63RD INTERNATIONAL SPAR CONGRESSBANGALORE, INDIA 20 – 27 MAY 2018

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SPAR IndiaIn August 2014, SPAR International and Max Hypermarkets entered into a partnership agreement to grow the SPAR Brand in India. Max Hypermarkets is operated by the Landmark Group, a retail organisation headquartered in Dubai. The agreement builds on the previous successful partnership between the two companies, which saw the launch of SPAR Hypermarkets across five states between 2007 to 2012. SPAR India has focused development on the SPAR Hypermarket format, converting stores from the Max brand.

The SPAR Partner currently operates 18 hypermarkets in Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad and Mangaluru. A strong emphasis has been placed on retail technology applications, investment in staff, optimisation of the Farm-to-Fork value chain of fresh produce, export of SPAR Own Brands made in India, and the development of health & wellness categories.

BANGALORE, INDIA 20 – 27 MAY 2018

We are delighted to invite you to join us for the

This annual event, which combines presentation sessions with store visits and networking opportunities, brings together SPAR colleagues from all over the world.

Sunday 20 May Tuesday 22 May

Monday 21 May

Wednesday 23 May

Thursday 24 May

Upon arrival, delegates will be welcomed at Bangalore International Airport before being transferred to the Congress hotel, the JW Marriott. Here, guests can enjoy many facilities, including a spa, swimming pool and several restaurants. The hotel is located close to the UB City shopping centre, the largest luxury mall in Bangalore, offering a wide range of stores as well as many restaurants.

Evening

The Congress will open with a welcome dinner at the hotel’s Spice Terrace restaurant – a time to meet old and new friends.

After breakfast, the Congress presentation sessions will commence. The sessions will be held in the hotel ballroom, located on the ground floor. An exhibition area will give delegates the opportunity to discover new innovations in retail development and technology. Presentation session details will be made available on the SPAR App closer to the time.

A separate programme, focused on the diversity of India including the cuisine, yoga, culture and the drive by the Government of India on improving the welfare of citizens through education and improved access to food, will be available for partners on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Evening

The hospitality desk will provide a list of restaurants from which to choose for the free evening. The team will be happy to assist with making table reservations at the restaurant of your choice as well as arrange transport for you and your group.

We will visit two SPAR Hypermarkets and take time to see some of Bangalore’s sights during a guided bus tour and lunch in the city, returning to the hotel mid-afternoon.

Evening

In the evening, we will visit one of the city’s older landmarks, the sprawling Tudor-inspired estate of Bangalore Palace, built in 1887 by King Chamaraja Wadiyar. Today, the palace is open to the public who come to witness the lavish and elegant splendour of one of South India’s most enduring dynasties. During dinner, we will enjoy not only a meal which highlights some of the best of Indian cuisine but also the atmosphere of a street market.

Wednesday will be another full day of presentation sessions in the hotel ballroom. Details of the presentation sessions will be made available on the SPAR App closer to the time.

Evening

In the evening, we will conclude the formal part of the Congress with a gala dinner at the JW Marriott hotel.

Delegates returning home will be assisted with transport to Bangalore International Airport. The hospitality desk will have the transfer schedule available and support will be given to all guests prior to leaving the hotel and at the airport, if required.

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Saturday 26 May

Sunday 27 May

Friday 25 May

For those staying on to discover more of India during the post-congress tour, we will make our way to the nearby city of Mysore. This is the second largest city in the region of Karnataka, home to the opulent Mysore Palace as well as markets offering an array of beautiful silks and spices.

In Mysore, we will check into the SAS Radisson hotel, well situated for visiting some of the city’s key sights or enjoying the relaxation opportunities available.

Evening

On Thursday evening, we will experience one of Mysore’s best tourist attractions, combining its diverse cuisine and cultural heritage.

After a leisurely morning, we will depart for Bangalore, travelling to the Leela Palace Bengaluru hotel. Nestled in seven acres of lush gardens, the hotel has 357 luxurious rooms, numerous dining options and spacious conference venues. Worldclassshopping can be enjoyed at The Colonnade situated in the hotel grounds.

The luxuriously designed spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre in addition to allof the facilities make the hotel the optimal choice for business and leisure travellers.

Evening

We will round off the 63rd International SPAR Congress with an evening in the hotel’s beautiful surroundings, a fitting location to conclude our time in India.

Organised transfers will be arranged to Bangalore International Airport and delegates can consult the hospitality desk for the transport timetable.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a guided walk around the city, exploring more of Mysore’s rich heritage as well as the surrounding Chamundi Hills.

In the afternoon, we will be hosted at Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wodeyars dynasty, rulers of the Mysore state from 1399 to 1950. The Palace was originally built in the 14th Century and has undergone many renovations and extensions. Today, it is open to the public with visitors flocking to get a taste of the Palace’s long history.

Evening

For our last evening in Mysore, we will be treated to another fantastic meal in a special location, continuing our discovery of Indian culture.

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Post Congress Tour

SPAR AppAll Congress information can be found on the events section of the SPAR App, with regular updates being made available.

Visit the SPAR Congress website to download this brochure in PDF format and register using the online form.

We look forward to seeing you at the 63rd International SPAR Congress in May.

SPAR International Rokin 99 -101

NL-1012 KM Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 626 6749

www.spar-international.com

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