6th National Housekeeping Convention & 9th PHA Anniversary: Embracing Tech-Driven Housekeeping

6th National Housekeeping Convention & 9th PHA Anniversary: Embracing Tech-Driven Housekeeping

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 2, 2024

The Professional Housekeeping Association (PHA) and the Young United Visionary Association hosted the 6th National Housekeeping Convention alongside the 9th PHA Anniversary on May 25th, 2024, at the Clarks Exotica Convention Resort in Bangalore. This year’s convention, themed “Technology-enabled Housekeeping,” focused on the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Metaverse, and digital processes on housekeeping operations.

Ms. Jayashree Nagaraj, the founding President and Chairperson of PHA, served as the event’s Ambassador, emphasizing her dedication to advancing industry standards and practices.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and guests, each highlighting the critical role of innovation in hospitality. Mr. Balaji M, Group CEO of Kamalya Group and Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, attended as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the importance of technological innovation and collaboration in the hospitality sector.

Ms. Smita Rathod, Corporate Executive Housekeeper and Director of Rooms at The Leela Hotel Conventions Residences, delivered the keynote address. She shared her extensive experience in leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Mr. Venkatesh Subramani, Founder and CEO of i2i Softwares, spoke as the Distinguished Speaker on Digitalization. He highlighted recent trends and innovations reshaping the housekeeping landscape.

Dr. Josyula Shekar, Director and CEO of Zyvana Integrated Services Pvt Ltd, contributed as the Lead Speaker, offering insights on integrating technology into housekeeping practices to promote sustainability and profitability.

Ms. Indrani Sanyal, GM of Housekeeping at Medica Super Specialty Hospital in Kolkata, served as the Chief Convener, facilitating crucial discussions and partnerships among industry professionals.

One of the event’s highlights was the “Immaculate Innovations: Expertise Shared by Housekeeping Titans” session. This segment showcased groundbreaking initiatives and best practices from leading experts. Attendees also benefited from research papers and findings on AI-enabled housekeeping, which provided a roadmap for future advancements and industry standards.

The 6th National Housekeeping Convention and 9th PHA Anniversary was a landmark event, bringing together industry stakeholders to explore the vast potential of technology in shaping the future of housekeeping.

About Clarks Exotica

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, located amidst the serene landscapes of Bangalore, is a premier destination offering luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unparalleled hospitality. It provides an unforgettable experience for both leisure and business travelers.

This year’s convention has set a new benchmark for how technology can be seamlessly integrated into housekeeping, driving the industry towards a more efficient and innovative future.


Sheraton Hyderabad Relaunches Jade Ballroom After Extensive Redesign

Sheraton Hyderabad Relaunches Jade Ballroom After Extensive Redesign

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2025

Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has announced the relaunch of its signature banquet space, the Jade Ballroom following an extensive redesign. The transformed venue combines contemporary elegance with the city’s cultural heritage, setting a new benchmark for events and celebrations in Hyderabad.

Speaking about the relaunch, Subhankar Bose, General Manager, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, said, “The relaunch of Jade Ballroom represents our commitment to offering Hyderabad an exceptional venue that honours tradition while embracing innovation. This space is designed to create magical moments for our guests — whether they are celebrating life’s milestones or hosting distinguished business events.”

The reimagined Jade Ballroom now offers 4,500 sq. ft. of flexible, pillarless meeting space, complemented by a 2,500 sq. ft. pre-function area. With a total capacity of up to 600 guests, it ranks among Hyderabad’s largest and most adaptable event venues.

Designed for versatility, the ballroom’s column-free architecture ensures unobstructed sightlines, allowing seamless transitions between intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The space can also be divided into Jade 1 and Jade 2, offering flexibility for simultaneous events or customized layouts.

The enhanced pre-function area, ideal for cocktail receptions, networking sessions, or registration zones, features independent access for added exclusivity. State-of-the-art audio-visual systems and advanced lighting technology have also been integrated, ensuring every event is executed with sophistication and precision.

