Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE ) BLR launched their maiden KE Konnect 2024 at The Grand Magrath here on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The first-of-its-kind, the event was an amalgamation of a trade exhibition, networking and socializing all under one roof and amplified visibility for KE member brands.

The evening started off with the KE prayer led by KE director membership Leena Lobo, followed by a short and sweet welcome by Sunil Attavar. The inaugural classical dance by Jennifer Lobo (KE Member Zaveena Lobo’s daughter) followed, receiving much applause. The arrangement of the venue was cleverly designed to allow for a seamless movement of visitors from the trade stalls to the entertainment and refreshments. The live 2-man band from Goa, the Rubber Band (Roberto & Felix), entertained guests with evergreen numbers and kept the vibe alive. The Housie session that followed, called by the fabulous Rebecca Vieyra and assisted by KE Lead Member, Vilina Sequeira was a huge success. The 30K prize money drew massive interest from the guests and the winners left with broad smiles with their lucky winnings.

Four KE members were offered the spotlight to deliver their timed business pitches to the audience. Shelma Furtal, Simon Mendes, Charmaine Saldanha, and Dr Maria Pramila delivered sharp presentations about their business offerings. Magician Gururaj balanced the evening with a jaw-dropping segment of tricks that left the audience with deserving oohs and aahs.

Claudius Pereira took a moment to share an energizing message on the spirit of KE. He acknowledged the guests from the newly launched KE Goa chapter, KE president (Goa) Baylon Sequeira Vaz and KE director marketing & sponsorship (Goa) Rhona Gama E Menezes as well as a possibility for a chapter in New York. In true Claudius style, he had the audience grooving before leaving the stage.

The socializing went on with the karaoke segment put together by KE members Luvena Rangel and team. KE lead member, Charles Gomes, Nishad Menezes and Carol Pinto performed fun karaoke numbers, while Luvena and many other members joined the Rubber Band in the cocktail area to perform live after the main event. The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner and lively social networking. KE member Jose Paul emceed the event seamlessly.

KE Konnect facilitated 40 LED marketing promo videos, 31 stalls for member services and products and saw a footfall of 250 attendees. The KE BoD outdid themselves by working tirelessly to host an incomparable event that gave back to their members in visibility, business outreach and value. Members expressed extremely positive feedback and are looking forward to this being yet another flagship event for KE.

Special thanks were extended to the KE Board for their vision and dedication: president Claudius Pereira, director of finance Peter Anil Rego, director of events Roshan Sequeira, director of marketing and sponsorship Sunil D’Sa, director of mentoring Pramod Dsouza, associate director of mentoring Sunil Attavar, and director of memberships Leena Lobo. The contributions of KE brand ambassadors and volunteers were also recognized.

KE member Joyson Fernandes of 8PM Events and Productions was acknowledged for managing logistics, LED, sound, technical support, and stall installation.

Gratitude was extended to the event sponsors: Sunil Attavar, Deccan Group, Elite Estates, ATC Publishers, Dr Anthony Pais, Arun Fernandes, Claudius Pereira, Philip Pais, and Rufus Monteiro.

KE Konnect 2024 featured businesses:

• Joyson N (Travel4Seasons)
• James Coelho (GOBRIDGE)
• Rachna Rego (Right Horizons PMS)
• Shines Arakal (Zera Automation)
• Leena Lobo (Angelina Consultancy Services)
• Sachin Pereira (HB Stress Free Retire)
• Suraj Pinto (Box Makers India)
• Nigel Fernandes (Catholic Connect)
• Clarence Pereira (Deccan Group of Companies)
• Alisha Fernandes (Arcaid)
• Eugene Mathias (Firefly Spaces | Firefly Studios)
• Leo Quadros (The Canterbury Group)
• Raj Lourd (Online Systems)
• Noel Fernandes (My Home Painting Solutions)
• Ferdinand Lawrence (Adrian Lifestyles)
• Charmaine Saldanha (Charms)
• Neil Joseph (Happiness in Transit)
• Rishika Miranda (Kyrah Design Studio)
• Dr Maria Pramila (Wealth2Life)
• Stany Nathan (Project Management Construction Projects)
• Canute Sunil (Ark Petals Software)
• Vijay Lobo (ICICI Bank Ltd)
• William Pinto (Aavarana Resorts)
• Melroy Fernandes (Music Book)
• Precilla D’Souza (Traditional Mangalorean Homemade Food)
• Maria Faustina (Slice of Pie Patisserie)
• Anoop Dsouza (Thomas Cook)
• James Pinto (Elite Estates)
• Carol D’Souza (The Mangalorean Restaurant & Caterers)