In India’s rapidly expanding MICE landscape, Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Center (JECC) has emerged as a compelling venue for global conferences and trade exhibitions, including several major events related to the print and packaging industry. Located in the culturally rich city of Jaipur, the venue combines large-scale infrastructure with the experiential appeal of a heritage destination.
In this conversation with Print Traveller, Manuj Rahlan, General Manager, JECC, shares insights on why Jaipur is gaining prominence on the global MICE map, the strategic advantages it offers event organizers, and how JECC’s integrated facilities and sustainability initiatives are helping shape the future of large-format exhibitions and conventions
Print Traveller (PT): Jaipur has emerged strongly as a MICE destination in recent years. From your perspective, what makes Jaipur uniquely positioned on the global MICE map?
Manuj Rahlan (MR): Jaipur’s rise as a MICE destination has been a fascinating journey to witness. What makes the city truly special is the way it blends world-class infrastructure with an identity that is deeply rooted in culture and heritage. Unlike many convention cities that are purpose-built purely for business, Jaipur offers something far more immersive.
Being part of India’s iconic Golden Triangle already places Jaipur on the global tourism map. But what happens here is that conferences and exhibitions naturally evolve into experiences. Delegates attend meetings during the day and step out into a world of royal palaces, heritage walks, vibrant markets, and Rajasthani cuisine.
When you combine this cultural richness with venues like JECC that can host events at a global scale, Jaipur becomes far more than a venue city, it becomes a destination that delegates remember long after the event ends.
PT: What strategic advantages does Jaipur offer over other Indian metro cities when it comes to hosting large-scale exhibitions and business events?
MR: : If I had to summarize Jaipur’s advantage in three words, it would be location, accessibility, and character.
JECC is located just ten minutes from Jaipur International Airport, which is something event planners immediately appreciate. For large events, reducing travel time between the airport, hotels, and the venue makes a huge operational difference.
Then there’s the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which has significantly improved road connectivity, making Jaipur easily accessible from two of India’s biggest commercial regions.
But beyond infrastructure, Jaipur offers something unique, the charm of a heritage city. Delegates don’t simply attend conferences here; they discover a place with personality, culture, and stories.
PT: Connectivity is a key factor for event organizers. How do Jaipur’s air, rail, and road networks support seamless MICE travel?
MR: Connectivity has quietly played a major role in Jaipur’s growth as a MICE destination. The international airport connects the city with major domestic hubs and select international destinations, making travel relatively convenient for delegates.
Road connectivity has been transformed by the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which has made travel faster, safer, and more efficient. Rail connectivity is equally strong, linking Jaipur with nearly every major Indian city.
What this means is simple, whether a delegate is flying in from Europe or driving from Delhi, reaching Jaipur is smooth and straightforward.
“When you combine Jaipur’s cultural
richness with venues like JECC that
can host events at a global scale,
the city becomes far more than a
venue, it becomes a destination
delegates remember long after the
event ends.”
PT: JECC is one of India’s largest purpose-built event venues. What sets it apart in terms of scale and infrastructure?
MR: JECC was designed with scale and flexibility at its core. Few venues in India operate at this level of infrastructure.
We have two exhibition halls, each spanning over 106,000 square feet, capable of accommodating around 9,000 attendees per hall. The ceiling height of 43 feet and the presence of 16 heavy-duty rigging beams allow organizers to build large-format installations and elaborate exhibition structures.
Our Convention Centre features a pillarless hall with 740 retractable seats and capacity for up to 1,100 guests, supported by 14 flexible meeting rooms.
And then we also have expansive outdoor spaces, a 50,000 sq. ft. convention lawn and an open ground spanning over 8.5 lakh sq. ft. This versatility allows us to host everything from conferences and trade exhibitions to concerts and large-scale experiential events
PT: JECC has recently hosted several print and packaging trade exhibitions. Why is it preferred for this industry?
MR: Trade exhibitions, especially in industries like print and packaging, require very specific infrastructure. They need large column-free spaces, high load-bearing floors, ample ceiling height, and strong logistics access for machinery and complex booth setups. JECC is designed to deliver exactly that.
Our halls offer clear-span layouts, generous vertical clearance, and multiple access points, making it easy for exhibitors to bring in heavy equipment and create large-scale installations.
