Spalba was founded in 2020 to change the way events are planned and venues are found. Vishal Puri, the co-founder, came up with the idea based on his own struggles with the complicated and outdated process of planning events and finding venues. While technology had improved how events were executed, the planning side was still old-fashioned and inefficient. To fix this, Spalba introduced modern tools like digital twins, AI, and data analytics to transform the industry.
Spalba is a business model that works as a venue SaaS marketplace where people and venues can find each other easily. Some of the standout features, including digital venue models that enable immersive showcases, AI-based design tools with elements of 3D customisation and virtual reconnaissance features for envisioning an event, have shifted the perception and practice of conceptualising and planning for an event. Its analytics tools also help the stakeholders monitor engagement and closing of deals in a much more efficient manner. This approach is unique due to Spalba’s background of being grounded in real industry pain that needs to be solved, making the systems relevant.
Spalba is led by Vishal Puri, who has over 20 years of experience and specializes in the IT industry. Having had a stint with the world’s leading companies such as Sapient and Tata and having had a chance to serve the Government of India as a strategic technical consultant, Vishal’s leadership combines the best of idea and execution. His focus on facilitating digital advancement solutions like rural telecom penetration illustrates good outcome-technology convergence.
Spalba has received positive feedback from its partners. It helps showcase interior spaces, making it possible to close major leasing deals internationally, even without being physically present. A good example of this is the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in New Delhi.
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Le Meridien in Gurgaon saw a rise in international MICE conversions after using Spalba. In the first year, the conversion rate grew from 10% to 25%, and in the second year, it reached 35%. GCC Hotel & Club, which has 42 event venues, has also improved its resource management and attracted more qualified leads since adopting Spalba.
Running Spalba in general has come with some problems, especially since the pandemic started after its construction. Mass furlough compelled a novel challenge in the hospitality industry, which is uncharted during the global shutdown. However, Spalba turned this adversity into an opportunity by focusing on product development. This resilience ensured that when the industry began to recover, Spalba was ready with a robust, market-ready solution.
Spalba’s commitment to innovation and sustainability reflects a broader vision for the industry. Vishal believes operational productivity must go hand in hand with sustainable practices. Platforms like Spalba, which streamline processes and optimize resource allocation, are instrumental in achieving this balance.
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Receiving the Unique Tech Solution of the Year—Hospitality award at the NB Hospitality Excellence Awards 2024 is a testament to Spalba’s impact. This recognition fuels the team’s dedication to shaping a future where technology drives efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in the hospitality sector.
As Vishal aptly puts it, “The future of hospitality lies in harnessing the power of technology, not just to enhance the guest experience but to drive operational efficiency and forge a path towards true sustainability.”
Looking ahead, Vishal envisions Spalba as more than just a software solution. The goal is to build a thriving ecosystem connecting venues, event planners, vendors, and clients within a unified platform. By expanding functionalities, forging strategic partnerships, and fostering a collaborative community, Spalba aims to establish itself as the cornerstone of the hospitality and events industry.
