HPMF Hosts 2026 Eastern Convention in Kolkata, Expands to Assam and Bhutan
HPMF held its 2026 Eastern Chapter Convention in Kolkata, announcing expansion into Assam and Bhutan, new partnerships, and a focus on procurement-led growth in hospitality.
nishathapa 
Kolkata, April 11, 2026: The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) convened its Eastern Chapter Annual Convention 2026 in Kolkata, bringing together procurement leaders, hospitality professionals, and industry stakeholders from India, Nepal, and Bhutan to discuss procurement strategies, industry collaboration, and sector growth.
The convention served as a platform for knowledge exchange and industry dialogue, with a focus on strengthening procurement frameworks, expanding regional networks, and enhancing skill development within the hospitality supply chain.
Convention Opens with Cultural Ceremony and Industry Participation
The event began with a traditional welcome ceremony featuring regional cultural elements such as Dhaki, Dhunuchi, Shankho, and Kulo dance performances. A Baisakhi Agomoni presentation followed, setting the tone for the evening.
The formal inauguration was marked by a ceremonial lamp lighting led by advisory board members and invited dignitaries. The gathering saw participation from procurement professionals and hospitality stakeholders across multiple geographies, highlighting the forum’s expanding regional engagement.
Attendees included representatives from across India as well as neighbouring markets such as Nepal and Bhutan, reflecting the forum’s growing cross-border outreach.
Leadership Highlights Role of Procurement in Industry Growth
Key addresses during the event were delivered by Dr Phalguni Das (Chief Guest), Dr Souvagya Mahapatra (Guest of Honor), and Dr Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF. The speakers emphasised the increasing importance of procurement functions in driving operational efficiency, cost optimisation, and sustainable practices within hospitality businesses.
The discussions highlighted procurement as a strategic function rather than a transactional role, particularly as the industry evolves towards more structured and scalable growth models.
Industry leaders noted that collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing are becoming critical in managing supply chains effectively amid changing market dynamics.
Expansion into Assam and Bhutan Strengthens Regional Network
A key announcement at the convention was the launch of new HPMF chapters in Assam and Bhutan. This expansion marks a significant step in extending the forum’s footprint into emerging hospitality markets in the eastern and northeastern regions.
The addition of these chapters is expected to facilitate stronger regional collaboration and provide procurement professionals in these markets with access to industry networks, knowledge resources, and professional development opportunities.
The move aligns with HPMF’s broader strategy to create a more connected procurement ecosystem across South Asia, enabling greater exchange of best practices and operational insights.
Partnership with IIMM Focuses on Skill Development
The convention also featured the announcement of a strategic partnership between HPMF and the Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM). As part of this collaboration, HPMF will sponsor a Materials Management course for 10 of its members.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening professional capabilities within the procurement function, particularly in areas such as supply chain management, sourcing strategies, and inventory optimisation.
Organisers indicated that the collaboration reflects a continued focus on structured training and certification programmes, supporting the long-term development of procurement professionals in the hospitality sector.
Panel Discussion Examines Procurement-Led Growth Strategy
An industry panel discussion formed a central part of the convention’s agenda. Titled “India Hospitality Growth Story: How Strategic Procurement Can Drive Scale, Sustainability & Self-Reliance,” the session explored the evolving role of procurement in enabling industry expansion.
Panelists discussed how procurement strategies can contribute to cost efficiency, operational resilience, and sustainability goals. The conversation also addressed the importance of local sourcing, supplier partnerships, and technology integration in building more resilient supply chains.
The session highlighted the increasing alignment between procurement practices and broader business objectives, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability and self-reliance.
Recognition and Cultural Engagement Complement Industry Dialogue
The convention also included recognition of industry contributions through memento distributions, along with discussions on corporate social responsibility initiatives and support for local art and handicrafts.
Cultural performances, including Baul music and a saxophone presentation, were incorporated into the programme, reflecting the regional identity of the host city.
According to organisers, the integration of cultural and professional elements was intended to create a balanced platform that fosters both engagement and knowledge sharing.
HPMF Eastern Chapter President Biplab Bharti noted that the convention reflects the growing strength and cohesion of the regional network, while Dr Nitin Shankar Nagrale highlighted the forum’s continued focus on collaboration, expansion, and skill development.
The 2026 convention underscores the increasing importance of structured procurement practices in the hospitality sector, particularly as the industry scales across diverse markets and adapts to evolving operational demands.
