WOW Awards 2025: Meet the Jury Members of the LQ and Hotel & Venue Group

by  Komal Darji Business Events | April 24, 2025 | News

LQ Awards Hotel & Venue Awards WOW Awards Asia

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, Experiential Venues and LQ category, known as Group D & E, takes center stage.

Hotel & Venue known as Group D is the category that celebrates the best MICE & Wedding Venues of Metro India, destination India and destination Asia including Business Events, Intimate Weddings, Lifestyle/ Luxury Events, Big Fat Weddings, and Convention centers.

The LIVE Quotient Award known as Group E since its debut has strived to represent and showcase the industry’s buzziest LIVE Entertainers and Artists.

The esteemed Jury of LQ and Experiential Venues Group are:

Ankit Kumar, Director & Co-Founder, Éclat Media Worldwide

Ankit Kapoor, Director & Co-Founder of Éclat Media Worldwide, brings over 10 years of expertise in event management and advertising. He has shaped Éclat into a dynamic, innovation-led agency known for creative storytelling and precision-driven execution. Focused on global expansion, Ankit champions personalized experiences and ROI-centric strategies while nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of brand engagement.

Anuj Talukder, Head Sunil, Munjal Arts Center

Anuj is a creative strategist with extensive experience in designing and leading large-scale cultural initiatives. His portfolio includes roles at Zee Live, Live Nation Middle East, Warner Home Video, and EMI Music. Most recently, he was part of the team at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC). He now steps into a leadership position for an upcoming Arts and Culture project.

Apoorv Mohan Shrivastava, Co-Founder, Plush Affairs

Apoorv Mohan Shrivastav is an entrepreneur, photographer, musician, and innovator whose ventures span diverse industries. With a background in Automobile Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, he pioneered battery-operated transport solutions in the industrial sector. In 2014, he co-founded Plush Affairs, a top-tier wedding photography company featured in Vogue and The Times of India. He also co-founded Sitting Bull Productions for commercial photography and Just Conceived, a maternity e-commerce brand. His creativity and drive continue to shape innovative experiences across sectors.

Bobby Elanjical, CEO, Wedding Factory

Bobby Elanjical, Co-founder of Wedding Factory, brings 24 years of business expertise, including 13 years in destination weddings. An XLRI Jamshedpur alumnus, he has helped position Wedding Factory as a leader in luxury wedding planning, blending design, décor, and execution seamlessly. With offices in Mumbai and Cochin, the company has delivered award-winning celebrations across India and globally. Bobby’s strategic vision and passion for immersive experiences have made Wedding Factory a trusted name in the industry.

Devanshi Patel, Founder, Shreem Events

Founder of Shreem Events, a luxury wedding and event planning company, [Name] brings over a decade of experience and a portfolio of 450+ global events. Specializing in destination weddings and artist curation, she has planned high-profile celebrations in Dubai, Cannes, Monaco, and more. Known for her creativity, precision, and client-first approach, she was honored with the Wedding Sutra Influencer Award in 2022.

Gauri Chadha, Co-Founder & Creative Director, The Big Night

Gauri Chadha, an award-winning filmmaker in Hollywood and Bollywood, co-founded The Big Night, a creative luxury event agency in Dubai. As Creative Director, she merges cinematic storytelling with exceptional design, transforming events into immersive experiences. Alongside her husband, Kunal Rupani, Gauri has redefined luxury events in the UAE, working with global celebrities and prestigious brands like Netflix, Burjeel, and Visa. Her bold approach includes skydiving fireworks and Parisian street recreations, setting new industry standards.

Hardik Bhanushali, Founder & Director, The Planning Paradise

Hardik Bhanushali is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary behind The Planning Paradise, a premium wedding planning company. With a strong foundation in business, he holds a Post-Graduation in Event Management from Pune, a Master's in Destination Weddings from the UAE, and specialized training in Exotic Flowers from Italy. Known for his innovative approach and attention to detail, Hardik expertly crafts high-end, trend-driven weddings that blend modern themes with exceptional service.

Himanshu Vaswani, Director & Co-Founder, 4/4 Experiences

Himanshu Vaswani is an entrepreneur and music business professional with over 15 years of experience in event management, talent management, and content creation. As Co-founder and Director at 4/4 Experiences, he leads a subculture think tank that curates innovative IPs rooted in music, arts, and urban culture. Passionate about independent music, he champions community-led, locally integrated solutions that shape India’s cultural narrative. He also co-organizes Control ALT Delete, India’s largest crowdfunded music festival, redefining industry norms with its fan-first, brand-free model.

Krunali Gokani, Co-Founder, The Wedding Corp

CoKrunali Gokani, Co-founder of The Wedding Corp, is a passionate storyteller known for designing heartfelt and visually stunning celebrations. Her belief that every wedding is a canvas drives her to craft experiences that reflect personal style and joy. Recognized with the '35 Under 35' award by The Economic Times and EventFAQs, she’s celebrated for her leadership and creativity. Alongside co-founder Danveer Kaur Birdi, Krunali has built The Wedding Corp into a trusted name in luxury weddings, curating meaningful events across India and the globe.

Neha Wadhawan, Founder, The Doli Diary

Neha Wadhawan is a luxury wedding planner and Co-founder of The Doli Diary, a boutique wedding agency based in Mumbai. An MBA from S.P. Jain School of Global Management, she specializes in the management side of weddings, while her partner Jinal Patel leads the design. Over the past seven years, The Doli Diary has planned 100+ weddings across India, working with high-profile clients and global companies. With a background in media and events, Neha brings precision, warmth, and hospitality to every celebration, creating impactful and personal experiences.