The National Executive Committee and National Advisory Council of Event and Entertainment Management Association convened for a meeting on 2 February 2017 in New Delhi where some key decisions were announced pertinent to the event planning industry.

Among the major developments seen in the event and entertainment industry this year includes that the Information & Broadcasting ministry has finally accepted that they will be the guardian ministry for the events business. After discussions with the Secretary I&B, Mr Ajay Mittal, following representations made along with FICCI and CII, Mr Mittal has confirmed that the ministry would identify one of the joint/additional secretaries to be the nodal officer for the events industry. This is a breakthrough and would be done for the first time and should hopefully obtain “industry status" for the events business.

EEMA is working with FICCI and Skills Development industry on developing an entire program through which various job profiles across the industry would be identified and a training and certification program would be put into place. Importantly, as part of the Skilling India program, there would be recognition of prior-learning skills and certification of the same.

On another front, the Tourism Ministry of Telangana has fast-tracked the implementation of an online Single Window clearance for licensing in Hyderabad. Work is afoot along with the regional EEMA leadership.

Also in process is a formal tie-up with the Sports Authority of India for use of their venues (nine of them are available in Delhi alone). SAI officials would be hosting a FAM later this month to familiarize EEMA members with the facilities and the process of booking and use.

Wiser post- demonetization and in order to understand the impact and provisions of the budget and to be prepared for GST implementation, EEMA is initiating a ‘Know your Finance’ program with some of the Big 4 consultancies. This will be oriented to Directors/ proprietors, CEOs and CFOs.

EEMA has also taken up the cause of women empowerment in the industry rather seriously this year. As part of the WE CARE initiative, a helpline would soon be launched and would be available for guidance and counseling. A special event would be planned on March 8th on International Women’s Day. Additionally, a public-facing campaign, Seeti Bajao, would be undertaken soon this year.

An important development as EEMA continues to battle music licensing societies regarding copyright issues, is that an opportunity for dialogue has been mutually accepted by the two entities. The Indian Music industry and the EEMA team met recently and went over all the issues involved and EEMA’s long term and short-term view with regard to the issues in contention. Consequently, the music industry has shared the PPL tariff card that they’ve said is currently applicable. The Music industry and the EEMA team would be meeting today to discuss both the tariff card structure as well as what the tariff should be.

Finally, complimentary legal services have been identified for the North region. Following an evaluation of this pilot project, similar services will be offered across the regions through tie-ups and affiliates.