manipal University), Dr. G.N. Singh (Drug Controller General of India), Dr. Eshwar Reddy (Device Controller of India), Dr. M.S. Valiathan (Advisor, Manipal University), Dr. K.M. Cherian (Frontier Lifecare Hospital, Chennai), Dr. N.K. Ganguly (Former Director General, ICMR, Dr. Girdhar Gyani (Secretary General, Quality Council of India), Dr. Rajan Badwe (Director, Tata Memorial Hospital), Dr. K. Vijay Kumar (President, Indian Medical Association), Shri M. Ayyappan, CMD, Lifecare HLL, Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman, Aster Medicity & DM Healthcare etc.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States and represents the interests of more than 65,000 physicians and about 35,000 medical students/residents of Indian heritage. AAPI is an umbrella organization with nearly 130 specialty societies and alumni organizations. AAPI is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs.

GHS 2013 will be held at the prestigious Le Méridien’s signature chic world-class Convention Center in Cochin.

For more information, visit: http://www.aapighsindia.org.

Malayaali

December 3rd, 2012, 12:43 PM

Infrastructure Conference 2012 (http://ickerala.com/ickerala.php?action=home)
Dec 6, 7, 8 - Bolghatty Palace, Kochi

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Malayaali

December 4th, 2012, 12:09 PM

Kochi to host Indicon 2012 (http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/12/04/273--Kochi-to-host-Indicon-2012-.html)
http://www.indicon2012.org/images/fpo_logo.gif

Kochi will play host to the largest conference of the Institution of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) - Indicon 2012 (http://www.indicon2012.org/) from Dec 7 to 9.

The conference will bring together about 500 delegates from different parts of the world, including some of the most distinguished professionals in computational sciences and engineering.

The event is jointly organised by IEEE India Council, IEEE Kerala section and IEEE Kochi sub-section.

IEEE is a 125-year old global fraternity of engineering professionals, with its headquarters in the New Jersey, US, having sections in over 160 countries.
IEEE has over 400,000 members around the world, and over 30,000 members in India.

IEEE is mandated with a number of technical activities including development and maintenance of a number of global standards in computing, communications and other branches of engineering (such as standards for mobile telephony and wireless networking); technical and research publication.

Indicon 2012 will be inaugurated by Peter Staecker, president-elect, while the keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Gangan Prathap, director, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources, Delhi.

"The event has received an overwhelming response from the academic and research communities in India and abroad. Besides technical paper presentations, the conference also hosts a number of side events," said A. Unnikrishnan, chair organising committee, IEEE Kochi sub-section.

The conference is supported by the Kerala State IT Mission.

Malayaali

December 4th, 2012, 01:45 PM

Kerala govt plans people’s participation in infra projects (http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=12961756&tabId=1&programId=11565535)
Kochi: The Kerala government plans to evolve a new route for infrastructure development by involving people in projects under a new concept of public private people's participation (PPPP), state's Public Works Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said today.

The state government is looking forward to people's participation through local self-government institutions, Kunju told reporters here at an event in connection with the 'Infrastructure Conference 2012' beginning here on December 6.

This concept was mooted at the recently held Emerging Kerala Global Investors meet, he said, adding that the Infrastructure Conference is also a follow-up of projects discussed at the meet.

A special session for this new concept would be held at the three-day conference to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The government's intention was to have to total change in the approach towards the development projects and the conference would focus on "an integrated approach to infrastructure development", he said.

Malayaali

December 11th, 2012, 05:29 AM

Indicon meet concludes (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/indicon-meet-concludes/article4184958.ece)
The three-day conference Indicon 2012 (http://www.indicon2012.org/) concluded at the Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, Kakkanad, Kochi.

The conference had brought together over 300 researchers, engineers, students, teaching faculty, practitioners and industry representatives from India and abroad.

In addition, the function saw about 15 of the top international leaders from IEEE and Region 10 (Asia Pacific), as well as representatives of the IEEE sections in different parts of India.

Malayaali

December 11th, 2012, 08:08 AM

Kochi to host India's first Biennale in another few hours

www.kochimuzirisbiennale.org

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227465_381590778592433_669353720_n.jpg

e_arunsid

December 14th, 2012, 01:45 PM

A new mega convention center is nearing completion in karukuty near angamali

Its by a group named ADLUX

Malayaali

December 16th, 2012, 06:29 AM

A new mega convention center is nearing completion in karukuty near angamali

Its by a group named ADLUX
This is a long time pending project, proposed in 2003. In fact MICE was ancillary and the main project was to develop electronics production unit. Not sure if the plan is dropped. The 60 acre plot was taken up by the Kuwait based group from now defunct Premier Cables.

Malayaali

December 16th, 2012, 09:25 AM

Kochiites make a beeline for Navy Fest (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochiites-make-a-beeline-for-navy-fest/article4206369.ece)
Over three lakh people made a beeline for the Naval Base during the past three days to visit warships and naval aircraft thrown open to the public as part of the ongoing Navy Fest, which draws to a close on Sunday.

With nearly a lakh-and-a half visitors flocking to the Southern Naval Command to go aboard the ships berthed at the base’s south jetty and to enjoy themselves at the Navy Fair, vehicular traffic on the Vikrant-Venduruthy Bridge almost came to a halt for several hours on Saturday afternoon.

With the Navy Fest reaching a crescendo, more people are expected to make it to the Naval Base on Sunday. The Navy has kept open for the public its latest stealth frigate INS Sahyadri, patrol vessel INS Sharda, training ship INS Sujata and diving support vessel INS Nireekshak besides a mix of aircraft stationed at naval air station Garuda. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) of the Navy showcased some low-flying manoeuvres and helobatics on Saturday evening to entertain the crowd that braved the scorching sun to visit the ships and aircraft.

A range of military hardware — from a naval anti-aircraft gun, a miniature ship-handling simulator, different types of torpedoes, depth chargers, mini models of naval ships and aircraft, small arms, surveillance and detection equipment, and missiles, rockets and specialised diving gears — is on display.

Malayaali

December 20th, 2012, 07:04 PM

GKSF international trade fair to open in Kochi tomorrow (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/gksf-international-trade-fair-to-open-in-kochi-tomorrow/article4222039.ece)
The Global Village, an international trade fair that will be the first of its kind in the State and a focal point of the ongoing South Indian Bank Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here on December 22.

State Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said here on Thursday that the Global Village will feature nearly 400 stalls in six thematic pavilions – International, National, Kerala, Consumer, Brand and Weaves – and a Food Pavilion.

One of the long-standing demands of the GKSF has been to create a single platform where the most attractive features of the annual event is concentrated, offering the ultimate shopping experience for both visitors and domestic consumers.

The Tourism Department has managed to achieve this for the Sixth Season through the Global Village, which is envisaged along the lines of the Dubai Shopping Festival. It is for the first time that a trade fair of this kind is being held in Kerala, he said.

The Global Village, which will represent trade and cultural traditions of various States and countries, is coming up on 24 acres of land at the Lulu Convention Centre premises in Bolgatty Island.

Dalda and Carnival Group are title sponsors of the Global Village which will open on December 22 and conclude on January 9. It is targeted primarily at visitors from outside Kerala, particularly from overseas, to give them a complete shopping experience.

The Tourism Department is also planning to organise package tours for people from outside Kochi to visit the Global Village, he added.

National Pavilion will be dedicated to unique crafts and products from other States, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The International Pavilion will have Thailand as the partner country with stalls selling the country’s unique products and a space to stage cultural shows, besides special Thai cuisine at the Food Pavilion. The pavilion will also host stalls from China, Pakistan and Japan.

Malayaali

December 20th, 2012, 07:13 PM

Kochi Global Village to open tomorrow

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/67320_385386368212874_1826259329_n.jpg

Malayaali

December 22nd, 2012, 03:32 PM

GKSF Global Village - Kochi

OPENING CEREMONY - Dec 22nd, 2012

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576485_464870480225169_434467172_n.jpg

sree_ec

December 24th, 2012, 02:08 PM

A new mega convention center is nearing completion in karukuty near angamali

Its by a group named ADLUX

I saw that today- Its HUGE

Malayaali

December 24th, 2012, 05:13 PM

Thai treat at Global Village, Kochi (http://www.gksfglobalvillage.com/)
ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിൽ എസാരിയുമായി തായ് കലാകാരന്മാർ (http://www.kvartha.com/2012/12/thailand-artists-in-global-village.html)

കൊച്ചി: തായ്ലൻഡിലെ നോംഗ്നൂച്ച് ടൂറിസ്റ്റ് വില്ലേജിൽ നിന്നുള്ള കലാകാരൻമാരായിരുന്നു തിങ്കളാഴ്ച ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിലെ താരങ്ങൾ. എസാരി എന്ന പരമ്പരാഗത തായ് നൃത്തവുമായി വടക്കുകിഴക്കൻ തായ്ലൻഡിൽ നിന്നുള്ള നർത്തകിമാരും ആയോധന മുറകളുമായി അഭ്യാസികളും ചിത്രപ്പണികളുമായി കലാകാരൻമാരും തായ് വിഭവങ്ങളൊരുക്കി പാചകവിദഗ്ധരും ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിന്റെ മനം കവർന്നു.

പരമ്പരാഗത തായ്-ചൈനീസ്-റഷ്യൻ സംഗീതത്തോടൊപ്പം നിറപ്പകിട്ടുള്ള പരമ്പരാഗത വേഷങ്ങളണിഞ്ഞ് ഡാൻസ് ഫ്ളോറിൽ ചുവടുവെച്ച ആറു സുന്ദരിമാരായിരുന്നു തായ് സംഘത്തിലെ ശ്രദ്ധാകേന്ദ്രം. ഇവരുടെ നൃത്തം ആസ്വദിക്കാനും ഒപ്പം നിന്ന് ചിത്രമെടുക്കാനും ഇന്റർനാഷണൽ പവലിയനിൽ വലിയ തിരക്കാണ് അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടത്.

സവിശേഷമായ തായ് മസാജും പവലിയനിൽ ഒരുക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. തായ് ശൈലിയിൽ പത്ത് മിനിറ്റ് ദൈർഘ്യമുള്ള മസാജ് ശരീരത്തിനും മനസിനും ഊർജം പകരുന്നതാണെന്ന് സന്ദർശകർ പറയുന്നു. ബഹുവർണക്കുടകളിൽ ചിത്രപ്പണികളൊരുക്കിയാണ് തായ്ലന്റിന്റെ മറ്റൊരു സ്റ്റാളിൽ തായ് കലാകാരികൾ ശ്രദ്ധയാകർഷിക്കുന്നത്.

ഫുഡ് പവിലിയനിൽ തായ് വിഭവങ്ങളുമായി തായ്ലൻഡിന്റെ സ്റ്റാളും സജീവമായി. ഔഷധ സസ്യങ്ങളുടെ ഇലകളാണ് തായ് വിഭവങ്ങളുടെ സവിശേഷത. ടോംഗ് യാംഗ് സൂപ്പ്, ഫ്രൈഡ് ന്യൂഡിൽസ്, വെജ് ന്യൂഡിൽസ്, ഫ്രൈഡ് ബീഫ്, ആന്റ് ചിക്കൻ, പപ്പായ സാലഡ് തുടങ്ങിയ വിഭവങ്ങൾ ഒരുക്കുന്നത് നോംഗ് നൂച്ച് വില്ലേജിൽ നിന്നുള്ള രണ്ട് ഷെഫുകളാണ്. തായ് ഫുഡ് സ്റ്റാൾ ജനുവരി ഒമ്പതിന് ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജ് സമാപിക്കുന്നതുവരെ പ്രവർത്തിക്കും.

തായ്ലൻഡിലെ പ്രമുഖ ടൂറിസ്റ്റ് കേന്ദ്രമായ നോംഗ് നൂച്ച് വില്ലേജുമായി സഹകരിച്ച് തായ്ലന്റിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ മലയാളി സംരംഭകരായ തായ്വിഷൻ ഹോളിഡേയ്സാണ് ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിൽ തായ്സംഘത്തെ എത്തിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. നോംഗ് നൂച്ചിലേക്കുള്ള ടൂറിസ്റ്റ് പാക്കേജും ഇന്റർനാഷണൽ പവിലിയനിൽ ലഭ്യമാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.

