WOW Awards Asia 2025: Introducing the Experiential Management Jury

by  Komal Darji Business Events | April 11, 2025 | News

WOW Awards Asia 2025 Experiential Management Awards

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 Management Awards category, known as Group C, takes center stage. Experiential Management awards celebrates efforts in production and event technicals by supplier partners. This category includes only service providers without the inclusion of agencies. Delivery of end-to-end production of an event while overcoming execution challenges and delivery of unique/ highly technical/ superior lighting design solutions at an event is also a part of this category and recognizes the efforts in lighting, trussing, tent solutions, SFX/pyrotechnic, projection mapping, design-construct/fabrication, hospitality/logistic, catering solutions and show running / stage management.

The esteemed Jury of Experiential Management Group are:

Akshat Kumar, Director, WMS Entertainment

Akshat Kumar co-founded WMS Entertainment at just 21, turning a passion for music into a powerhouse in event production, artist management, and experiential marketing. He’s worked with top global brands and co-launched festivals like India Cocktail Week and TOAST. Akshat also channels his love for food as a partner at Saz On The Beach (Goa) and Saz Delhi.

Jason Manners, CEO, Rockski EMG

Jason Manners is the CEO of Rockski EMG and a veteran of the entertainment industry with over 20 years of experience in large-scale events, concerts, and festivals across Asia. Known for his leadership in experiential marketing, he drives innovation and growth through strategic vision and flawless execution. As a WoW Awards Asia Jury member, he celebrates excellence in the events industry.

Mayank Lalpuria, Senior Vice President, The Phoenix Mills

Mayank Lalpuria, Senior Vice President at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, brings over 15 years of expertise in retail marketing and event curation. Leading marketing across multiple Phoenix malls, he drives over 500 events annually and draws 1.5M+ monthly visitors. Known for his collaborative approach, Mayank crafts impactful brand partnerships and unforgettable consumer experiences.

Mirza Baig, Founder & Global Marketing Leader, Hammerhead Global

Mirza Baig is a seasoned Marketing & Business Leader with 27 years of experience across global markets. Known for launching iconic brands and leading award-winning campaigns, Mirza brings strategic vision and hands-on leadership to every challenge. With expertise in scaling businesses and driving impactful growth, he is a true force in brand-building and market expansion.

Neel Choksi, Co-founder, Creative Witty

Neel Choksi is a visionary event curator and co-founder of Creative Witty, known for designing deeply personalized weddings and immersive cultural experiences. He helms The White Flea and The White Festival, bringing together music, art, and community. From comedy with Let’s Giggle to vibrant fests like Tomatina and Soak Fest, Neel’s events leave lasting impressions.

Rajat Uppal, CEO, Stage Aaj Tak

Rajat Uppal is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with 20+ years of experience in the liquor and media industry. Known for building iconic brands and driving business growth, he has earned accolades like the Marketing Employee of the Year (Fever 104 FM) and BIG Service Leadership Champ (BIG 92.7 FM). His track record showcases consistent top performance, strategic thinking, and award-winning contributions across major organizations.

Rajdeep Chakraborty, Director, What's in D Name Live

Rajdeep Chakraborty Founder of What's in D Name Live, this Kolkata-based entrepreneur turned his passion for music and events into East India’s biggest concert company. From launching the popular restrobar Whats in d name to hosting major concerts like Arijit Singh, Bryan Adams, and the iconic Dabaang tour with Salman Khan, his journey reflects grit, vision, and hustle. With plans for a world-class concert arena in Kolkata, he continues to reshape the city’s live entertainment culture.

Rohit Rampal, Founder & CEO, Hitman Group

Rohit Rampal, the force behind Hitman Group, has over 15 years of experience in delivering world-class events in Malaysia. His company blends production, marketing, and F&B to create immersive experiences—hosting global icons from Shah Rukh Khan to Armin Van Buuren. With the Pinkfish Festival, they’re redefining live entertainment on a massive scale.

Siddharth ganeriwala, Founder and Ceo, Aura Integrated Solutions

Siddharth ganeriwala began their journey in events with curiosity and a drive to create memorable experiences. After discovering a love for marketing through AIESEC, they founded Stage 3 in 1999, followed by Aura Events in 2002—an award-winning agency behind 5,200+ events. In 2018, they launched Wedding Wows, bringing structure and creativity to luxury celebrations across India.

Subhashini Balasubramanian, Executive Director, Seventy Event Media Group

Subhashini Balasubramanian is a seasoned event industry leader and EMDI alumna, currently serving as Executive Director – Special Projects at 70 EMG. With a dynamic career across top firms like Wizcraft and Encompass, she has led strategic roles in event execution and project leadership. Known for her creativity and resilience, Subhashini continues to shape transformative experiences in the events space.