MAM
AI not a threat to human touch in the events industry
Mumbai: In a landscape increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), remarkable opportunities emerge for industries. While reports indicate that AI could displace up to 23 per cent of jobs in India by 2040 and estimate a range of 9 per cent to 26 per cent job losses by 2030, particularly in roles susceptible to automation, NeoNiche founder and CEO Prateek N Kumar Integrated Solutions, digital-first, full services experiential-marketing company says that the events industry is poised to harness AI as a powerful ally rather than a threat.
The essence of events lies in creating memorable experiences, fundamentally requiring human creativity, emotional connection, and logistics management. These irreplaceable qualities manifest through personalization and empathy, which AI cannot replicate. Whether orchestrating a wedding, corporate gathering, or private celebration, the nuances of human relationships and the art of hospitality remain irreplaceable assets.
The Human touch shines through creative expertise and innovation, be it delivering immersive experiences, or continually adapting to trends as per client preferences. This dynamic creativity cannot be programmed or emulated by AI, underscoring the necessity of human skills in these creative processes.
Moreover, the unpredictable nature of events often presents unforeseen challenges requiring quick decision-making and adept problem-solving skills. The experience and intuition of event professionals are central to navigating complex logistics, coordinating multiple vendors, and managing last-minute hurdles. While AI can support these functions, its limitations underscore the need for human oversight.
“In an era where automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, the events sector stands as a testament to the irreplaceable value of human touch. While reports indicate a substantial displacement of jobs due to AI, our industry thrives on the unique blend of creativity, personal connections, and cultural sensitivity – elements that machines cannot replicate. Embracing AI as a powerful ally allows us to streamline operations, enhance customer insights, and optimize resources without undermining the essential human experiences that define remarkable events”, said NeoNiche Integrated Solutions founder and CEO Prateek N Kumar.
“By integrating AI thoughtfully, we can create tailored, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with our clients while ensuring our teams can focus on the strategic, creative aspects of event management. In this fast-evolving landscape, leveraging AI isn’t just an option – it’s crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and delivering unforgettable experiences.”, he added.
Rather than positioning AI as a rival, the events sector can leverage its capabilities for enhanced results. AI brings transformative benefits, such as streamlining operations by automating administrative tasks, enhancing customer insights through data analytics, personalizing marketing strategies to engage audiences effectively, and optimizing supply chain management to ensure efficiency.
Brands
Faber-Castell India appoints Sunaina Haldar as director – marketing
With stints at Tata, SleepyCat and ADF Foods under her belt, Haldar is primed to redraw Faber-Castell’s brand story
MUMBAI: Faber-Castell India has poached Sunaina Haldar from ADF Foods, appointing her director – marketing as the German stationery brand looks to muscle up in a category that is rapidly reinventing itself around creativity and self-expression.
Haldar hit the ground running. “My first couple of weeks have been incredibly energising, understanding consumers, visiting markets, engaging with retailers and immersing myself into the world of Faber-Castell Group,” she said.
She arrives with considerable firepower. At ADF Foods, Haldar ran marketing across India and international markets for a portfolio spanning Ashoka, Aeroplane, Camel and ADF Soul. Before that, she was vice-president – marketing at direct-to-consumer mattress brand SleepyCat, where she helmed brand, content and performance marketing. Her résumé also includes a stint leading marketing, new product development and CRM for Tata SmartFoodz at Tata Consumer Products, no small proving ground.
Between corporate roles, Haldar also operated as a fractional CMO for early-stage startups, building marketing strategy and operational structures from scratch, a signal that she knows how to move fast with limited resources.
With 18 years straddling FMCG, D2C and the startup world, Haldar now takes the reins at a brand that has long owned the classroom but is clearly hungry for the living room. In a stationery market where the pencil has become a lifestyle statement, Faber-Castell has picked someone who knows exactly how to sell that story.
