MALLESWARAM: Bringing together a group of 20 individuals with a shared love of travelling and food, travel portal HolidayIQ.com has teamed up with city bar High Ultra Lounge to organise an interactive networking event. From entrepreneurs to artists, CEOs to bloggers, the participants will be sharing their personal experiences in the hope of encouraging others to draw inspiration from their stories, and broaden their own horizons.
“We wanted to create a unique experience for an eclectic group of high-flyers with a common passion for travel, food and drinks,” says Nirupa Shankar, the director of Brigade Hospitality, who conceived of High Ultra Lounge.
Personal journeys
Sharing how worldwide adventures impacted her choice of career, Shankar shares, “Growing up, I was fortunate enough to travel across the world with my family to over 30 countries. We stayed in a wide variety of hotels ranging from bed-and-breakfasts to city hotels to boutique hotels to resorts and even castles. This created a natural interest in hospitality for me.”
Similarly, Hari Nair, the founder and CEO of HolidayIQ.com, started his business because of his, “sheer passion for travel.” Not only that, he’s also keen to stress how travel can shape one’s outlook and skills.
“Travel changed my ability to adapt to various cultures. It really helped me when I set out on my entrepreneurial journey as I could see things from a different perspective,” he explains. Rupesh Patric, who will also be participating in Sunday’s discussion, agrees, “I was really quite shy, and travelling has helped me come out of my shell, and given me a sense of perspective.”
Entrepreneurial spirits
Anu Basavaraju, the founder of Divas and Dudes, a city-based hair salon and party centre for kids, will also be sharing her experiences at the event. Travelling with her young daughter, who was often most excited to find a McDonalds in a new city, she realised that children need context and awareness to get the most out of visiting new places. “I started Globe Trippers, a weekly travel club for children, where we learn about the culture, cuisine and history of a new place each week,” she shares, elaborating, “I hope to meet interesting new people this Sunday, as you can learn so much from other travellers.” At the event, you will also hear from chefs who’ve introduced innovative cuisines experienced on their travels to the Indian market, and a entrepreneur whose 24 carat gold crockery range was inspired by products she encountered abroad. Expect tales of success, failure and determination, and be prepared to chip in with your own anecdotes.
(The event will be held on Sunday at High Ultra Lounge. For details, call 4965-3540)