The WOW Awards Asia, the region’s largest platform celebrating excellence in Experiential Marketing, MICE, Live Entertainment, and the Wedding Industry, is set to return for its 17th edition at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, on July 3-4, 2026.
The awards are now open for entries across 106 categories, spanning five distinct segments: Experiential Marketing Awards, Experiential Celebrations Awards, Experiential Tech Awards, Hotel & Venue Awards, and Live Quotient Awards.
Recognized for its credibility and rigorous evaluation process, WOW Awards Asia follows a comprehensive two-stage judging system conducted by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and independently validated by EY. Carefully selected from diverse sectors and disciplines, the jury ensures a fair, transparent, and merit-based assessment of the industry’s finest work.
As the industry prepares to showcase exceptional achievements across hospitality, venues, and live entertainment, the spotlight now turns to Group D and Group E — the Hotel & Venue Awards and Live Quotient Awards.
The Hotel & Venue Awards (Group D) celebrate excellence in hospitality and venue infrastructure across India and Asia. The category recognizes outstanding MICE destinations, convention centres, luxury hotels, wedding venues, and event spaces that consistently deliver world-class experiences. From intimate celebrations and luxury lifestyle events to large-scale conventions and destination weddings, Group D honours venues that set new benchmarks in service, innovation, and guest experience.
The Live Quotient Awards (Group E) celebrate the artists, performers, entertainers, and live acts that bring events to life. Since its inception, this category has recognized the most dynamic and sought-after talent in the live entertainment industry, honouring individuals and groups who captivate audiences through exceptional performances, creativity, and stagecraft. From music and comedy to specialty acts and immersive entertainment, Group E shines a spotlight on the talent that creates unforgettable moments and elevates live experiences.
Together, Groups D and E recognize two of the most critical pillars of the experiential ecosystem exceptional venues and extraordinary talent both of which play a defining role in shaping memorable experiences and setting new standards for the industry.
The esteemed Jury of LQ and Experiential Venues Group are:
Aarefa Ahmedabadwala – Wedding Planner – Production Designer, Co-founder – Splendid Surprise Events Dubai
Aarefa Ahmedabadwala is the Co-Founder of Splendid Surprise Weddings & Events Dubai and a wedding planner and production designer with over 8 years of experience in luxury celebrations. Drawing from her background in film set design and production, she is known for creating immersive, visually stunning weddings that blend cinematic storytelling, artistic creativity, and flawless execution.
Arpita Gandhi – Co-Founder & Director, WeddingLine Events & Hospitality
Arpita Gandhi is the Co-Founder & Director of Weddingline Events & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., with over two decades of experience in the events and wedding industry. Having held leadership roles at renowned organizations such as Showtime and Wizcraft, she has been instrumental in transforming Weddingline into one of India’s leading luxury wedding companies, known for delivering bespoke celebrations and end-to-end event solutions.
Ashi Dua – Producer & Co-Founder, Flying Unicorn Entertainment & Dhoomdham Wedding
Ashi Dua is an acclaimed film producer and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Flying Unicorn Entertainment. Renowned for producing critically acclaimed projects such as Bombay Talkies, Lust Stories, Ghost Stories, and The Ghazi Attack, she is recognized for championing bold storytelling and creating culturally impactful content that has shaped contemporary Indian cinema and streaming entertainment.
Avi Kumar – CMO, FernsnPetals
Avi Kumar is a seasoned marketing strategist renowned for transforming consumer insights into impactful brand and business growth strategies. Recognized among India’s top marketing leaders, he has led award-winning campaigns across media and FMCG sectors, leveraging data, content, and storytelling to create meaningful audience engagement and lasting brand impact.
Daryl Sheldon – Director & CEO, 77 Innovation and Experiences Pty Ltd
Daryl Sheldon is an entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist with over two decades of experience across luxury travel, experiential marketing, MICE, artist management, and digital ventures. As the founder of multiple successful businesses, including Seventy-Seven, Ninety-Nine Travels, and Luxaus, he is known for creating innovative experience-led platforms while actively contributing to industry growth through mentorship, investments, and thought leadership.
Deepak Pawar – Founder & MD, Midas Next Media
Deepak Pawar is the Director of Midas Events LLC and a veteran experiential marketing professional with over 31 years of experience in events, brand activations, and technology-led consumer engagement. Known for creating immersive brand experiences, he combines creative storytelling with innovative event technologies to deliver impactful campaigns, virtual experiences, and audience engagement solutions across global markets.
Gauri Chadha – Co-Founder & Creative Director, The Big Night Events
Gauri Chadha is an award-winning filmmaker and the Co-Founder & Creative Director of The Big Night Events. Renowned for bringing cinematic storytelling to luxury celebrations, she has redefined experiential events through immersive productions, innovative concepts, and collaborations with global brands and celebrities, creating unforgettable experiences that push the boundaries of creativity and live entertainment.
Hema Hariramani – Founder & Director, Iskra Events & Celebrations
Hema Hariramani is the Founder & Director of ISKRA EVENTS Private Limited, with over 21 years of experience across hospitality, sales, marketing, and event operations. Known for delivering seamless end-to-end event solutions, she has successfully curated and executed high-impact events across domestic and international markets, creating memorable experiences through strategic planning and operational excellence.
Khushbu Vaid – Co-Founder & Director, Pentagon Events & Activation
Khushbu Vaid is a visionary entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of experience across events, entertainment, and experiential marketing. As the Co-Founder of Pentagon Events and Activation and Founder of Quintessence Coaching, she is known for building impactful businesses, creating meaningful experiences, and championing innovation, empowerment, and purposeful entrepreneurship.
Martin Emmanuel – Founder & Managing Director, Razzmatazz Ventures Pvt. Ltd
Martin Emmanuel is the Founder & Managing Director of Razzmatazz Ventures Pvt. Ltd., with over 27 years of experience across experiential events, entertainment, MICE, sports, government protocol, and destination weddings. Renowned for delivering large-scale national and international events, he is known for blending innovation, immersive storytelling, and cultural experiences to create impactful and memorable event platforms.
