BANGALORE, India — Harman Professional recently hosted its Sambandh 2013 business conference at the ITC Gardenia hotel here. Sambandh 2013 brought the Harman Professional India team together with other key Harman executives from around the world. More than 150 people, including dealers, leading system integrators, consultants, sound rental companies, and end users, attended the event.
More details from Harman (www.HARMAN.com):
The Gala Night, on day one of the event, featured an integrated sound and light display with an introduction by Illuminati, India’s leading UV Light Troupe, highlighting the arrival of Martin Professional in India. This was followed by a performance from AKG endorsee and world-renowned percussionist, Sivamani, along with pianist Stephen Devassey, vocalist Runa Rizvi, and Rajesh Vaidhya on sitar. The Prince Dance Group closed out the night with a dance performance showcasing the extensive sound and light capabilities of Harman with a unique touch of Indian mythology.
Key Harman Professional executives attending Sambandh 2013 included Andy Trott, Vice President and General Manager Mixing, Microphones and Headphones Strategic Business Unit, Villad Thomsen of Harman’s Martin Professional Lighting Business Unit, and Van Williamson, Business Development Manager, Commercial Systems.
Day two began with a keynote address by Mr.Trott, updating the delegates on Harman Professional’s global business. Prashant Govindan, Director of India Operations for Harman Professional, provided the delegates with an overview of the current year’s business and a preview of 2014. Ganesh Kumar, Service Manager for Harman Professional India highlighted the launch of a new service and support helpline. Villad Thomsen provided an overview of Martin Professional’s lighting products and technologies. The sessions concluded with CEO, Brand Communications, Ramanujam Sridhar, speaking about how marketing and innovative sales tactics can change brand perception.
Sambandh, which is Hindi for “connection,” follows Harman Professional’s recent decision to adopt a direct distribution policy in India to better serve the market. Harman Professional’s move to direct distribution for India has included an extensive investment in India-based R & D, operations, sales and support, and has resulted in the opening of new regional sales offices, new service and distribution centers, and strengthened technical, project design and application support.
“Sambandh 2013 reflects Harman Professional’s commitment to success in this internationally important and growing market,” said Ankush Agarwal, Director of Business Development and Marketing, Harman Professional, India. “We are continuing to invest heavily in India. Even as some current news reports discuss slower growth in international markets, Harman Professional’s business in India and other emerging markets is strong.”
