Date: Friday, 9th of February 2024
Location: Hotel Taj Lands End, Mumbai
The 20th Wine Festival, hosted by the Honorary Consulate in India of Stuttgart and Lapp, in collaboration with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, unfolded at the iconic Hotel Taj Lands End, transforming the venue into a haven for wine enthusiasts and business aficionados alike.
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce took care of the registrations for the following events on the 9th of Feb-
Workshop 1: "IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS –
CONCEPTS OF STRATEGIC THINKERS AND LEARNINGS FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM"
Time: 02:00 – 05:00 p.m.
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ditmar Hilpert
The festival commenced with an engaging seminar led by the distinguished Prof. Dr. Ditmar Hilpert. An expert in Strategic Management and Business Policy, Prof. Hilpert's unique perspective, blending biology and economics, captivated the audience. Participants delved into the "souls" of managers, exploring the lessons that can be gleaned from the animal kingdom. The session offered fresh insights and sparked thoughtful discussions, setting the tone for an intellectually stimulating evening.
The seminar seamlessly transitioned into a Management Game, where participants applied their newfound knowledge in a practical setting. The interactive session fostered teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving – essential skills for successful management.
Workshop 2: "UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS KARLSRUHE – GATEWAY TO THE BLACK FOREST"
Time: 03:15 – 05:30 p.m.
Speakers:
- Pascal Rastetter, Managing Director KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH
- Hector Dsouza, Representative of the Southwest of Germany
- Achim Fabig, German Consul General in Mumbai (tbc.)
The second workshop, a Travel Trade Seminar, unveiled the charms of the UNESCO City of Media Arts Karlsruhe and the Black Forest region. Keynote speeches and presentations by prominent speakers shed light on Karlsruhe as an attractive holiday destination in Germany and Europe. Attendees were treated to insights into the region's offerings for tourists in 2024, making it a must-visit on their travel itineraries.
The seminar flowed seamlessly into an interactive discussion and Q&A session. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the speakers, gaining valuable information and clarifying queries about Karlsruhe and the Black Forest Holiday Region.
Finally in the evening was the much awaited - Wine Fest Evening: "Stuttgart meets Mumbai"
The transition from the enlightening workshops seamlessly led into the grandeur of the Wine Fest Evening, themed "Stuttgart meets Mumbai." The Hotel Taj Lands End, bathed in the twilight hues, became the epicentre of an evening filled with elegance, fine wines, and cultural exchange.
The evening commenced at 6:00 pm with a convivial get-together of chief guests at the Tropics Bar. This informal gathering set the stage for an evening that promised to blend sophistication with camaraderie.
At 6:30 pm, attendees made their way to the Seaside Lawn for a spectacular entry to the festival area. The evening kicked off with a group photo, followed by a warm welcome ceremony and the seating of esteemed chief guests.
The welcome address featured key figures who played pivotal roles in the success of the festival:
- Andreas Lapp, Indian Honorary Consul
- Matthias Lapp, CEO of Lapp Group
- Thomas Fuhrmann, Mayor of the City of Stuttgart
- Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg
- Deepak Kesarkar - Minister of Marathi Language of Maharashtra
- Achim Fabig, Consul General for the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai
- Stefan Halusa, Director General of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Thomas Fuhrmann graced the stage for the opening ceremony, featuring the symbolic uncorking of the first bottle of wine. A group photo with the chief guests added a touch of glamour to the proceedings. The evening then unfolded into an opening buffet, offering a delectable array of culinary delights and an assortment of fine wines from Stuttgart.
As the night progressed, the stage came alive with mesmerizing performances and cultural showcases, providing a delightful backdrop to the evening. Guests were treated to a sensory journey that celebrated the rich tapestry of Indo-German cultural exchange.
Andreas Lapp and the chief guests explored the partner booths, further enhancing the festival experience. The evening continued with captivating performances and entertainment until the event's conclusion.
The 20th Wine Festival, masterfully organized by the Honorary Consulate in India of Stuttgart and Lapp, in collaboration with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, concluded on a high note, leaving attendees with memories of an enchanting night filled with fine wines, cultural richness, and unforgettable moments. Here's to the continued success of future Wine Festivals, connecting Stuttgart and Mumbai through the universal language of wine. Cheers!