PHA YUVA Convention 2026 Focuses on Building the Future of Housekeeping Through Innovation, Sustainability and Leadership. Nearly 450 students, industry leaders and educators gathered in Bengaluru to explore the theme “New World Housekeeping” and shape the future of the profession.
The Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) and PHA YUVA successfully hosted the 7th Young Visionary Housekeepers’ National Convention and celebrated the 9th Anniversary of PHA YUVA on October 3, 2026, at Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru. The event brought together nearly 450 participants, including students from 13 leading hotel management institutes, hospitality professionals, healthcare and facility management experts, aviation industry representatives and academic leaders.
The convention was organised around the theme “Housekeeping for the World (HKW)”, with the central focus on “New World Housekeeping (NWHK): Connecting Dots and Establishing Directions.” The programme highlighted the changing role of housekeeping in a world increasingly driven by technology, sustainability, employee wellbeing, operational excellence and superior guest experiences.
The event commenced with a networking and mindfulness session led by Dr. D. P. Sudhagar, Chief Convenor of the convention, Dean-MBA at Garden City University and Head Strategy, PHA India. Following the opening, delegates participated in a formal lamp-lighting ceremony attended by Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder-President and Chairperson of PHA; Chief Guest Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, Ibis and Ibis Styles Hotels India; Guest of Honour Kiran Kumar, Vice President, Soft Services & Hospitality, Prestige Group; and Shafee Ahmed, Area General Manager, Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa.
In her welcome address, Jayashree Nagaraj encouraged students to actively engage with industry veterans and use the platform to build meaningful professional connections and learning opportunities.
A key highlight of the convention was the formal investiture of the newly elected PHA YUVA Board. Led by Chief Mentor Sandhya Anilkumar, the newly appointed student leaders took an oath to serve and strengthen the YUVA community through leadership and professional development initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Kiran Kumar emphasized that housekeeping is rapidly evolving from a support function into a strategic discipline. He noted that accommodation management is increasingly influenced by automation, specialization, sustainability and personalized guest experiences.
Shafee Ahmed described housekeeping as a design-led profession that combines creativity with technical expertise, while Tejus Jose encouraged students to pursue their careers with passion, integrity and confidence, stressing that long-term success follows dedication and self-belief.
The convention featured an Industry Immersion Session and a PHA Fireside Chat focused on the priorities of New World Housekeeping. Hospitality leaders from airports, hotels, healthcare institutions and facility management organizations discussed how housekeeping is adapting to changing guest expectations and operational demands.
A major attraction was the Knowledge Capsule Session, where industry leaders shared practical insights on four key themes. Shivakumar V spoke on Zero Waste Housekeeping, advocating the adoption of the five Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot. Bindu K.C. discussed Happy Housekeeping, emphasizing positivity, creativity and teamwork as foundations for a fulfilling career. Ranajit Behera highlighted the importance of transitioning from reactive operations to data-driven and risk-based decision-making, while Indrani Sanyal focused on Wellness Housekeeping, particularly the role of hygiene and infection control in healthcare environments.
The convention also celebrated excellence through the Best PHA YUVA Mentor 2026 Awards, recognising six educators for their contribution to student development and mentorship.
Student innovation took centre stage during the Battle for Best Young Visionary Housekeeper 2026 competitions. Awards were presented for categories including “One Idea for New World Housekeeping” and “Housekeeping in 2035,” showcasing creative solutions and future-focused thinking from hospitality students across India.
The event concluded with the presentation of prestigious trophies. M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences won the Champions Trophy, while the coveted Overall Champion of Champions Trophy was awarded to BGS Institute of Hotel Management.
A vibrant cultural showcase by students from participating institutions added colour to the celebrations before the convention concluded with the PHA Anthem, a vote of thanks by Mookambikai Hemachandran, Vice President-L&D, PHA YUVA, and the National Anthem.
The convention reinforced PHA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of housekeeping professionals while promoting sustainability, innovation, wellness and leadership as the pillars of the future housekeeping profession.
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