HRAWI Conclave 2026 to Host 7th Edition & Awards in Surat
HRAWI Conclave 2026 will host its 7th edition in Surat on April 29, focusing on food safety, fire prevention, and hospitality operations.
nishathapa 
Surat, April 29, 2026: The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) is set to host the seventh edition of its Conclave & Awards in Surat, Gujarat, bringing together hospitality stakeholders to address operational challenges and sector priorities. The event will take place at Regenta – The World and will include industry discussions alongside recognition of excellence through its annual awards.
The one-day conclave will convene hotel owners, restaurateurs, operators, suppliers, and industry experts, offering a platform for dialogue on key issues impacting hospitality businesses. Alongside discussions, the event will highlight achievements across the sector through the HRAWI Awards, which recognise performance and contributions within the industry.
Focus on Operational Priorities and Industry Challenges
This year’s agenda is structured around critical operational concerns currently shaping the hospitality sector. Key discussion areas include food safety challenges, particularly the issue of adulteration in dairy products and raw materials used in hotel and restaurant operations. The topic has gained attention as businesses increasingly focus on compliance and quality assurance.
Fire prevention will also be a major area of focus, with sessions addressing the role of maintenance and housekeeping practices in reducing operational risks. Industry stakeholders are expected to discuss preventive strategies and best practices that can be implemented across properties to enhance safety standards.
In addition, the conclave will explore the adoption of induction cooking as an alternative to conventional fuels. This discussion reflects a broader industry shift towards energy efficiency and sustainable operations, as hospitality businesses evaluate new technologies to optimise costs and reduce environmental impact.
Tourism Development in Surat Economic Region
A dedicated session by BRCM College of Business Administration will present insights on tourism development in the Surat Economic Region. The presentation is aligned with NITI Aayog’s Economic Master Plan and is expected to outline opportunities for strengthening regional tourism infrastructure and positioning Surat as a competitive destination.
The inclusion of this topic highlights the growing importance of regional tourism strategies in driving hospitality demand, particularly in emerging urban centres. Surat, as a commercial hub, is increasingly being viewed as a potential growth market for hospitality investments and travel-related activities.
Leadership Participation and Industry Representation
The event will feature participation from key industry leaders and representatives. Arun Shetty, President of HRAWI, and Sanat Relia, Vice-President of the Southern Gujarat Hotel & Restaurant Association, are scheduled to deliver remarks during the programme. Nirav Gandhi, Senior Vice-President of HRAWI, will deliver the welcome address, setting the tone for the discussions.
Shri M Nagarajan, IAS, Commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation, will attend the conclave as the Chief Guest, reflecting the involvement of local governance in supporting industry dialogue and development.
Platform for Knowledge Sharing and Industry Recognition
The HRAWI Conclave & Awards has evolved as a recurring industry platform focused on knowledge exchange and recognition. By combining discussions on operational practices with awards that acknowledge performance, the event aims to address both current challenges and achievements within the sector.
According to the organisers, the agenda has been designed to reflect the changing priorities of hospitality businesses, with an emphasis on practical insights and regulatory awareness. Topics such as food safety compliance, alternative fuel adoption, and operational risk management indicate a shift towards more structured and process-driven approaches within the industry.
The awards segment will recognise contributions across various categories, providing visibility to industry participants who have demonstrated performance in their respective areas. While specific award categories have not been detailed, the recognition programme is expected to cover key segments of the hospitality ecosystem.
Context: Evolving Industry Priorities
The focus areas outlined for the conclave align with broader trends in the hospitality sector, where operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainability are becoming central to business strategy. Increasing regulatory scrutiny, coupled with changing consumer expectations, has led to greater emphasis on transparency, safety, and resource optimisation.
Events such as the HRAWI Conclave play a role in facilitating dialogue between industry stakeholders and policymakers, particularly in addressing region-specific challenges. With Surat emerging as a host city, the event also underscores the growing relevance of non-metro locations in India’s hospitality landscape.
The seventh edition of the conclave continues this approach by combining sector insights with regional development perspectives, reflecting the industry’s evolving focus on both operational and strategic growth areas.
