Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) organized the 6th NATIONAL HOUSEKEEPERS’ CONVENTION & 9TH PHA ANNIVERSARY on 25th May 2024 at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, Bengaluru. The event witnessed a record crowd of around 200 plus participants including hospitality students (proud PHA YUVA members) from different colleges of Hotel Management and stalwarts from Hotels, Healthcare sector, Facility Management, Aviation, Railways, and Faculty Members. The theme of the convention was “TEHK-Technology Enabled Housekeeping” highlighting the role of Augmented reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Metaverse, Digitalization, and Automation in Housekeeping Operations, Administration and Management”.  

The convention commenced with a welcome note by the Master of ceremony Ms. Sandhya AnilKumar, Chief Mentor-PHA YUVA & Ms. Bindu KC, Corporate Housekeeper, Abad Hotels and Resorts-representing the hotel industry. This was followed by the lamp lighting ceremony led by Guest of Honour-Mr. Balaji, Group CEO of Kamalya Group and Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa; Key Note Speaker-Ms. Smita Rathod, Corporate Executive Housekeeper and Director of Rooms, The Leela Hotel Conventions Residencies; Mrs. Bharti Kalappa, Head Facilities, Noida International Airport; Ms. Suchitra Naidu, Ex VP of Operations, Telengana, Ms. Usha Ramalingam, Corporate Housekeeper Raintree Group of Hotels; Ms Indrani Sanyal, Chief Convenor of the convention and the Star Sponsor for the event Mr. Suresh Thiruvengadam, CEO, Oriental Lotus Hospitality Solutions. PHA members and dignitaries rendered the National anthem presented by PHA Heritage Associate Support Partner, Mr R.S. Ganesh. This was followed by the inaugural dance performed by the Clark Exotica Team members. 

Our veteran Life member Ms. Suchitra Naidu delivered the welcome address. In her address, she welcomed the Guest of Honour Mr. Balaji, all the esteemed guests, collaborators, PHA Life members, YUVA mentors, PHA YUVA members, and the associated sponsors at the convention. This was followed by the PHA Corporate Video presented by Ms. Elizabeth, Regional HoD Rooms Division & PR Head South, IIHM, Bangalore, and Executive Member PR & Media, PHA.

Then Ms. Elizabeth showcased the report on PHA Corporate performance for 2023-2024. This report encapsulates the essence of the collective efforts by PHA at the national level throughout the year. 

Mr. Balaji in his opening remarks stated the importance of Housekeeping in the industry and suggested that patience and perseverance are more essential for YUVA members. In her keynote address, Ms. Smita Rathod encouraged everyone to lead a sustainable life and advocated the need for technology-enabled housekeeping and empowering women in every sector. Star Sponsor for the event Mr. Suresh Thiruvengadam mentioned 

cost management as one of the main challenges of developing sustainable products. Developing sustainable products typically dictates the need for substantial investments in research, development, and product redesign, along with implementing new processes and systems, he said. He was overwhelmed by the way PHA had organized the convention and has announced continued support to PHA for the next three years.

A research presentation on the topic ‘Housekeeping-AI-technology enabled setting a roadmap’ was given by Dr. Madhu Chandhok, Director & Founding Partner-PIP 2020; Dr. Rachna Chandan, Assistant Professor, BCIHMCT, New Delhi; Dr. Dharna Shukla, Assistant Professor, Amity School of Hospitality, Lucknow; Ms. Sandhya Anilkumar, Assistant Professor, MSRAUS; and Dr. Nishi Priya, Assistant Professor, Amity School of Hospitality, Lucknow. Presenting this work, researchers explained the impact of AI on different housekeeping processes, strategies, and manpower. A research booklet presenting all the findings and results was also inaugurated during the event. 

This informative session was followed by an expert talk done by one of the patrons, Diamond Sponsor Global Access Hospitality (GAH). Mr. Sandeep Adap, representing GAH endeavors to provide quality and value-based designs of different service products to the Hoteliers. 

The chief convener initiated the expert talk providing insights on Housekeeping Immaculate Innovation was Ms. Indrani Sanyal, General Manager-Housekeeping, Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Calcutta. Four Housekeeping Titans from various Industries for the session were Ms. Kannamma Ganesh Babu, General Manager FMS, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai; Mr. Amlan Kumar Dasgupta, Managing Director-Chrysalis Mavens, Consulting Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Ajay Singh, Former Chief Environment & Housekeeping Manager (sustainability), Indian Railways; and Mr. Sampreeth Kotian, Head-Terminal Experience and Operations, T2 Kempe Gowda, International Airport, Bengaluru. All the housekeeping titans presented their expert opinions on the topic ‘Immaculate Innovations’ in the housekeeping industry.

Lead Speaker Dr. Josyula Shekar, Director & CEO Zyvana Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd., addressed the gathering about the ‘Transformative power of Leadership’. He explained leadership as an individual quality and subjective trait of an employee, helping him to nurture his performance. 

Gold sponsor Mr. Abhishek Kumar, National Sales Manager at The Sleep Company, highlighted the unique characteristics of their products. Our Associate Support Partner, Mr. Benjamin, Director of Sales at Schevaran, also discussed the eco-friendly product technology processes used by Schevaran and their collaboration with Cleanfix-PHA, particularly for the Housekeeping Excellence Award ceremony in Mysore. Mr. Girish Prabhu, CEO of Instio Experiences, was the diamond sponsor and he presented his opinion on ‘Touchless Hospitality Experiences’. Mr. Dinesh from Raenco Mills Pvt. Ltd., another Diamond Sponsor, addressed the gathering and highlighted the selection criteria for linen and its life cycle. Gold sponsor Mr. Lokesha from Solenis introduced their intelligent products, which aid in providing support for automation and optimizing the consumption of various natural resources.

The proceedings of the convention continued with PECHA KUCHA, a storytelling format in which the presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds.

Ms. Arpita, HOD-Accommodation Operations, IHM Kolkata presented her Pecha Kucha on the topic ‘Ergonomics Matters’. She explained the role of ergonomics as one of the factors for employee turnover and a factor for trauma injuries. 

Next PECHA KUCHA was presented by Mr. Zaib Belgaumi, Lead Housekeeping, Noida International Airport. In his presentation, he explained the importance of cleanliness as one of the lead factors for passenger experience and satisfaction. He also explained the need for automation of housekeeping services to focus on deep sanitization and enhanced traveller experience. 

Cultural Extravaganza was presented by members from team GRT Groups of Hotels, Apollo Hospital Group, and members from Clark Exotica hotel. One of the team members from GRT groups presented a mesmerizing Bharatnatyam performance. Clark Exotica team presented a group dance with the ‘Say no to plastic’ theme. This was followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Thomas Mathew, VP-L&D PHA India.

The event concluded with a heartfelt virtual vote of thanks by Ms. Jayshree Nagaraj, Founder-President & Chairperson PHA. Leading Sheryl Sandberg's definition of true leadership, "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence," Ms. Jayshree expressed her gratitude to Ms. Kannama Babu and Ms. Indrani Sanyal for their exceptional support in her absence. She also thanked all the associates, service providers, collaborators, the Executive Committee, and the Working Committee for their outstanding support.