The WOW Awards Asia, the largest business and recognition platform in Experiential Marketing, MICE, LIVE Entertainment, and the Wedding industry, is set to return for its 16th edition at the JIO World Convention Centre on June 20-21, 2025.
The awards are now open for entries across 106 categories, distributed among five distinct groups: Experiential Marketing Awards, Experiential Celebrations Awards, Experiential Tech Awards, Hotel & Venue Awards, and Live Quotient Awards.
With a meticulous two-phase judging process conducted by a distinguished panel of jury members and validated by EY, the ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of excellence. Each jury member is carefully chosen from diverse backgrounds with extensive industry experience, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation to recognize the most deserving winners.
As the industry prepares to showcase its finest work in events and experiential marketing, the Experiential Celebrations Awards category, known as Group B, takes center stage. Experiential Celebrations encompasses weddings, social events, and milestone celebrations. This segment recognizes excellence in orchestrating a series of functions, ceremonies, and festivities, covering all essential aspects such as entertainment, décor, and culinary experiences.
Register and submit your entries here: WOW Awards Asia Categories
The esteemed Jury of Experiential Marketing Group are:
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, Resorts
Anuraag Bhatnagar Since joining The Leela in 2020, he has led the brand’s transformation into a market leader, expanding from 7 to 13 luxury hotels and earning global recognition, including the World’s Best Hotel Brand titles in 2020 and 2021. His strategic vision and deep understanding of the luxury consumer have driven innovations like Aujasya, Tishya, and Icons of India by The Leela, along with talent programs such as the Leela Leadership Development Programme, solidifying the brand’s position in Indian luxury hospitality.
Bjorn DeNiese, Managing Director, Mayfair Elixir
Bjorn DeNiese is the Managing Director of Mayfair Elixir, leading the expansion of the Mayfair Hotels & Resorts brand across India and neighboring countries. With a career in hospitality since 2006, he has played a key role in growing Mayfair’s presence to 17 properties, driving branding, digital transformation, and marketing strategies. Known for his creativity, business acumen, and leadership, Bjorn blends innovation with deep industry experience to deliver value-driven hospitality solutions.
Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer, Department of Tourism-Bhutan
Carissa Nimah is the Chief Marketing Officer of Bhutan Tourism, leading strategic initiatives to promote the kingdom’s cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. In 2024, she joined the Executive Management Team of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a visionary project by Bhutan’s King. With prior leadership roles in luxury hospitality across Asia and the UAE, Carissa brings global experience and a strong ethical focus. She holds degrees in Politics, Journalism, and Strategic Marketing, and is currently studying law while living in Thimphu.
Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada
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Danielle Andrews is a leading figure in the global wedding industry and founder of WPIC Inc., which offers top certification programs for planners and hospitality professionals. She consults internationally with resorts and venues, speaks at global conferences, and her work has been featured in major publications like Today’s Bride and Munaluchi Bride. With experience planning events across multiple continents, Danielle is dedicated to elevating the wedding industry through education and innovation.
Devangi Parekh, Director, Aza Fashions
Devangi Parekh is the Director at Aza Fashions and the force behind Azafashions.com, a global luxury e-commerce platform showcasing 1000+ Indian designers. A Wharton MBA, she has driven Aza’s growth with a tech-led, data-driven omni-channel strategy. Previously, she worked at Deloitte Consulting in NYC and serves on the board of EO Kolkata.
Manuj Ralhan, General Manager, JECC & Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre
Manuj Ralhan is a hospitality veteran with over 20 years of experience across iconic brands like The Oberoi, Taj, Four Seasons, and Accor. He currently leads the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC, aiming to position it as India’s top MICE destination. A Six Sigma/Kaizen specialist, Manuj is known for driving operational excellence, leading pre-openings, and transforming luxury hotel performance with a visionary and innovation-led approach.
Neeta Raheja, Co-founder, Longform India
Neeta Raheja is a pioneer in Indian wedding management and a seasoned communication specialist with over 30 years of experience. Holding a master’s in mass communication from New York, she introduced the concept of wedding planning to India, curating luxurious, culturally rooted events worldwide. She is the Co-Founder of Longform, a leading luxury communications firm representing top clients like DIOR, Sabyasachi, and India Art Fair. Honoured by FICCI-FLO for her work in culture and community, Neeta also advises initiatives like Art Ichol and CEF, and serves as a jury member for the Wedding Sutra Awards.
Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont
Rajiv Kapoor is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 21 years of experience across top luxury brands. Starting his career with Marriott International, he rose through the ranks, gaining deep expertise in operations and guest experience. Known for his transformative leadership at Fairmont Jaipur, Rajiv has consistently driven excellence and earned industry recognition.
Rakhshanda Jalil, Chief Editor, Taj Magazines
Rakhshanda Jalil is an award-winning translator, writer, and literary historian with over 25 books and 50 academic papers to her credit. She heads Hindustani Awaaz, promoting Hindi-Urdu literature and culture. Recipient of the Kaifi Azmi Award and other prestigious honors, she regularly contributes to leading newspapers and magazines and serves as Editor of the Taj magazine.
Swati Thakur, Hotel Manager, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Swati Thakur is an accomplished hospitality leader with over 18 years of experience across luxury brands like The Leela, Taj, and Oberoi. Currently the Hotel Manager at The Leela Palace Jaipur, she specializes in guest experience, operational excellence, and sustainable practices. A multi-award winner, Swati is known for her strategic leadership, pre-opening expertise, and team development. She holds an MBA in Hospitality and is currently pursuing the LEAD Advanced Programme with ISH.
