Phase 1 Bangalore

When Oum Pradutt, Managing Director, Phase I, dreamt up the name of his event management company, he never thought the day would come when he would wonder whether he had not gone way beyond Phase I to Phase 2, 3, 4, maybe 5, considering its huge success.

Pradutt set up his company when event management was still a fledgling industry. The industry is currently growing at the rate of 30 per cent per annum and is projected to cross Rs 23789 crore (US $6 billion) in 2008. Phase 1 is one of the leading contenders in this arena, with a turnover of Rs 20 crore (US $5 million) and a combined annual growth rate of 100 per cent.

With no guidelines to follow, the field was open for new entrants to chart their own paths and mark their territory. A young marketing professional at the time, Pradutt started out by devising a strategy that made events an effective communications tool. He bridged the communication gap between companies and their stakeholders by organising diverse events for multinational companies.

There began the story of Phase 1 and its foray has been marked by many kudos. Headquartered in Bangalore with a branch office in Delhi, Phase 1 has been in the industry for over a decade with more than 2000 events under its belt. Its network spreads across the globe and it has conducted events in Thailand, the UK, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It is one of the few Bangalore based event management companies whose presence is felt across the country and the globe.

Phase 1 started off in a small office on St Mark’s Road, Bangalore, where a table and a telephone stood in faithful attendance to their one employer, Oum Pradutt who had the equivalent of one pound invested to print out his business cards! This three member team rapidly grew to include more furniture and human resources. The first call took them to the doors of one of the biggest Indian corporations, HCL. After which, there was HP and Novell. JTM’s launch was one of the most ambitious ventures undertaken when Bangalore’s tallest structure, Utility Building was draped from sky to earth with their banner. For this feat, Phase 1 features in the Limca Book of Records. Landing the Microsoft account in 1998 was a turning point. Since then, Phase 1 has been on a rapid rise and has moved across the globe to reach new heights of success!

Says Pradutt, “It was the 90s. The market was expanding. Competition was growing. Companies needed an innovative, effective and organised medium of communication with their stakeholders. I recognised the potential and created the need for a heightened level of communication.”

Phase 1 has been a trendsetter in helping brands go beyond advertisements by offering tangible experiences. The dynamic and youthful team works with clients in creating strategies and weaves in corporate shows as part of long term brand building goals. These events vary in nature, ranging from business meets, conferences, family days, award shows, facility launches, product launches and fashion shows to special niche shows for more high profile companies like Accenture, IBM, Fidelity, Airtel, Titan Watches, Seiko Watches, Tanishq Jewellery, Benetton, Nike, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Kingfisher, Pernod Ricard, The Times Group, Taj Group and Leela Kempinski Hotels Palaces and Resorts.

One of the jewels in Phase 1’s crown is a concept property called “Hollywood” which is essentially a New Year party but goes a step further. For the last 12 years, the company has been bringing together the best international DJs along with the best India has to offer. Hollywood is an expertly marketed property that targets a 360 degree approach, showcased across all media: television, radio, newspapers, hoardings, posters, etc. It has grown steadily over the years and is now one of the most sought after New Year party destinations, which attracts a 15000 strong crowd of party-goers.

Music is an integral part of events, and Phase 1 has its finger in this pie as well. Music Exchange is a property that was inspired by the vacuum that exists in the music field today. It provides a platform where young, talented and undiscovered musicians from India and the UK share one stage. A unique concept where the music lovers of India are given a taste of a genre of music that is still to be recognised: Independent Music.

Phase 1’s rapid growth in the industry is due to it being in constant sync with the pulse of the industry and its ability to meet each change with innovation and flexibility.

The company prides itself on never shying away from a big idea and takes on each challenge with passion and drive. These are the values that have made it what it is today, a company that is seen as the benchmark in the industry. It has set an accelerated pace of growth for itself and its goal to become the most desirable brand to work with in the sub-continent is fast becoming a reality.