Leading KEMA Forward: Arvind Sabhaney on His New Term, Vision, Challenges & Industry Growth!

by  Mugdha Gaonkar Industry Watch | April 1, 2025 | Interview

Arvind Sabhaney Karnataka Event Management Association (KEMA)

Arvind Sabhaney has once again been elected as the President of the Karnataka Event Management Association (KEMA), reaffirming his leadership and vision for the state’s thriving event industry. Under his stewardship, KEMA has played a pivotal role in setting industry benchmarks, fostering collaboration, and championing the interests of event professionals.

In this exclusive conversation with EVENTFAQS Media, Arvind Sabhaney shares his vision for the new term, key priorities, and the evolving landscape of Karnataka’s event management ecosystem. From strengthening industry standards to enhancing security at live events, he offers invaluable insights on the future of event management in the region.

What are your key priorities for this new term, and how do you plan to build on your previous tenure?  

My primary focus for this term is to strengthen KEMA’s foundation by enhancing member engagement, expanding educational initiatives, and driving collaboration with key industry bodies. We plan to build on the momentum of the last two years by introducing structured knowledge-sharing sessions, increasing industry exposure through national and international partnerships, and fostering inclusivity by welcoming more members from diverse event segments. Additionally, I am committed to improving operational transparency and ensuring that KEMA becomes an even stronger voice representing the event industry in Karnataka.  

The event industry has evolved significantly in recent years. What initiatives do you envision for strengthening Karnataka’s event management ecosystem and supporting industry professionals?  

The event industry is rapidly changing, and Karnataka is well-positioned to lead this transformation. We aim to introduce certification programs and workshops focused on emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and evolving client expectations. We are also looking at creating mentorship programs to groom the next generation of event professionals. Strengthening ties with government bodies to streamline licensing and approvals is another priority, ensuring a more seamless experience for event organizers. Furthermore, we plan to promote collaboration between local vendors and national/international event partners to create more opportunities for growth.  

KEMA has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration and setting industry standards. How do you plan to further enhance engagement with event professionals, government bodies, and stakeholders?  

We intend to enhance engagement by establishing dedicated liaison committees to interface with government authorities, ensuring smoother compliance processes for event planners. Additionally, we plan to organize quarterly industry roundtables that bring together event professionals, venue partners, and service providers to address key challenges and explore new opportunities. Our focus will also be on strengthening relationships with international event bodies, enabling cross-border knowledge exchange and facilitating Karnataka’s representation on a global platform.  

Security at live events has been a growing concern, as highlighted in a recent post by Vincent Samuel. What are your thoughts on the need for more reliable and professional security agencies in India, and how can the industry work towards ensuring safer events?  

Event security is no longer an afterthought—it’s a critical component that demands specialized expertise. I strongly believe that we need to build a stronger network of certified security agencies that understand the nuances of managing large-scale live events. KEMA will advocate for the establishment of a standardized training and accreditation framework for security professionals, ensuring that they are equipped to handle crowd dynamics, emergency protocols, and unforeseen situations effectively. We will also work closely with local law enforcement and disaster management authorities to implement best practices and establish a more cohesive safety ecosystem for events.  

What message would you like to share with the event management community as you embark on another term as KEMA President?  

To the vibrant and ever-evolving event management community—this is our time to redefine industry standards, push creative boundaries, and create safer, more impactful experiences. KEMA is not just an association; it’s a platform where ideas converge, innovation thrives, and collaborations are born. As I step into this new term, I urge every member to actively engage, contribute, and be part of the change. Together, we have the power to shape the future of Karnataka’s event landscape. Let’s make it happen!