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.
Widely regarded as the benchmark for recognizing innovation, creativity, and executional excellence, the awards are now open for entries across 106 categories spanning five key segments: Experiential Marketing Awards, Experiential Celebrations Awards, Experiential Tech Awards, Hotel & Venue Awards, and Live Quotient Awards.
Maintaining its commitment to transparency and credibility, the awards will once again feature a rigorous two-stage judging process conducted by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and independently validated by EY. Carefully selected from diverse sectors and professional backgrounds, the jury brings a wealth of expertise and perspective to ensure that the most deserving work receives recognition.
As the industry gears up to showcase its most impactful and inspiring work, the spotlight turns to the Experiential Celebrations Awards (Group B) — a category dedicated to honoring excellence in weddings, social events, and milestone celebrations. From grand destination weddings and intimate social gatherings to large-scale celebratory experiences, this category recognizes the creativity, planning, and execution involved in crafting unforgettable moments. Entries are evaluated across every aspect of the celebration journey, including décor, entertainment, hospitality, guest experience, culinary innovation, and overall event design.
With celebrations continuing to evolve into highly personalized and immersive experiences, Group B remains one of the most dynamic and anticipated categories at the WOW Awards Asia, spotlighting the professionals and organizations redefining the art of celebration.
The esteemed Jury of Experiential Celebrations Group are:
Ayesha Bhalla – Senior Director, National Sales India, Marriott International
Ayesha Bhalla is the Senior Director – National Sales India at Marriott International, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, sales, and marketing. Having held leadership roles across renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, she is recognized for driving business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering impactful sales and customer engagement strategies across India.
Dilip Puri – Founder, Indian School of Hospitality
Dilip Puri is a hospitality industry veteran with over 33 years of experience across hotel operations, development, and asset management. Having worked with leading global brands including Oberoi, Taj, IHG, and Starwood, he has played a significant role in shaping premium hospitality businesses. As the Founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, he continues to contribute to the industry’s growth through education, leadership, and strategic advisory.
Harmeet Singh – Director, BTS Decor Dubai
Harmeet Singh is an experiential marketing and event production professional with over a decade of experience in marketing communications, special events, and brand experiences. As the driving force behind Behind The Scene, he is known for creating innovative event environments and immersive experiences that blend creative storytelling, craftsmanship, and flawless execution. His expertise in bespoke production solutions has helped deliver impactful corporate events, brand activations, and large-scale live experiences.
Rajiv Kapoor – General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn
Rajiv Kapoor is the General Manager of Fairmont Mumbai, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, hotel operations, and guest experience. Having successfully led the hotel’s pre-opening phase and previously driven operational excellence at Fairmont Jaipur, he is recognized for his strategic leadership, global hospitality expertise, and commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences while setting new benchmarks in luxury hospitality.
Rui Mota Pinto – Experiential Wedding Author
Rui Mota Pinto is an internationally acclaimed wedding planner and creative visionary with over two decades of experience crafting bespoke celebrations around the world. Renowned for his storytelling-led approach, he transforms weddings into immersive and deeply personal experiences, blending creativity, emotion, and design. An award-winning industry leader with 21 international accolades, Rui is also a mentor, consultant, and respected voice in the global wedding community, dedicated to elevating standards and inspiring innovation across the industry.
Tanuja Pandey – Advisor, Maharashtra Tourism Advisor
Tanuja Pandey is a tourism and hospitality leader with over 30 years of experience across MICE, events, destination marketing, and corporate sales. Currently serving as Maharashtra Tourism Advisor, she is recognized for driving innovation in the tourism ecosystem and pioneering digital solutions that connect stakeholders across the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry.
Uday Pandya – Groups, MICE & Celebrations
Uday Pandya is an experienced events and tourism professional with over a decade of expertise in destination management, event planning, and client engagement across the APAC and MEA regions. Known for delivering impactful experiences and managing large-scale projects, he combines operational excellence, stakeholder management, and innovative thinking to create memorable events and drive growth within the tourism and events industry.
Vishal Sharma – General Manager, The LaLiT New Delhi
Vishal Sharma is a hospitality leader with over two decades of experience across luxury hotel operations, sales, marketing, and commercial strategy. Currently serving as General Manager at The LaLiT New Delhi, he has held leadership roles with renowned brands including IHG, Taj, Hyatt, Radisson, The Imperial, and The Claridges. Known for driving business growth, operational excellence, and team leadership, Vishal is recognized for his strategic approach to hospitality and guest experience.
Vivek Braganza – Director of Operations, Sales & Marketing, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Vivek Braganza is a hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, distribution, and revenue management in the Middle East and South Asia. Having worked with global brands such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, and Taj Hotels, he is known for driving commercial growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering strategic innovation across the hospitality industry.
