Mastering the Art of Events: Sreekanth Naidu's Visionary Journey with Virya Events

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In the bustling world of event management, Sreekanth Naidu stands out as a visionary and leader. The founder of Virya Events, Sreekanth has a rich background in event coordination and production, which has shaped his approach to the dynamic industry. In this interview, Sreekanth shares insights from his journey, challenges faced, and aspirations for the future.

Can you tell us about your journey in starting your events management company? What inspired you to venture into this industry?

Before event management, I worked as a sales promoter, events coordinator, and supervisor with various organizations during college as a part-time job. I attended SMSG Jain College, earning a B.Sc. in Computer Science, and later, I completed a PG diploma from the Events Management Development Institute. I also took courses in brand management. Events have been my passion since my college days. After finishing college, I started with Wings Events, then worked with other companies, and eventually joined ETV Kannada TV events and production. In 2014, I started Tactics, which focused on event management and TV production. We worked with many TV channels across the country, including my own production, “Baduku Jataka Bandi”, on Zee Kannada. After COVID, I launched Virya Events, where I now serve as director. We handle a lot of TV events, sports events, and others.

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve managed, and what made them stand out?

The ETV Film Awards, which featured the entire Kannada film fraternity, and a series of television award ceremonies for the Essel Awards are among the most memorable. These events were significant because of their scale and the high-profile attendees. The meticulous planning and execution made them stand out.

How do you handle the logistics and coordination of large-scale events Can you share some insights into your process?

Planning is the backbone of successful event management. Every event is different, and the process varies. Infrastructure, lights, venue, sound, and lighting, followed by manpower planning, are crucial. We are a team of 14 based in Bangalore, with plans to expand to Chennai and Hyderabad. A tailored approach to each event is essential.

What are the biggest challenges you face in the events management industry, and how do you overcome them?

Our biggest client is Zee Kannada, and much of our business comes through word of mouth, so our work speaks for itself. However, nature and department permissions are significant hurdles. For instance, during a New Year’s party in 2012 at Clarks Exotica with 8,000 attendees, managing the crowd and ensuring everything went smoothly was a massive challenge. Our team's dedication and proactive measures ensure that such challenges are effectively managed.

Can you discuss a time when an event didn't go as planned? How did you handle the situation and what did you learn from it?

One memorable incident was an open-air event in Mysore that was disrupted by rain. We quickly sourced tarpaulins from the local market and placed them at a height that wouldn’t obstruct the event. This experience underscored the importance of contingency planning and adaptability in event management.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in event planning and management?

We stay current with industry trends through associations like the Karnataka Event Management Association and EEMA. Annual meetings, conferences, and seminars are vital for keeping up with trends and international standards. These platforms provide valuable insights and networking opportunities that help us stay ahead in the industry.

What role does technology play in your event management process, and how has it evolved over the years?

Technology plays a vital role, especially in events and seminars. The transition from AV screens with projectors to LED walls and plasmas is a testament to technological advancements in the field. Such innovations enhance the overall event experience and streamline various aspects of event management.

Can you describe the importance of teamwork and collaboration in successfully managing an event?

Event management is a complete team effort. From conception and client acquisition to creative execution, operations, and production, seamless coordination among various teams is essential. Only when the coordination is well-oiled does an event succeed.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own events management company?

Event management in India is a flourishing field that offers glamour, money, creativity, and much more. Youngsters should definitely consider it. My advice is to embrace this field with passion and dedication.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Virya in the next 5-10 years, and what new trends do you foresee in the events industry?

We plan to expand across all major cities in India and venture into commercial events by bringing international artists to the country. We also aim to launch a Kabaddi league in Karnataka next year and significantly increase our team size. As for industry trends, I foresee a rise in commercial and sports events, alongside innovations in event technology and management practices.

Sreekanth Naidu’s journey and insights paint a vibrant picture of the event management industry, highlighting the passion, dedication, and foresight required to excel. As Virya Events continues to grow, Sreekanth’s vision and leadership promise an exciting future for the company and the industry at large.

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