If you’ve ever worked in event management, you know how much effort it takes to get a four-day event for 250 people rolling. EO Bombay did a wonderful job putting together the 2008 Regional Integration Event (RIE), where many EO chapters meet annually.

This year’s RIE theme was “Dream Big,” and the speakers were outstanding. Shashi Ruia —who heads up Essar and is estimated at a net worth of US$10 billion—was like a father figure. In a seasoned way, Shashi (pictured at right) explained to his “children” what matters, what to look for, and what to avoid in business and life in general.
 
Another speaker, Zia Mody —a prominent legal consultant and lawyer known for her hard work—described what it takes for Indian companies to acquire companies abroad. She dryly began her presentation with, “Sleep is for sissies!”
 
The most fascinating speaker was the youthful Sunjay Reddy from the infrastructure developer GVK, the company that won the bid to reform the notorious Bombay Airport. I’ve never met anyone like him before. Despite all of the stuff he’s had to deal with—from a hugely complex construction project to the relocation of a slum dweller community to opposing populist politicians—he wasn’t just in a good mood; he spread a contagious enthusiasm to anyone he met that day. He authentically, and without irony, spoke about “a dream [he] is following.”
 
The next morning, after everybody had re-assembled from the previous night’s party with Hollywood film producer Karan Johar, we eagerly listened to Dr. R. A. Mashelkar's lecture called “Innovation – To Make the Impossible Possible.” He was a unique source of inspiration, especially since he is India’s most recognized scientist and an advisor for the Prime Minister of India.
 
Later that afternoon, we ended the RIE event with an exciting ride on a speed boat near the Taj Mahal Hotel. This was my favourite part— our highly esteemed fellow member, Takeshi Izuka, fought the wind, and Mehool Bhuva came to his rescue. We did not fall short of having fun!
 
Thanks to Javed Tapia and EO Bombay for spearheading the event. They generously put all of their time—and hearts—into making this amazing event happen.

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Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event like René did— go beyond your own comfort zone and join an upcoming EO regional event. If your chapter is hosting a multi-chapter or regional event, e-mail Carrie Kenady, Managing Editor. She will run the information in future issues of Overdrive.