കേരളത്തിലെ പ്രഥമ ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിൽ പ്രദർശന വിൽപന സ്റ്റാളുകൾക്കൊപ്പം തന്നെ വിനോദപരിപാടികളും സന്ദർശകരെ ആകർഷിക്കുന്നു. മജീഷ്യൻ പ്രദീപ് ഹുഡിനോ നയിക്കുന്ന മാജിക് ഷോ കുട്ടികളെയും മുതിർന്നവരെയും ഒരു പോലെ ആകർഷിക്കുന്നു. ഏഴോളം റൈഡുകളും സാഹസിക പ്രകടനങ്ങളും കുട്ടികളുടെ കലാപരിപാടികളുമൊരുക്കി അമ്യൂസ്മെന്റ് വിഭാഗം സജീവമാണ്. സ്പീഡ്ബോട്ട് റൈഡ്, ഡിന്നർ ക്രൂയിസ് തുടങ്ങിയവയുമായി ജലവിനോദ വിഭാഗവും സന്ദർശകരെ ആകർഷിക്കുന്നു.

ടൂറിസം മന്ത്രിയുടെ നർദേശപ്രകാരം ഒരുക്കിയ ഗ്രാമക്കാഴ്ച വിനോദപവിലയനാണ് മറ്റൊരു ശ്രദ്ധാകേന്ദ്രം. പന്തയക്കോഴികളും ജെല്ലിക്കട്ടിനുപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കൂറ്റൻ മുട്ടനാടുകളും സാഹസിക സൈക്കിൾ യജ്ഞവും കാണാൻ ഡി ടി പി സിയുടെ ഗ്രാമക്കാഴ്ച പവിലിയനിൽ വലിയ തിരക്കാണ്. ധനുഷിന്റെ ആടുകളം എന്ന തമിഴ്ചിത്രത്തിലെ കോഴിപ്പോരിന്റെ രംഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ട അതേ പന്തയക്കോഴികളെയാണ് ഗ്ലോബൽ വില്ലേജിൽ എത്തിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. കോഴിപ്പോരിനും ജെല്ലിക്കട്ടിനും നിയമപരമായ നിരോധനമുള്ളതിനാൽ പ്രദർശനം മാത്രമാണ് നടത്തുന്നത്.

പല്ലു കൊണ്ട് കാർ കടിച്ചു വലിക്കുന്ന അഭ്യാസിയും ട്യൂബ് ലൈറ്റ് ദേഹത്ത് അടിച്ചു പൊട്ടിക്കുന്ന സ്റ്റണ്ട് പെർഫോമറും ഉൾപ്പെട്ടതാണ് സൈക്കിൾ യജ്ഞം ടീം. ഒരു കാലത്ത് കേരളീയ ഗ്രാമങ്ങളുടെ ഹരമായിരുന്ന സൈക്കിൾ യജ്ഞം കൊച്ചിയിലെ പുതിയ തലമുറ നിറഞ്ഞ കൗതുകത്തോടെയാണ് ആസ്വദിക്കുന്നത്. ചിരിക്കാത്ത മനുഷ്യൻ, പൊയ്്ക്കാൽ നടത്തക്കാർ, കൈനോട്ടക്കാർ, പക്ഷിശാസ്ത്രക്കാർ, മൂഷിക ശാസ്ത്രക്കാർ, എന്നിവരും ഗ്രാമക്കാഴ്ചയെ സമ്പന്നമാക്കുന്നു. ക്രിസ്മസ് ദിനമായ ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച വിനോദ വിഭാഗത്തിൽ ആഫ്രിക്കയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള നർത്തകർ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഡാൻസ് പെർഫോമൻസ് ഉണ്ടാകും.

Malayaali

December 27th, 2012, 05:35 AM

Cochin Flower Show 2012 from Dec 28 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Cochin-Flower-Show-from-Dec-28/articleshow/17774553.cms)
KOCHI: Cochin Flower Show 2012, organised by Ernakulam Agri-horticulture Society, will be held at Ernakulathappan Grounds from December 28 to January 3.

With the Union government declaring 2012-13 as the year of horticulture, the flower show is being organised on a large scale, the organizers said.

Orchids, anthuriums and bonsai trees imported from various countries will be arranged on a thematic manner. Around 1,000 dendrobium orchids from Thailand, 500 Phelenopsis orchids from Taiwan, 500 pot variety anthuriums from Holland and bonsai trees from China have been imported for the purpose.

Around 20,000 varieties of flowers will be exhibited as part of the event this year.

alamzada2007

December 27th, 2012, 07:46 AM

Cochin Flower Show 2012 from Dec 28 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Cochin-Flower-Show-from-Dec-28/articleshow/17774553.cms)

I have also opened a stall there where you can see the demo of all types of advanced Malayalam Typing softwares which require no previous experience in Malayalam typing. It supports 100% unicode typing both online and off mode.Seeing is believing

alamzada2007

December 27th, 2012, 02:57 PM

എറണകുളത്തപ്പൻ ഗ്രൗണ്ടിൽ നടക്കുന്ന പുഷ്പമേളയിൽ മലയാളം ഡോട്ട് നെറ്റിന്റെ പവിലിയനിൽ വിവിധ മലയാളം ടൈപ്പിങ്ങ് സോഫ്റ്റ്വെയറുകളുടെ പ്രദർശനം കാണാവുന്നതാണു...
URL=http://www.mediafire.com/view/?mpa588thkxsfaic]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/20469b092bc77b06eb20e8724b73479b7bd813ff5c4609b336f71ce04cec79324g.jpg[/URL]
http://www.mediafire.com/conv/20469b092bc77b06eb20e8724b73479b7bd813ff5c4609b336f71ce04cec79326g.jpg

Malayaali

December 27th, 2012, 06:32 PM

Delegates from 30 countries expected at GOPIO annual conference (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Delegates-from-30-countries-expected-at-GOPIO-annual-conference/articleshow/17786377.cms)
KOCHI: The twenty fourth global convention of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin ( GOPIO) (http://www.gopio.net/) will be held in Kochi on January 5 and 6, 2013.

Delegates from over 30 countries are expected to attend the annual event, which is organized by the Kochi-chapter of the organization.

Kerala governor HR Bharadwaj will inaugurate the banquet meeting on January 6.

