The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) today opened AHP Aatithya Mandapam, Powered by Hotremai, during Hospitality Challenges – AAHAR Edition 2026 at Hall No. 1, First Floor, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The five-day initiative, being held from 10th to 14th March 2026, brings together hospitality professionals from across the country to participate in national-level skill competitions and industry knowledge sessions. Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, graced the opening as the Chief Guest.
Participation from across the hospitality sector
The platform will see over 400 hospitality professionals competing across multiple categories covering Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage Service and Sales. The competitions are being evaluated by 70 jury members from the hospitality fraternity, while the event is witnessing the presence of 200+ senior hospitality leaders including Vice Presidents, CEOs and General Managers.
Focus on inclusivity
The initiative also features the participation of persons with disabilities, who are competing in hospitality competition categories alongside other professionals, reflecting AHP’s continued focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity within the hospitality industry.
Competitions and industry sessions
Day one of AHP Aatithya Mandapam featured competitions such as Art of Bed Making, Guess the Linen and Stain Removal, along with a masterclass on STAS Chemical Products and an industry interaction on AI in Hotels. The day also included a talk show session with hospitality industry experts. A live podcast-style talk titled “Roseate Hotels & Resorts – The Intelligent Hotel: Where Technology Thinks Ahead of the Guest” was also held, where Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, joined Devipshita Gautam, Founder and Chairperson of AHP, to discuss the growing role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of hospitality.
Upcoming competitions and discussions
Over the next four days, the pavilion will continue to host competitions including Situation Handling in Front Office, Design Your Hotel, Art of Towel Folding, Art of Napkin Folding, Art of Table Setup and Sales Pitch challenges, along with masterclasses and panel discussions on emerging hospitality trends, sustainability in housekeeping, hotel sales strategies and inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
Encouraging professional development
Speaking about the initiative, Devipshita Gautam, Founder and Chairperson of the Association of Hospitality Professionals, said, “AHP Aatithya Mandapam has been designed to recognise the professionals who contribute to the hospitality industry every day. By bringing together professionals, industry leaders and persons with disabilities on one platform, we aim to encourage skill development, inclusivity and professional growth within the sector.”