Another advantage is the integrated hospitality with Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, which allows event organizers to manage accommodation, conferences, and exhibitions seamlessly within one complex.
PT: Sustainability is becoming central to global events. What green initiatives has JECC implemented?
MR: Sustainability is something we take very seriously at JECC. It’s not just a commitment on paper, it’s embedded into our daily operations.
We operate entirely on LED lighting systems with smart controls, and our 400 TR energy-efficient chiller significantly reduces energy consumption. We also have rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and RO recovery systems in place to manage water resources responsibly.
On the guest side, we’ve introduced digital check-ins, e-billing, wooden key cards, and plastic-free amenities. Organic waste is composted on-site, and we’ve successfully reduced food waste by over 50 percent..
Looking ahead, we are developing a 3 MW solar power plant, which is expected to deliver up to 50 percent energy savings once operational.
“Trade exhibitions like print and
packaging require large column-free
halls, high ceilings, and strong
logistics access. JECC was designed
to deliver exactly that.”
PT: How does Jaipur’s accommodation ecosystem support large events?
MR: One of Jaipur’s biggest strengths is the diversity of its hospitality offerings. At the luxury end, the city is home to iconic heritage palace hotels and five-star properties. Within our complex itself, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre offers integrated accommodation for delegates and organizers.
Beyond that, Jaipur has a strong network of mid-scale business hotels and budget accommodations spread across the city. This allows event planners to host thousands of attendees across different budgets without compromising on quality or comfort.
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PT: Jaipur is known for its hospitality culture. How does this enhance the MICE experience?
MR: Hospitality is deeply embedded in Jaipur’s identity. It goes beyond hotels, it’s reflected in the service culture of the entire city.
At JECC and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, we’ve delivered more than 300 large-scale events. We’ve hosted 14,000 attendees at Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas, managed 400+ VVIP sit-down meals, and delivered global events like IIFA 2025 and the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit.
But what truly elevates the experience is the ecosystem around us, the city’s restaurants, tourism services, transport networks, and cultural attractions. Delegates often leave with memories of Jaipur that extend far beyond the event itself.
How does JECC ensure world-class safety and security for international events?
MR: Events of the scale we host require very robust security and visitor management systems. We implement structured crowd flow planning, multiple access points, and coordinated security deployment for every event. For high-profile gatherings, we work closely with state authorities to ensure comprehensive security protocols.
The design of the venue itself supports safe operations, clear sightlines, well-defined entry and exit zones, and ample parking space help us manage large crowds efficiently.
“For large exhibitions, reducing travel time between the airport, hotels, and the venue makes a huge operational difference and JECC is located just ten minutes from Jaipur International Airport.”
PT: How is JECC integrating technology to stay future-ready?
MR: Technology is central to how we continue to evolve.
JECC is equipped with high-capacity Wi-Fi networks, advanced AV systems, and strong digital infrastructure. We’ve already implemented paperless processes such as digital registrations and e-billing, along with smart energy management systems.
As hybrid events become more common, we’re also ensuring that our infrastructure supports seamless integration between physical and digital audiences
PT: What role does the Rajasthan government play in strengthening Jaipur’s MICE ecosystem?
MR: The Government of Rajasthan has played a very active role in promoting Jaipur as a global destination for tourism and business events.
Through international tourism campaigns and landmark initiatives like the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, the state has consistently demonstrated its commitment to developing the MICE ecosystem.
This strong partnership between government and industry has helped create an environment where large events can flourish.
PT: Looking ahead, what is your vision for JECC and Jaipur on the global event stage?
MR: Our vision is to position JECC and Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre as India’s most preferred destination for large-format events — whether they are international exhibitions, global conferences, destination weddings, or large entertainment events.
We’re expanding our focus into high-growth sectors like IT, healthcare, automotive, and government forums, while also scaling up destination weddings.
By 2026, our vision is bold yet clear — to transform JECC from simply an event venue into a destination that global organizers aspire to host their most prestigious gatherings at.
What began as a remarkable piece of infrastructure has today evolved into a benchmark for world-class events in India. Jaipur is ready to welcome the world, and JECC will be the gateway through which the world experiences it.
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