Chief minister Oommen Chandy, union minister for overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi and minister for culture and non-resident Keralites K C Joseph are expected to attend the convention.

Ashok Rao, global chairman of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), a non-profit global network of entrepreneurs and professionals and renowned speaker Paresh Rughani from London will deliver the keynote address.

A performance by international opera tenor Anando Mukherjee will also be held as part of the convention.

sree_ec

December 28th, 2012, 04:12 AM

mohammedirshad06

December 30th, 2012, 04:43 PM

Kochi's new Convention center...

Flora Airport Hotel Convention center- Nedumbassery

fSWNxOpPDfo

Malayaali

December 31st, 2012, 09:33 AM

Jan summits to stretch Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Jan-summits-to-stretch-Kochi/articleshow/17826447.cms)
KOCHI: If December was busy, January is going to be hectic for the city which is hosting a series of high profile events, starting with the Global Health Summit, followed by the first-ever Pravasi Bharathiya Divas in the state and the Global People of Indian Origin (GPIO) meet.

While these events would put pressure on the city's civic infrastructure, which is being currently tested by the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) and the tourist season in general, the city corporation is gearing up to face the challenge.

With over 4,000 people expected to flock the city to participate in these programmes, the civic body has decided to relay damaged roads, remove unauthorized hoardings, install street lights on a war footing and launch a cleanliness drive.

According to town planning committee chairman K J Sohan, priority would be given to removal of garbage and other debris accumulated in various parts. Encroachments on the roads such as shops and other temporary construction will be pulled down.

"On the New Year's eve, a lot of people will come down to Fort Kochi to participate in the Cochin Carnival. We will have to do a major clean-up work after the festivities. So special focus will be given to Fort Kochi which is also hosting the Kochi-Muziris Biennale," said Sohan.

Though it is difficult to keep the beach free of water hyacinths, the local body will take every possible step to keep the beach clean. Apart from this, stagnant drains and canals will be cleaned.

The district administration has decided to remove all flex boards by Monday. It has also been decided to repair, relay and beautify roads in the city and neighbouring municipalities and panchayats.

As part of the preparations for Pravasi Bharathiya Divas, the road between Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) and Hotel Le Meridien will be decorated with traditional artefacts. Arches will be placed at the main centres to welcome visiting dignitaries. District collector P I Sheik Pareeth said guest houses, rest houses, Yathri Nivas' in Ernakulam and Aluva will be repaired and beautified before the event begins.

Over 150 senior Indian-origin doctors from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Middle East will attend the three-day health summit from January 1.

Dignitaries including President Pranab Mukherjee and prime minister Manmohan Singh will come down to the city for Pravasi Bharathiya Divas from January 7 to 9.

Around 3,000 delegates are also expected to attend the programme. Meanwhile, delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the GPIO meet.

Major events

Global Health Summit
January 1-3, over 150 senior Indian-origin doctors to attend the meeting

Pravasi Bharathiya Divas
January 7-9, about 3000 delegates to attend

Global People of Indian origin
January 5-6, people from more than 30 countries to attend

On-going events

Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, Global village and Kochi Muziris Biennale

Malayaali

January 2nd, 2013, 09:06 AM

Cochin Flower Show 2013 to end tomorrow (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130102/news-current-affairs/article/colours-draw-huge-crowd)
Kochi: A large number of flower lovers have been visiting the Cochin Flower Show 2013, which opened at the Siva temple grounds on Friday. Hundreds of flower lovers are visiting the venue and there are many takers for seeds and plants, especially orchids and anthuriums.

Plants are being arranged in different categories like flowering plants, medicinal plants, vegetables and organic varieties. Around 20,000 varieties of flowers have been exhibited as part of the event this year. There are rows of roses in many colours, carnations, gerbera, liliums, anthuriuams, orchids, chrysanthemums, gladioli and tulips.

Private nurseries, gardens and other organisations have beautifully displayed bonsai plants, medicinal and aromatic plants. The plants exhibited will be sold on the final day of the expo. The beautifully designed landscapes with waterfalls, lawn and pebbles arranged by agencies which specialise in landscapes are a major attraction.

Several government and private organisations like State Horticulture Mission, Kerala state Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd, National Horticorp Mission and Coir Board have stalls in the expo.

One of the most sought-after products in the show is the chitone tablets, used to reduce cholesterol levels, at Matsyafed stall. More than 100 packets of tablets are being sold per day, said Matsyafed officials.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421033_390708781013966_128188884_n.jpg
cc: Manorama

Malayaali

January 2nd, 2013, 09:08 AM

http://dd508hmafkqws.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/article_node_view/public/28%20K-%20FLOWER.JPG
Cochin Flower Show 2012 organised by Ernakulam Agri-horticulture Society.

Malayaali

January 3rd, 2013, 07:20 PM

Global healthcare summit concludes (http://www.ptinews.com/news/3269903_Global-healthcare-summit-concludes)
Kochi, Jan 3 (PTI) The three-day Global Healthcare Summit concluded here today with the Union Government and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) putting in place a permanent mechanism to channelise the expertise of the Indian medical diaspora for the benefit of the country's people.

Malayaali

January 3rd, 2013, 07:23 PM

Convention of Asian and Western Pacific contractors’ body to begin from January 6 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Convention-of-Asian-and-Western-Pacific-contractors-body-to-begin-from-January-6/articleshow/17877454.cms)
http://ifawpca.org/news_images/40th_promo_pic.jpg

KOCHI: The 40th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Associations (IFAWPCA) (http://www.ifawpca.org/) convention, organized by the Builders Association of India, will be held in Kochi from January 6 to 9.

The four-day conference will be attended by 800 delegates from 16 countries. The convention, which is based on the theme responsible infrastructure, will harness emerging technologies to ensure responsible infrastructure in an inclusive, green and socially responsible infrastructure development

"India's GDP will increase by eight per cent in the coming years. It requires a huge growth in infrastructure in terms of railroads, power, airports and others. This growth if not directed in an eco-friendly manner will mean a huge negative impact on the environment. The responsibility is now on the shoulders of builders to add environmental responsibility to their work profile. The convention stresses significance of growth without ignoring environment," said, M Antony, president, Kochi-chapter, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India ( CREDAI).