With its blend of timeless design, modern technology, and spacious versatility, the new Jade Ballroom reaffirms Sheraton Hyderabad’s position as a premier destination for weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events in the city.


Asembli Ushers a New Era of Multi-Sensory Experiences in Hyderabad

Asembli Ushers a New Era of Multi-Sensory Experiences in Hyderabad

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2025

Hyderabad is about to get a new landmark in experiential hospitality with the launch of Asembli, a first-of-its-kind venue that promises to awaken the senses and redefine celebrations. Spanning 40,000 sq. ft., Asembli isn’t just a space, it’s a multi-sensory universe where architecture, music, design, and gastronomy come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Conceived to offer Hyderabad a world-class destination with deep cultural resonance, Asembli blends sacred geometry with contemporary architecture, designed by Anirudh Osuri of Design Epicenter. At the heart of the space is a striking dome inspired by sacred geometry, designed to cultivate harmony and presence. Guests will also enjoy a three-level air purification system, tiered platforms, kinetic lighting, and Danley Sound Labs audio, creating immersive environments for weddings, festivals, and cultural events.

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Culinary experiences at Asembli are led by Chef Varun Inamdar, whose two decades of global expertise inform a food philosophy rooted in innovation and tradition. Guests can expect a curated menu that fuses regional Indian classics with global influences, including wok-fired plates, reimagined desserts, and inventive shared dishes. The dining journey is designed to spark conversation and connection, extending from the kitchen to the bar, where an international mixologist crafts signature beverages to match the culinary experience.

Asembli isn’t just a venue; we assembled a feeling,” says Nagineni Srikanth Rao, Founder, Asembli. “It’s a stage for life’s most vibrant moments, a space where Hyderabadis from all walks of life can come together, celebrate boldly, and create memories for a lifetime.” 

Built around five pillars, Music, Culture, Entertainment, Travel, and Food & Beverage. Asembli engages mind, body, and spirit, making every gathering immersive and intentional.

Scheduled to open on October 31, 2025, Asembli promises to reshape Hyderabad’s hospitality scene, offering high-energy, high-dining experiences where every celebration feels alive and every moment becomes shared.


Sterling Holiday Resorts Introduces “Soil to Soul” Experience at Sterling Wayanad

Sterling Holiday Resorts Introduces “Soil to Soul” Experience at Sterling Wayanad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts, a leading name in experiential holidays, has launched its latest ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ (D&E) initiative, “Soil to Soul,” at Sterling Wayanad. Nestled amidst Kerala’s lush plantations and spice gardens, this immersive Farm-to-Fork experience celebrates sustainable tourism, local culture, and authentic culinary traditions.

The “Soil to Soul” journey takes guests on a half-day exploration through organic farms and spice plantations, offering a firsthand understanding of Wayanad’s agricultural heritage. Participants engage with local farmers, learn about paddy cultivation, coffee, and spice farming, and harvest fresh produce. The experience culminates in a hands-on cooking session led by Sterling’s expert chefs, where guests use the fresh produce they have harvested to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using time-honoured methods.

Adding depth to the journey, guests also interact with indigenous Wayanad communities, whose stories and food traditions bring authenticity to the experience. Visitors take home handcrafted spice packs and recipe cards, extending their connection to Kerala’s food culture beyond their stay.

“With ‘Soil to Soul,’ we want our guests to go beyond the conventional holiday, to connect with the land, people, and stories that make Wayanad special,” said Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “It’s a celebration of food, culture, and sustainability, and a meaningful addition to our growing D&E portfolio.”

Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences platform offers guests curated, locally rooted engagements that bring each destination to life. At Sterling Wayanad, travellers can also enjoy guided nature walks and bird-watching trails, or explore the resort’s collaboration with Uravu, a local NGO that promotes bamboo craftsmanship and tribal livelihoods, each experience designed to build authentic connections with the region’s ecology and culture.

Through “Soil to Soul” and other D&E initiatives, Sterling Holiday Resorts reinforces its commitment to sustainable and experiential travel in India, offering guests memorable journeys that truly go from farm to fork, from Soil to Soul.

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