Convention Executive Committee (CEC)

On behalf of our executive committee, we welcome you to the BMM website and invite you personally to attend the BMM 2011 Chicago convention. It is our honor and privilege to be entrusted with the overall responsibility of managing the convention. Together with our team of volunteers, we look forward to welcoming you to Chicago.

As your conveners, we want to make sure that the BMM 2011 Chicago convention is your primary choice for a family vacation during the summer of 2011. The City of Chicago has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, restaurants and shopping. We are sure that while you are here, you will make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

The CEC is working closely with the BMM National executive committee to bring quality programs that will interest our North American Maharashtrian community. We are committed to providing excellent programs during the convention and have gone to great lengths to listen to your feedback and learn from the experiences of past conventions. Our goal is to use all of our resources to make the Chicago convention one of the best ever!

We are extremely fortunate to hold the convention at the McCormick Place Convention Center, which houses the world-renowned Arie Crown Theater. This theater will be the main stage for the convention. The Arie Crown is a state of the art auditorium that has hosted some of Chicago’s most magnificent events. We hope that you will appreciate our commitment to bringing you a professional experience when it comes to acoustics and seating.

We could not dream of hosting an event like this without the incredible support that we have received from the Maharashtrian community in Chicago and our surrounding Midwestern states. Over 200 volunteers have committed their time, talent and energy in ensuring that all of you truly experience our mid-western hospitality. It is a matter of great pride for Maharashtra Mandal Chicago (MMC) to host this event on the 30th anniversary of BMM. Chicago is the birthplace of BMM and had the privilege of hosting the first convention in 1984. We hope that you will join us in celebrating our great Marathi heritage.

Niteen Joshi: Convention Convener

Niteen Joshi has been an all-rounder since his high school years. He has served MMC in many capacities as Vice President, President and Trustee. His exemplary organization skills and positive attitude have been a driving force in MMC for past several years. He has successfully conducted large events like Natya-Mahotsav in Chicago for the past twelve years. He is an accomplished actor having performed in Marathi plays in Chicago and many other cities. He is a published poet, a writer and a great public speaker and has performed "Kathakathan", hosted “Antakshari” and has been a Compere & Master of Ceremony for many events. Music and Urdu poetry are some of his other interests. Niteen was unanimously elected to be the convener of the BMM 2011 Chicago convention by General Body of MMC. Originally a practicing attorney from India, he is currently the Chief Financial Officer of a major food manufacturing company in Chicago.

Pankaj Akolkar: Convention Co-Convener

A Metallurgist by profession, Pankaj has climbed the corporate ladder from being a project manager to Chairman and CEO of a multinational corporation in various countries such as Singapore, South Korea and India. Optimistic outlook and passion for community service are just a few of his attributes. He has been a dedicated MMC volunteer for several years. His sense of humor, balanced and calm composure and unassuming attitude are very valuable for conducting an event of such magnitude.

Sujeet Vaidya: Convention Co-Convener

Tech savvy Sujeet was the President of MMC for 2009 and continues to serve as a Trustee. A leader of the younger generation, he is full of new ideas, enthusiasm and initiative. He has been a driving force from the very inception of the idea of hosting the proposed BMM 2011 Chicago convention. He headed the bid submission committee and his professional knowledge as an Operations and Project Manager will go a long way through out the process of planning and execution for the convention. He was involved in social causes as a member of Rotary Club in India and he continues to volunteer with events such as Bone Marrow Drive and other community services. Sujeet provides a lot of positive energy to Team Chicago for the proposed convention.

Sucheta Akolkar: Convention Treasurer

Sucheta has a bright academic career as a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant. Her meticulous and methodical demeanor made her an obvious choice to be the Treasurer for this convention. She possesses a high standard of integrity and work ethics. A well trained Kathak dancer, Sucheta has performed in many dance-dramas. She has served MMC as a Treasurer and is currently a trustee. Sucheta brings a great combination of professionalism and cultural excellence. Her analytical ability and passion for perfection will ensure the financial success of the convention.