Procurement experts and other hotel industry stakeholders from Bhutan, India, and Nepal gathered at Kolkata for the Annual Convention 2026 of the hotel Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) Eastern Chapter on April 11.

Procurement best practices, industry collaboration, and information exchange were the main points of the conference for the hotel business. Speakers at the convention, including Drs. Phalguni Das and Souvagya Mahapatra, as well as Nitin Shankar Nagrale, stressed the need for new approaches and teamwork in the purchasing process.

The creation of the HPMF chapters in Assam and Bhutan, which would increase its regional presence, was a major announcement made at the ceremony. In addition to welcoming new members, the forum officially collaborated with the Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM). In order tohelp their members improve their skills, HPMF will be sponsoring a Materials Management course at IIMM for ten of them.

“India Hospitality Growth Story: How Strategic Procurement Can Drive Scale, Sustainability & Self-Reliance” was the subject of a panel discussion that took place during the conference. The topic revolved around the role of procurement in achieving operational efficiency and long-term growth.

This convention exemplifies the Eastern Chapter’s increasing power and solidarity, according to Biplab Bharti, President of the HPMF Eastern Chapter. It is with great pride that we bring together such a wide range of expertise and influential people. We are committed to fostering meaningful involvement, recognising and supporting regional excellence, and helping the hospitality procurement community as a whole flourish.

In addition, HPMF Founder and General Secretary Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale stated: “HPMF has always believed in the power of collaboration and continuous learning.” Our dedication to enhancing the procurement ecosystem and empowering our members is evident in our efforts to grow into new regions like Assam and Bhutan and to engage in skill development through initiatives like the IIMM certification. Another milestone on the road to creating a fraternity that is more aware, connected, and prepared for the future has been reached with this convention.

Image Credit: HospiBuz