KMC

January 4th, 2013, 12:44 AM

Kochi is becoming a true MICE center...
Grand Hyatt convention centre will be a real boost to it...
Been to shopping village..my god that place is too good for a convention center...amazing locality...hardly you can hv anything like that...4 side waterview along with view of port and ships sailing...what an incredible location...

Malayaali

January 4th, 2013, 09:10 AM

Kochi is becoming a true MICE center.
Correction:

Kochi HAS BECOME a true MICE Center.

There is an event happening every other day.

OIFC mkt place in Kochi from Jan 7-9 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/OIFC-mkt-place-in-Kochi-from-Jan-7-9/articleshow/17878768.cms)
http://i47.tinypic.com/9td75i.jpg

KOCHI: Delhi-based Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), a public private partnership (PPP)between the Union ministry of overseas Indian affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will conduct a market place in Kochi from January 7 to 9. This is being conducted in parallel to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), an annual global meeting of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to be held in Kochi.

This is the seventh edition of OIFC market place, which will bring together overseas Indian community and Indian policy makers and businesses. "During the last market place conducted in Jaipur, we had 500 business-to-business sessions. Our mandate is to connect Indian diaspora with the country through economic engagement," said Sujata Sudarshan, CEO of OIFC.

"When the Indian diaspora wants to connect with India, they may not know whom to approach. And we offer expert advice to them on our website www.oifc.in where one could consult our knowledge partners from different sectors. Questions on taxation, banking, or financial services are answered here," Sudarshan said.

Representatives of state governments of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Rajasthan will attend the market place along with knowledge partners like Axis bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Union Bank of India. "This time, there will be a focus on NRIs from the Middle East," she said. The business-to-business sessions at Market Place are being arranged through a pre-event online scheduling facilitated by OIFC.

During the last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, OIFC had published 'Returning Indians: All That You Need to Know', a guide for settling back in India. This year too, OIFC will bring out a similar work to help the NRIs and persons of Indian origin (PIOs).

OIFC's mandate also includes management of Diaspora Knowledge Network. It will showcase Global Indian Network of Knowledge (Global INK), an online platform for knowledge exchange focusing on the sectors of healthcare, environment, science & technology at the Market Place.

Malayaali

January 4th, 2013, 12:19 PM

SCHWING Stetter to Exhibit India's Largest Concreting Boom Pump at the 40th IFAWPCA Convention at Kochi (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/schwing-stetter-to-exhibit-indias-largest-concreting-boom-pump-at-the-40th-ifawpca-convention-centre-kochi-185635462.html)
http://img.mapy.cz/fy/274/274708_200x200.png

The Principal Sponsor of the Event
SCHWING Stetter India (http://www.schwingstetterindia.com/index.html), one of the pioneers of concrete construction equipment in India, is gearing up for this prestigious participation at the 40th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Associations (IFAWPCA) as a principal sponsor. The Trade fair is organized by the Builders Association of India (BAI) - India's premier industry association. The trade fair is scheduled to be held between January 6-9, 2013, at Gokulam Park Hotel and Convention Centre at Kochi.

The 40th IFAWPCA Convention offers a great opportunity for the construction equipment industry to showcase their related products and services. This international event being staged in Kochi, India, after a long spell of 22 years, provides a unique platform extraordinary in scale. The 40th IFAWPCA Convention will have eminent speakers from around the world sharing new ideas and technologies related to the construction industry. There will also be representations of all major construction companies across the globe at the convention.

SCHWING Stetter being the principal sponsor will be showcasing India's largest concreting boom pump - S43, along with 8 other concreting products, with the latest in technology at Marine Drive, Kochi.

About SCHWING Stetter India Pvt. Ltd.:
Incorporated in June 1998, and commencing its manufacturing operations in 1999, SCHWING Stetter India is a 100% subsidiary of SCHWING Group of companies, an 850-million Euro German concrete machinery manufacturer. SCHWING Stetter is a pioneer in manufacturing equipment for concrete preparation, placement, transportation and recycling. SCHWING Stetter (India) Private Limited manufactures concrete batching plants, transit mixers for transporting readymade concrete to construction sites, pumps and concrete placing booms and recycling plants. It caters to infrastructure developers and also acts as an OEM supplier to various cement companies who offer ready mix concrete. SCHWING Stetter has its manufacturing units in 11 countries including Germany, Austria, USA, Brazil, Russia, China, India, sales and service centres in France, Netherlands, Austria and Sweden as well as representations in more than 145 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.schwingstetterindia.com.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1xXvI)

Malayaali

January 4th, 2013, 12:28 PM

40th IFAWPCA Convention, Kochi, India

India hosting the event after 22 years

Gokulam Convention Center, Kochi

Jan 6 to 9, 2013

Download the event brochure here (http://www.ifawpca.org/conventions/40th_conv/documents/40th_convention_brochure.pdf)

alamzada2007

January 4th, 2013, 05:03 PM

Good luck with that!!:cheers:

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http://www.mediafire.com/conv/53c0967931fcd1e05ed1982b2432eb90fc9d1e185d15d72164602417931185a26g.jpg

Malayaali

January 4th, 2013, 06:51 PM

GOPIO’s convention from Jan 5 in Kochi (http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=13165255&tabId=1&programId=11565535)
Kochi: The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) (http://www.gopio.net/), a United Nations accredited entity, will hold its two-day global convention here from January 5.

Delegates from over 30 countries are expected to participate in the event, to be held for the first time in Kerala, a press release said here Friday.

Kerala Governor H R Bharadwaj will inaugurate the banquet meeting on January 6.

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and state Minister for Culture and Non-resident Keralites Affairs K C Joseph will be guests of honour.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh, House of Lords, UK, Ashok Rao, Global Chairman of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), a non-profit global network of entrepreneurs and professionals and renowned motivational speaker Paresh Rughani from London will be the keynote speakers.

The event is being held close on the heels of the Global Healthcare Summit organised by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPIO) and in the run up to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 7 to 9, will focus on issues concerning India and People of Indian origin (POI).

The convention will have four sessions focussing on issues, challenges and opportunities, freedom movements in the diaspora, their economic progress and investments in India.

The last session will debate on Diaspora Knowledge Network, announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the 2007 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, to enable improved connectivity between People of Indian Origin and to allow the large number of overseas Indians partake in India's growing 'knowledge economy'.

