Tying the Knot - Feature

The South India Wedding Planners Congress (SIWPC) has blossomed from a humble start in 2019 to a grand affair by 2024. This year’s edition, organized by the Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, from June 14-15, 2024, cemented its role as the trendsetter for weddings in South India and beyond, proving that when it comes to weddings, SIWPC is the ultimate stop.

With each passing year, the event has consistently raised the bar in the wedding planning industry. It has become a must-attend event for professionals looking to showcase their creativity and expertise, making it a highly anticipated highlight on the wedding calendar.

From Film City to National Stage
In 2019, the inaugural event, hosted at Film City within an 8,000 sq ft venue, aimed to foster collaboration among local wedding planners. Following a pause due to the pandemic, the second edition resumed in July 2023 at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (HICC), Hyderabad, expanding dramatically to 36,000 sq ft. Drawing in approximately 850 attendees, the event showcased diverse participants and introduced enriching workshops and training sessions. 

According to Shravan Madiraju, Convenor, SIWPC Global 2024 & President, Telangana Event Managers Association (TEMA), “The third edition in June 2024 further scaled up to an 84,000 sq ft venue with 1,500 attendees, including international planners as speakers, under the theme ‘beyond imagination’.”

Floral Extravaganza Adds Value
The Indian Floral Design Extravaganza is typically an event dedicated to showcasing the art and creativity of floral design and creating a one-of-a-kind experience for the industry. The exhibition serves as a source of inspiration for wedding planners, designers, and florists in the industry. This platform is designed to provide an experience of a wide variety of designs, from traditional arrangements to avant-garde creations. It offers a stage for professional florists, designers, and artists to display their work, highlighting their creativity, skill, and innovation in floral design.

The idea is to promote Indian wedding designers by raising awareness of the artistry involved in floral design and encouraging more people to take an interest in it. We have curated 16 different concepts for the designers to create a magical experience. ‘Porcelain Paradise’, ‘Bold and Beauty’, ‘Emerald Elegance’, and ‘Glassy Glamour’ are a few to name.

Overall, the Floral Design Extravaganza Exhibition aims to elevate the art of floral design, inspire creativity, educate visitors, and foster a vibrant community of wedding enthusiasts.

Mixing Business with Bouquets
The event challenged preconceived notions, wowing attendees with its theme of ‘beyond imagination’. Ravi Bura, General Secretary, Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI), shared, “The event aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations and trends in the wedding planning industry while fostering global collaboration by bringing together national and international wedding planners and featuring esteemed international speakers.”

The educational and training sessions at the event were designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and skills that fostered their professional development. Beyond skill enhancement, the event was a hotspot for making crucial connections and grabbing business opportunities for planners, vendors, and stakeholders. It aimed to shake up the wedding scene by bringing global trends and standards to the local market. 

“A key focus this year is on sustainable wedding solutions, with specific sessions and exhibitors dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices,” Bura stated. “These sessions will educate attendees on the importance of sustainability, showcase best practices, and feature innovative solutions for organizing environmentally responsible weddings,” he further explained. This initiative aligns with the growing trend in recent years and seeks to drive a significant shift towards environmental responsibility, encouraging stakeholders to integrate these practices into their services and offerings. 

Setting New Standards
The event set itself apart in the wedding industry with its refreshing approach and ambitious goals. “Unlike most wedding conferences, which are typically organized by individual intellectual properties (IPs), SIWPC is organized by the largest regional association, TCEI, which boasts 500 active members,” Balaram Babu Alla, President, TCEI, asserted. This collective effort ensured a strong community focus, dedicated to enriching every aspect of the industry.

Attendees experienced an array of brilliant wedding trends presented by local and international experts, making it a standout event for anyone passionate about wedding planning. Additionally, international speakers added a global perspective, offering invaluable insights that elevated
local wedding standards to new heights. 

“Additionally, the educational and training sessions are designed to provide hands-on experiences and practical knowledge, helping attendees elevate their professional skills,” he outlined. “Overall, SIWPC 2024 offers a comprehensive, forward-thinking, and community-driven event that sets it apart from other wedding industry conferences.”

Tying Industry Knots
The event was dedicated to empowering wedding planners and industry professionals with cutting-edge trends and innovations through a comprehensive lineup of workshops, networking events, and impactful sessions. The workshops covered a range of essential topics in modern wedding planning, offering hands-on learning experiences that enabled attendees to integrate innovations effectively into their practices.

“Networking opportunities are a cornerstone of SIWPC 2024, offering global networking sessions where local planners can engage with international experts,” Madiraju states. Personalized interactions with industry leaders further enriched the learning experience, providing tailored guidance and strategic insights on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the competitive wedding market.

Keynote addresses by renowned international planners such as Micheal Ruiz - Event Stylist, Teddy Manuel - Floral & Event Stylist, and Brayan - Wedding Planner, highlighted global wedding trends and innovative business strategies. Panel discussions tackled crucial industry issues, including adapting to market dynamics and enhancing client experiences, and offered attendees practical insights and actionable solutions. “These sessions collectively equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to elevate their professional capabilities and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry landscape,” he averred.

Bridging Borders in Wedding Planning
The event was focused on helping new talent and businesses grow in the wedding planning world. As a key meeting point for professionals from India and beyond, the event gave newcomers plenty of chances to make their mark and build their networks. The event had inclusive networking sessions where participants could connect with industry peers and learn best practices from the experts.

“SIWPC also promotes a collaborative environment that encourages partnerships among attendees, fostering innovation and mutual growth within the sector,” Madiraju emphasizes. “With a strong emphasis on global connectivity, the event not only connects participants within India but also exposes them to international perspectives and trends, enriching their professional development,” he pointed out. Expert-led sessions equipped fresh talent with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive wedding planning scene.

Space, Style, and Substance
HITEX Exhibition Center was selected as the venue for several compelling reasons that matched the event’s scale and needs. As one of the largest convention centers in the region, the venue provided expansive, pillarless spaces ideal for accommodating the diverse activities and exhibits at the event. This layout flexibility ensured an unobstructed environment for large gatherings and interactive sessions. Strategically located with easy access to major transportation hubs, HITEX facilitated convenient logistics for attendees.

“Moreover, HITEX boasts excellent amenities and support services essential for hosting a premier event like SIWPC. These include state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities, robust internet connectivity, and dedicated event management teams experienced in handling large-scale conferences,” Bura adds.

The venue's excellent service delivery and its proven track record of hosting international and national events made it a trusted choice for the event. “Overall, HITEX Exhibition Center's infrastructure, location, amenities, logistical support, and service capabilities align perfectly with SIWPC's vision of showcasing innovation and setting new benchmarks in the wedding planning industry,” Alla concludes.

All image source: HITEX and TCEI