The third edition of the International Wedding Convention – Bakusthan 2023 by the Association of Event Entrepreneurs (AEE) kick-started from September 5th to 9th, 2023 at Hotel Marriott, Baku, Azerbaijan. The five-day-long event was a perfect blend of business conduction, networking and sheer entertainment. Many industrial stalwarts like Bollywood director-choreographer – Farah Khan, Founder of Bharat Pe – Ashneer Grover, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board – Mr Florian Sengstschmid, marriage consultant and television personality – Sima Taparia, famous Wedding Planner from Holland – Hella Huizinga and Editor and Director of Wedding Affair magazine – Rajnish Rathi graced the event with their esteemed presence. Wedding planners from all across the country like Dipendra Shastri and Mr Balram from Hyderabad, Rajat Sogani from Ahmedabad, Managing Director of Zeal Global Corporation and representative of Azerbaijan Airlines in India – Vishal Sharma, Cultural Secretary Attaché, Embassy of India, Baku – Rajesh Kashyap were also invited which added extra stars to the event.
The vision of the conclave was to promote Azerbaijan as an exotic destination for Indian Weddings amongst Indian consumers as well as wedding planners. Also, to showcase Azerbaijan’s Tourism and Hotel Industry to 200 plus Indian Wedding Planners who represent wedding companies in India. This conclave was a mélange of entertainment, education and networking sessions. Bakusthan 2023 also provided a platform for many businesses like hotels, transport companies, airlines, food and catering companies, local wedding planners, event management companies, airlines and travel agents to connect and foster their vocation.
Day 1 commenced with a ‘not-so-formal’ get-together. The event started with a welcome cocktail dinner that took all the guests to a gastronomic affair, from a palatable menu to signature drinks and endless conversations, the evening had it all. On Day 2, the conclave was inaugurated by a lamp-lighting ceremony by the luminaries of the industry followed by a scrumptious cocktail dinner and enthralling after-party. Vivid aesthetics, frolicsome dances and soothing music kept the audience engaged making sure that they were having a pleasant time.
Starting the day on an informative note, on Day 3 a Buyers Sellers Meet was conducted where all the brains behind the businesses sat together to discuss their vision, business ideas, ravishing trends of the industry and their fruitful insights that will act as a catalyst to promote many businesses. The motto of the meeting was to conduct business through networking. It was also notably mentioned that the total volume of business executed during the networking meeting was approximately 20 crores. The dignitaries felicitated the deserving attendees of various industries with BITA – Best In Town Awards for their creative spirit and contribution to the dynamic industry. A gala dinner and musical night with blazing shows were hosted later in the evening.
Day 4 was all about exploring and witnessing the unrivalled beauty of the city. The attendees also saw magnificent hotels that can be a perfect abode to outright big-fat Indian weddings and grand events. The event was capped off with a city tour including a tour of the vibrant Nizami Street and later a delicious feast at an Indian restaurant.
