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.
MUMBAI: In India’s fast-moving payments race, Visa has just swiped in a new leader. The company has named Suresh Sethi as its India country head, marking a key leadership shift as it sharpens its focus on digital payments growth in the market. Sethi steps into the role following his recent exit from Protean eGov Technologies, where he served as chief executive officer. He succeeds Sandeep Ghosh, who has moved on after more than four years at Visa to pursue an external opportunity.
The appointment comes at a time when Visa is doubling down on its expansion strategy across India and the wider region, deepening partnerships and accelerating adoption in an increasingly competitive digital payments ecosystem.
Sethi brings with him a broad, cross-market perspective shaped by decades of experience across corporate banking, retail financial services, mobile money and large-scale government technology initiatives. He began his career at Citigroup, where he spent 14 years working across India, Africa, South America and the United States, focusing on transaction banking services within the corporate bank.
His appointment signals a blend of institutional experience and market familiarity qualities that could prove critical as Visa navigates a landscape where fintech innovation, regulatory evolution and consumer adoption are all accelerating at once.
As digital payments in India continue to scale rapidly, the leadership change underscores a simple reality, in a market where every tap, scan and swipe counts, who leads the charge can matter just as much as the technology itself.
