The Annual Meet & Training Program (AMTP) 2024 concluded with great success, making a lasting impact on the Indian Amusement Industry. Held in the vibrant city of Lucknow, this year’s event was themed “Raise the Bar” and attracted a record-breaking 170 participants, setting new standards for collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, Principal Secretary Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh was the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote addresses in which he presented state tourism policy and opportunities of investments in the state.
Lucknow, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, proved to be an ideal host for AMTP 2024. The city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity provided an inspiring setting for industry leaders and professionals to engage in thought-provoking discussions, in-depth brainstorming sessions, and intensive training on a variety of contemporary topics. From leadership development to artificial intelligence, legal compliance, people management, branding, and enhancing retail presence, the program was designed to equip attendees with the necessary tools and insights to thrive in today’s dynamic market.
The event featured a series of compelling sessions led by industry experts:
• Mr. Vikas Jain, a renowned leadership coach, kicked off the event with his session on “Exponential Leadership,” highlighting the critical role of visionary leadership in driving growth and innovation within the amusement industry.
• Dr. Arunabha Mukhopadhyay from IIM Lucknow explored the potential of “Leveraging Technology & AI in Amusement,” demonstrating how artificial intelligence can revolutionize operations and enhance customer experiences.
• Mr. Rajan Bhalla, a seasoned brand strategist, presented on “Multi-Generational Marketing,” offering actionable strategies to appeal to diverse age groups and ensure long-term brand loyalty.
• Prof. Nishant Uppal of IIM Lucknow delivered a thought-provoking session on “People Management,” using airline industry analogies to illustrate the importance of maintaining a strong organizational culture.
• Adv. Brijesh Kumar Singh provided crucial insights into “Legal & Compliance,” helping participants navigate the complex regulatory landscape and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
• Flt. Anand Lamdhade and Dr. Kishore Dogra emphasized the importance of “Operational Safety,” focusing on robust safety protocols and risk management strategies essential for amusement operations.
• Mr. Dhruva Paknikar from Dominix Group captivated the audience with his session on “Brand Recall through Merchandise,” explaining how strategic merchandising can significantly boost brand visibility and customer loyalty.
AMTP 2024 also featured two highly anticipated panel discussions:
• The first, on “Opportunities & Challenges in the Amusement Industry,” was moderated by Mr. Jai Malpani from Imagica. The panel included prominent industry leaders such as Mr. Sesha Kanthamraju, CEO of Ramoji Film City, Mr. Rajesh Raisinghani, MD & CEO of Nicco Parks, Mr. Darpan Shah, Director of Arihant Industrial Corporation, and Mr. Rohit Mathur, MD of CSML. The discussion delved into the evolving landscape of the amusement industry, offering insights into the vast opportunities for growth as well as the challenges that need to be addressed.
• The second panel focused on the “Indoor Amusement Center – Raise the Bar” theme and was moderated by Mr. Rajeev Jalnapurkar. This discussion included panelists such as Mr. Ankur Maheshwary, Founder of Masti Zone, Mr. Prashant Kanoria, Founder of Puttaput, Mr. Bhavesh Shah, Founder of Gujarat Amusement, and Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Founder of Puno. The conversation centered around innovative approaches to enhancing the indoor amusement experience, emphasizing the importance of raising standards within this growing segment.
The final day of the program included site visits to Blue World Park in Kanpur and Anandi Magic World in Lucknow. These visits provided participants with a firsthand look at successful amusement park operations, state-of-the-art attractions, and the latest advancements in amusement technology.
AMTP 2024 was more than just an event; it was a convergence of ideas, innovation, and leadership, setting a new benchmark for the amusement industry. The knowledge gained and connections made during these three days will undoubtedly propel the industry forward, continuing to “Raise the Bar.” Lucknow’s charm, rich cultural tapestry, and welcoming atmosphere added a unique flavor to the event, making it a memorable experience for all who attended and highlighting the city’s growing importance as a hub for industry gatherings.
