I think that this event was either the major donor's conference or something similar (with large registration fees) as I don't think the rank and file knew anything about it. Either way it is another example of the new PR for PR strategy of renting a prestigious venue and claiming that Rawat was invited there.

 One has to admit Jean-Marie Bonthous is a real pro(in both senses of the abbreviation) For a satire on the whole PR industry BBC2 have a programme called Absolute Power starring Stephen Fry which humourously says it all!!

More info soon.