GOPIO Global chairman Inder Singh, Global President Ashok Ramsaran, Global Executive Vice President and Kochi convention committee chairman Sunny Kulathakal and GOPIO Founding Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham will chair the different sessions.

GOPIO Global Community awards will also be presented.Among 11 awardees from nine countries, the only Keralite is Sunny Augustine, Managing Director of White Sands Tours and Travel, Dubai. He was selected for the award in recognition of his selfless service to expatriates, especially his outstanding contribution in evacuating thousands of Indians trapped in Saudi Arabia in the 1991 Iraq war.

Emke Group Managing Director Yusuf Ali M A will be honoured in recognition to his service to the expatriates. He will also be conferred with the life membership of GOPIO.

It will be followed by music performance by India's only international Opera tenor Anando Mukherjee.

The two-day event is being organised by GOPIO's Kochi Chapter under the leadership of its President P C Cyriac, former additional chief secretary of Tamil Nadu.

Malayaali

January 4th, 2013, 06:56 PM

Big Canadian delegation to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nri/nris-in-news/big-canadian-delegation-to-attend-pravasi-bharatiya-divas/articleshow/17890197.cms)
TORONTO: Over 100 delegates from Canada, including a senior minister and the mayor of Brampton city, popularly known as 'Mini India' will participate at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Kochi next week.

"This is the first time Canada's Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney and mayors two Canadian cities: Brampton and Markham will attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas," D P Jain, Vice-President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce said today.

"Susan Fennell, the Mayor of Brampton, and Frank Scarpitti, the Mayor of Markham have joined Indian delegation and will display emerging business opportunities in Canada," Jain said.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held on January 7-9.

Malayaali

January 6th, 2013, 10:38 AM

SCHWING Stetter to Exhibit India's Largest Concreting Boom Pump (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/schwing-stetter-to-exhibit-indias-largest-concreting-boom-pump-at-the-40th-ifawpca-convention-centre-kochi-185635462.html)

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2013/01/06/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2013_01_06_F_IN_005/1232_1816_1950_2942.jpg

Cosmicbliss

January 6th, 2013, 11:04 AM

But there is still no world-class convention centre still right?

Malayaali

January 6th, 2013, 11:18 AM

^^

Kochi doesn't have an exclusive Convention center till now. CIAL has built a top class Trade Fair center, that is right now leased for conventions.

The proposals for International convention center proposed by Lulu group at Bolghatty and KSIDC-ITPO JV at Kakkanad are anticipated.

Galfar Convention Center @ Le Meridien, Kochi is the major location for MICE in Kochi. It has hosted numerous events, and is busy round the year.

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/58/da/bf/oman-hall.jpg

The IFAWPCA convention takes place @ Gokulam Convention center, which is another decent facility capable of handling more than 2000.

Cosmicbliss

January 6th, 2013, 11:33 AM

mohammedirshad06

January 6th, 2013, 11:59 AM

Good. But I mean something like HICC in Hyderabad or what one sees in Hong Kong or even Pragati Maidan. Is there something as big or the same level in Kochi?

No, Kochi or Kerala donot have any HICC kind facility....

But there are large convention facilities

1. Lulu International Convention Center- 3000 PAX Main hall with 4 mini Halls in Thrissur

2. Saj Convention Center- 5000 PAX main Hall and 5 other halls in Trivandrum

3. Le Meridien International Convention Center with 2000 Pax main hall and 9 halls- Kochi

4. Vythiri Convention Center with 4000 pax Main Hall in Wayanad

5. Gokulam Convention center- Kochi with 1500 Pax main Hall and 2 mini Halls Kochi

If you look, there are so many convention centers across Kerala, with more than 2000 Pax capacity.... But I don't think, none barring Le Meridien, CIAL EXPO CENTER or probably Kovalam's Leela Kempiski facility, used for business meets or corporate level exhibitions etc... Others are basically used to cater private functions, marriages and limited corporate events......

Still there is no HICC kind thing in Kerala. Kochi is gearing up for Kochi International Exhibition Center- KIEC at Kakkanad, while Grand Hyatt International Convention- the proposed one will be a mega facility, perhaps the largest facility in Asia.....

Malayaali

January 6th, 2013, 02:58 PM

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas begins in Kochi tomorrow (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/pravasi-bharatiya-divas-begins-in-kochi-tomorrow/article4279917.ece)
KOCHI, JAN. 6: Over 2,000 delegates are expected to participate in the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held here from Monday. The theme of this year’s Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is ‘Engaging Diaspora – The Indian Growth Story.’

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will formally inaugurate the three-day event on January 8 and release a stamp commemorating the Gadar Movement.

President Pranab Mukherjee will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians, at the valedictory session on January 9.

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi told reporters here that 15 persons would be selected for the awards and the names would be announced at the annual diaspora conclave.

The Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag will be the chief guest on the occasion.

SESSION ON GULF

The PBD will begin on January 7 with a session on NRIs in the Gulf. This is the first time an entire session has been dedicated for the NRIs in the Gulf, the Minister said.

The theme of the session, to be inaugurated by Ravi, is to boost economic and social engagement with the diaspora in the Gulf. An ‘India Migration Report 2013’ will be released.

The Minister pointed out that illegal migration of Indians to the Gulf has come down and he attributed it mainly to various advertisement campaigns run by the Ministry. The advertisements have been very effective and helped in creating awareness, he added.

On the UAE amnesty, he said around 1,100 Indians had applied for passports through the Embassy till December 29.

Cosmicbliss

January 6th, 2013, 03:31 PM

No, Kochi or Kerala donot have any HICC kind facility....

But there are large convention facilities

1. Lulu International Convention Center- 3000 PAX Main hall with 4 mini Halls in Thrissur

2. Saj Convention Center- 5000 PAX main Hall and 5 other halls in Trivandrum

3. Le Meridien International Convention Center with 2000 Pax main hall and 9 halls- Kochi

4. Vythiri Convention Center with 4000 pax Main Hall in Wayanad

5. Gokulam Convention center- Kochi with 1500 Pax main Hall and 2 mini Halls Kochi

If you look, there are so many convention centers across Kerala, with more than 2000 Pax capacity.... But I don't think, none barring Le Meridien, CIAL EXPO CENTER or probably Kovalam's Leela Kempiski facility, used for business meets or corporate level exhibitions etc... Others are basically used to cater private functions, marriages and limited corporate events......

