Inside the Procam Guest Talk: How Sports Volunteering Shapes Future Event Leaders

On March 18, 2026, the Department of Hospitality and Event Management at PES University hosted an impactful guest lecture titled “Insights into Event Management” by Procam International, one of India’s leading names in sports event management. Held at the Tech Park’s 5th Floor seminar hall from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, the session brought together enthusiastic students from the II and IV semester BBA‑HEM program for an immersive learning experience.

A Guest Speaker with Real-World Expertise
The event featured Mr. Anand Desai, Consultant – Strategic Community Engagement at Procam International Pvt. Ltd. With deep experience in marathon management, volunteer programs, and community engagement initiatives, he offered students a rare look into the operational and human side of major sporting events.

He emphasized the role of volunteers in shaping memorable experiences and highlighted the broader purpose behind event participation.

“Event volunteering is where passion meets purpose—turning moments into memories for others.”
— Mr. Anand Desai

Engaging Program Flow
The one‑hour session unfolded through a series of interactive and informative segments:

• Ice‑breaking session
• Introduction to the guest speaker
• Discussion on the importance of volunteering in sports events
• Overview of the benefits of volunteering at Procam events
• Open Q&A session
• Closing thank‑you note

Students actively participated, making the session lively and engaging.

Student Participation and Experience
Around 35 students attended the talk, representing future event managers eager to understand the inner workings of the sports industry. Their questions, curiosity, and willingness to interact reflected a strong enthusiasm for exploring volunteering as a pathway to professional growth.

Key Highlights from the Talk
The session focused on several important aspects of sports event management:

1. Long-term Strategic Thinking
Students learned how volunteering can significantly influence career progression. Building networks, gaining practical exposure, and understanding how large-scale events operate all contribute to stronger career foundations.

2. The Unique Nature of Sports Events
Sports events demand specialized planning—athlete coordination, time‑bound operations, community involvement, safety mechanisms, and intense logistical management. Students gained clarity on how these differ from traditional corporate or cultural events.

Top Learnings for PESU Students
The talk left students with valuable insights, including:

• Fundamentals of sports and player management
• Key roles and responsibilities within the sports event ecosystem
• Various career pathways in athlete representation and sports management
• Real-world challenges in managing sports organizations, athletes, and live events
• The importance of volunteering as a stepping stone to professional opportunities

These learnings gave students a deeper appreciation of what it takes to succeed in this dynamic and demanding industry.

A Meaningful Step Toward Professional Growth
The Procam Guest Lecture proved to be more than an academic session—it was a practical and inspirational bridge between classroom learning and industry reality. Students walked away with a stronger understanding of event operations and a renewed motivation to pursue experiential learning through volunteering.

This exposure is certain to shape their confidence, skills, and future opportunities in the evolving world of sports and event management.