Mumbai University hunts for event marketing firm to raise funds for mega meet

The reason, said university authorities, was the huge gap between the estimated budget and funding currently available or pledged for the Science Congress.

The Indian Science Congress is being hosted by Mumbai University from January 3-7 and focuses on the theme of “science and technology for human development”.

“The expenses for the Congress is huge. While the estimated budget for the five-day event is Rs 25 to 30 crore, we have so far received Rs 2 crore from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Rs 5 crore from the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata, and the Maharashtra Chief Minister has promised Rs 5 crore for the event. Further, some of the affiliated colleges of Mumbai University have also given us funds, ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. But there still exists a massive gap between the funding required and what has been pledged or received so far. Accordingly, the management council of the university passed a resolution to appoint a professional event marketing company, on commission basis, so that they can help us in getting additional funding from multiple sources,” said a university official.

According to the advertisement issued, the company should have an “excellent track record and relevant experience in fundraising for such big events”. Besides, the company must have being in existence for three years, with a turnover of over Rs 1 crore.

“Only one company responded to the advertisement. Negotiations are currently on and we are in the final stages of fixing the company,” said the official.

Once appointed, the company will pitch to the corporate world, industry and other sources for raising funds in lieu of advertisements and promotions.

mihika.basu@expressindia.com