Still there is no HICC kind thing in Kerala. Kochi is gearing up for Kochi International Exhibition Center- KIEC at Kakkanad, while Grand Hyatt International Convention- the proposed one will be a mega facility, perhaps the largest facility in Asia.....

So there are many smaller ones but no big facility. :ohno: Anyway, hope KIEC and Grand Hyatt make Kochi a hub for conventions. Bangalore and Chennai companies can hold conventions in Kochi. Combine tourism and relaxation with business meets. :lol::cheers:

mohammedirshad06

January 6th, 2013, 04:46 PM

So there are many smaller ones but no big facility. :ohno: Anyway, hope KIEC and Grand Hyatt make Kochi a hub for conventions. Bangalore and Chennai companies can hold conventions in Kochi. Combine tourism and relaxation with business meets. :lol::cheers:

See, till now, Kerala was not hoisting any big international scale of events... One or two might happen once in a while etc... But it was just one or 2 years now, Kerala starting seriously considering such mega events. Kerala tourism declared MICE will be key strategy for next level of India's only superbrand..... Still, I guess Kerala's facility is not small anyway.... Lulu's Convention Center-Thrissur was said to India's second largest facility (I guess Saj Convention Center in TVM might hold that position now).... Le Meridien Convention Center was one of the first convention in South India, much before HIECC......

In Kochi, Le Meridien hoists many prestigious events. Now past one year, it was almost hoisting major corporate events, that was fully booked for a year.....

This has lead a sharp increase of demand of more convention centers and such spaces... In last 2 years, there has increase of such facilities, even in so-called remote areas like Wayanad etc......

In Kochi around 7 convention centers with more than 2000 Pax capacity...... Large grounds now exist at Marine Drive, Nehru Stadium grounds and indoor venues of Rajiv Gandhi stadium as well as Port Stadium...

Kochi can pin its hope on Grand Hyatt International Convention center, KIEC, Aster Medical Convention center, Adlux Convention Center and CIAL Convention Center in near future.........

KMC

January 6th, 2013, 06:10 PM

I am not sure if lulu convention center in trichur though big is hosting big events or for meetings purpose....
On the other hand Le Meridian though as not big as Lulu is really the center stage for MICE...I guess lot of marketing is required to attract mega events which Le Meridian is doing wonderfully....The only challenge i feel for them will be when Grand Hyatt convention centre opens...two reasons...one the brand of hyatt and other the awesome location which i guess no centre in India presently can match..(is thr any similar location which has 4 side water views and port)...Business meetings plus leisure trip...

alamzada2007

January 11th, 2013, 04:24 PM

എറണാകുളം ഫ്ളവർ ഷോക്കു വീണ്ടും ഫോർട്ട് കൊച്ചിയിൽ ഒരു പുനർജ്ജന്മം
Reincarnation of Flower show at Fort Cochin from February 23 to 26. In fact Flower Show which was earlier held at Ernakulathappan ground was a great fiasco. Majority of the stall owners who had participated in the Flower show sustained heavy loss. The organizers of flower show are hell bent on recouping the loss they had sustained at Ernakulam at any cost by holding another Flower Show at Fort Cochin for the first time which has no history of any Flower show till today, Residents of Fort Cochin are reeling under severe drinking water shortage. It has to be seen how the organizers are going to provide water at the venue of Flower show which will be held at the South beach of Fort Cochin
http://www.mediafire.com/conv/456e1c5842b6531ee2db7e978d6823d717b1f197081831f3ad3dbd44ee182ae64g.jpg (http://www.mediafire.com/view/?k8rwrk0mv7i13yb)
http://www.mediafire.com/conv/456e1c5842b6531ee2db7e978d6823d717b1f197081831f3ad3dbd44ee182ae66g.jpg

mohammedirshad06

April 6th, 2013, 06:11 PM

New Convention center all set to open tommorrow

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/57888_434439096640934_232397815_n.png

Kochi to have one more Convention center facility, opening tomorrow. The Bhaskara Rao Memorial Center, promoted by Sangh Parivar near their Kochi Headquarters at Elamkulam will be opened tomorrow. The 75,000 sqft central air-conditioned center will feature a modern state-of-the-art hall facilitating 2000 seats, apart from 4 halls suitable for conferences, meetings, marriage parties etc, a dining hall that facilitates 750 seats, a fully automated kitchen, 20 deluxe rooms, 2 suites, 3 dorms, 50 public shower rooms, a pooja center suitable for conducting fire based homams or havans etc, a prayer hall, elder's lawn park and parking facility for 200 cars. Though its designed as per Hindu tastes, the Bhaskra Rao Memorial Trust said the facility is open to all religious groups. However the center is purely a vegetarian facility.

Apart from these, a library will be soon commissioned along with with a yoga center soon.

Asskicker

April 18th, 2013, 08:37 PM

KOCHI: Recalling the campaign that Diabetes UK had undertaken under his leadership during the period of Margret Thatcher, Sir Michael Hirst, president of International Diabetes Federation, said that campaigns in all fronts have to start now for the betterment of people with diabetes and to reverse the diabetes mortality clock. He was inaugurating the four-day world diabetes congress organized by Diabetes India at Hotel Le Meridian's convention centre in Kochi on Thursday.

The diabetes clock is ticking at the rate of one death and two new entrants per every 8 seconds, and the objective of the world congress is to stall the epidemic and thereby stop the mortality clock, said Dr SM Sadikot, president of Diabetes India, who presided over the event.

Referring to the present scenario and concerns in diabetes in India, a country where contrasting population of under-nutrition and over-nutrition coexists, Jean Claude Mbanyn, former president, International Diabetes Federation, said that the congress have to focus on building a society where diabetic prone environment does not exist so that the baton is not passed on to next generation. Research and results should reach the patients, he said.

Dr SR Aravind, Dr Anad Nigam, Dr Johny Kannampilly, and Dr Jyothidev Keshavdev spoke.

The inauguration was marked by the Diabetes India declaration of metabolic syndrome as the biggest epidemic in human history with a clarion call for its prevention.

