“What your customers say to each other about your product and service will often make the difference between success and failure. The key to generating positive word of mouth is to let the customer ‘discover’ your brand rather than ramming it down their throats through heavy advertising in the mass media” says Rajeev Chowdary Managing Director of Light and Shadow Enterprise LLC – one of Oman’s premier event management companies in a chat with Oman Vistas. Excerpts:

How is the Event Management scene in Oman now?

Oman is growing by leaps & bounds. New companies are opening their offices in Oman. Tourism is fast developing as a major industry. Companies are hiring work force in huge abundance. And the only source of entertainment is shows & events. To keep pace with life & stress people want to relax by watching entertaining events. If you watch the global market entertainment has taken a huge role & people are flocking to theatres & entertainment. Keeping all this in mind - Event Management scene in Oman is very healthy, positive & definitely a big business enterprise. 

Quite a few event management companies have come into business in the past few years. What does it indicate?

The very fact that many event management companies have come into business answers the question that the event management scene in Oman is a profit centre, healthy & positive. 

Are sponsors easy to come by?

Nothing is easy to come by in life. You have to earn it by sheer hard work, grit & determination. You have to build a relationship of trust between sponsors and us. We should be able to walk an extra mile for the sponsors as it is they who ultimately make the event happen. Whether it is a big event or a small event, you cannot dream to hold it if you don't have their backing. Their support is our strength. How you build that rapport is what makes or breaks your company. They believe in total honesty & if that cord is struck, your event is made. 

Are there many formalities to comply with?

The Government of Oman under the able leadership of Our Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, poses no hurdles to hold events. Get your documentation right & all permissions are at your doorstep. People are very helpful, especially the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Heritage & Culture, Muscat Municipality & the Royal Oman Police. Like I said, your documentation has to be right and you have no tensions from them.

When is the best time to host an event?

All the months of the year. Yes, for outdoor mega events it is from October to April & indoor events from May to September. We don't find any month as not good. This was our 4th year in a row that we have summer festivals of holding 5 to 6 events in the months of August & September. 

What kind of events does your company specialize in?

there is no special kind of event that we specialize in. we do all that the public wants. We do corporate events, public events, launch of products, launch of companies, events for various ministries & yes, of course big bollywood nights. We are into sports, fashion, education, corporate & public events. 

Which are the popular shows/events your company has hosted?

There are many, but we are proud of our “POWERWALK”, the annual event wherein the top CEO's, MD's, GM's and the decision makers of Oman walk the ramp with their spouses to the designs of leading fashion designers. The catch line of this event defines the event, “watch Fashion gurus transform the business gurus.” We are to launch one more corporate event which will take Muscat by storm. Wait for the announcement. 

What according to you are the ingredients for hosting a successful event?

Hardwork, Honesty, Determination, Backing of my wife for bearing with my odd hours, your loyal staff & the support of our sponsors - these are the basic ingredients for hosting a successful event. Their support is our strength.