In the four-day world congress, more than 3000 expert medical practitioners, scientists and researchers from various states and world over, would chalk out decisive action plans to reverse the diabetes mortality clock. A wide range of topics touching diabetes, its monitoring, awareness, management, treatment, control and nutrition would be taken up at symposiums, workshops, debates and plenary sessions to be held.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Four-day-diabetes-congress-begins-in-Kochi/articleshow/19619175.cms

vjkrishn

April 23rd, 2013, 05:59 AM

Conch-shaped convention centre at Nehru stadium (http://http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Conch-shaped-convention-centre-at-Nehru-stadium/articleshow/19685927.cms)

The underground exhibition-cum-convention centre planned in front of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, a first-of-its-kind venture in the state, will sport the shape of a conch. Kitco, the firm which has been entrusted with the design of the project mooted by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), is in the last phase of completing the work.

According to GCDA authorities, the foundation stone of the project will be laid in June. "Kitco is expected to submit the design by April 25, and so we will be able to start the construction of the project by the first week of June. Before that we will have to get administrative sanction from the state government," said GCDA chairman N Venugopal. The Rs 96-crore project will consist of an underground convention-cum-exhibition centre with a built-up area of 1.5 lakh sq ft and a parking lot on the ground floor. GCDA plans to secure a loan of Rs 63 crore from the state government for the project.

According to sources, the convention-cum-exhibition centre will have the shape of a conch. "Kochi is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. That's why we decided on the shape of a conch. Moreover, the shape will enable natural lighting and help fire-fighting mechanism," an official associated with the project said.

The project will not require any artificial lighting during daytime. There will be six light wells to trap sunlight and ensure natural light inside the centre. The shape will also strengthen fire fighting mechanisms.

The convention centre will have a capacity to accommodate 6,000 people at a time.

"It has been designed in such a fashion to suit various purposes. The centre can be used for many programmes if required. There will be makeshift partitions with sound insulators so that one programme does not effect another. There will also be a provision to integrate the Metro rail station proposed in the area with the project. We had, recently, convened a meeting of officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and Kitco to ensure proper integration of these two projects," Venugopal said.

A plan has also been mooted to replace the existing gate of the stadium with an iconic gate that will feature secular icons of the country.

KMC

April 23rd, 2013, 06:14 AM

i had earlier thought these thngs will never materialise...but gcda seems all set to launch it...good going...

Malayaali

April 23rd, 2013, 06:18 AM

I can't find the reason to assert on it's geometry when the whole thing is going to be built underground!

DileepKS

April 23rd, 2013, 07:05 AM

I am not exactly sure about this underground thing. I foresee multiple issues with it.

1. Construction issues. They will have to first dig the place completely, with water barriers in place. Then they will have to build up from the depths. This place was the waste dump, so god only knows what is going to come up from beneath. What are they going to do with the dirt?

2. Safety issues: Fire escapes, ventilation, drainage, all are issues, that needs first world efficiency. Given the state of the underground facilties, be it govt/gcda, be it private, be it a car park, be it the down floor of penta menaka, I have zero confidence in a facility being operated here.

3. Operative issues: You need constant operation and maintenance for such a facility. It needs constant ventilation to keep the air from going stale. It is going to be a health hazard otherwise.

Bottom line: NOT a good idea.

Malayaali

April 25th, 2013, 02:43 PM

48th FHRAI Annual Convention to be held at Le Meridien Kochi (http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/48th-fhrai-annual-convention-to-be-held-at-le-meridien-kochi-from-sept-1921-2013-20171)
The 48th Annual Convention of Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) will be held from September 19 to 21, 2013 at Le Meridien, Kochi. The decision was unanimously taken during the Executive Committee meeting of FHRAI in New Delhi on April 20, 2013. The theme and business sessions of the Convention will be decided in the due course of time.

Speaking exclusively to TravelBiz Monitor, Jose Dominic, Joint Honorary Secretary, FHRAI who has been nominated as Chairman, FHRAI Convention Committee, said, "For the first time FHRAI is being held in Kerala. Being the President (Vivek Nair) from Southern region (South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA), the Convention was supposed to be held in South India and hence Kerala was chosen as host state. Since the past two and half decade Kerala has grown as a great tourism destination. With tourist flocking from all around the world, Kerala has set an example of sustainable and responsible yet competitive tourism. The participation from the local community has really helped to boost the tourism in the state."

He further said, "Being on the greener and safer part, Kerala offers a unique hospitality. It really sets the tone for the upcoming Convention. The Convention will talk about world class yet indigenous and sustainable tourism. The delegate participation this year will break the records of all earlier Conventions so far. I am hoping that hoteliers will have a pre and post convention tours and enjoy and experience the beauty of the backwaters and the famous Kerala ayurveda spa." Also we are looking at having the exhibition simultaneously with the Convention so that the suppliers can interact and connect with hoteliers, he added.

Malayaali

May 13th, 2013, 09:29 AM

State's first defence expo to begin on May 17 (http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/States-first-defence-expo-to-begin-on-May-17/2013/05/13/article1587659.ece)
A mass rally was flagged off on Sunday as part of ‘Suraksha 2013’, organised jointly by the Swadeshi Science Movement and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

The exhibition, the first defence expo to be held in the state, will commence on May 17.

Critic M K Sanu flagged off the rally at Gandhi Square here. Nearly 150 persons took part in the event which concluded at the Helipad at Marine Drive. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) director S Anantha Narayan led the rally. Swadeshi Science Movement president V P N Nampoori was also present. on the occasion.

“The government has been carrying out sufficient research in the field of defence to equip our soldiers with the best technology. The research activities are bearing fruit.

“However, it is necessary to bring the message of these endeavours to the masses. Sufficient awareness should be created so as to encourage youngsters to join the research field,” Sanu said.

The three-day ‘Suraksha 2013’ event will be attended by industrial leaders and private entrepreneurs along with members of the scientific community.

Technologies from the Defence Research & Development Organisation’s premier laboratories including the NPOL, Kochi, and the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, will be exhibited. Defence industries will also showcase their product range and might at the event. Apart from being a defence expo, ‘Suraksha-2013’ will deal with different aspects of national security including technological innovations made for the armed forces, officials said. Officials added that it also includes an exhibition and seminar on defence technology.