Spotlight Awards 2026 brought together the best minds and leading contributors from India’s events and entertainment industry at A DOT, Gurugram, on June 19. The prestigious event celebrated innovation, creativity, and outstanding achievements across the experiential marketing and live events ecosystem, recognizing professionals and organizations that continue to shape the future of the industry.
The annual awards ceremony has emerged as one of the most respected platforms for honoring excellence in event management, experiential marketing, entertainment production, technical services, and creative execution. This year’s edition showcased the remarkable growth and evolution of India’s experiential sector, highlighting the contributions of individuals and companies that consistently push industry standards higher.
More Than 135 Awards Presented Across 65 Categories
Spotlight Awards 2026 witnessed the presentation of over 135 awards across 65 categories, recognizing exceptional work across various segments of the events and entertainment industry. The awards celebrated innovation, operational excellence, creativity, technical expertise, and impactful collaborations that have contributed to the industry’s continued growth.
The ceremony attracted event professionals, agency leaders, production experts, entertainment personalities, and business partners from across the country, making it a significant gathering for India’s experiential community.
Wadhwa Brothers Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to the Wadhwa brothers-Varinder Wadhwa, Davinder Wadhwa, and Navneet Wadhwa of Modern Stage Services.
The award recognized the family’s immense contribution to the Indian events and entertainment industry over the last five decades. Through their dedication and leadership, Modern Stage Services has played a vital role in advancing stage production, event infrastructure, and technical execution standards across the country.
Their work has significantly influenced the development of India’s live events ecosystem, making them one of the most respected names in the industry.
Regional Leaders Receive Outstanding Contribution Awards
The Spotlight Awards Committee also recognized industry veterans for their remarkable contributions to regional growth and development within the events sector.
Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to Warren D’Souza for the Western region, Surat Singh Malhotra for the Southern region, and Manoj Singh for the Eastern region.
These honors acknowledged their leadership, dedication, and long-standing commitment to strengthening the events and experiential marketing landscape in their respective regions.
Entertainment Icons Recognised for Their Achievements
The entertainment segment of the awards ceremony celebrated some of India’s most popular performers and personalities.
Legendary singer and performer Daler Mehndi was honoured with the Lifetime Musical Achievement Award for his enduring contribution to Indian music and live entertainment. Known for his energetic performances and iconic songs, Mehndi remains one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Singer Navraj Hans received the Pop Icon Award, recognizing his achievements and popularity among music audiences across the country.
Actor and television personality Kubbra Sait was presented with the Youth Icon Award for her growing influence and impact among younger audiences. Her work across film, digital platforms, and entertainment has earned widespread appreciation and recognition.
Spectacular Performances Entertain Guests
Adding glamour and excitement to the evening, Spotlight Awards 2026 featured live performances from renowned artists and entertainers.
The audience enjoyed captivating performances by celebrated folk singer Mame Khan, acclaimed playback singer Raja Hasan, and DJ Veronika. The entertainment lineup also included performances by Rahasya – The Musical Project, Tishul Percussionist, and the Zenith Group of Dancers.
These performances created a vibrant atmosphere and showcased the diversity and talent that define India’s entertainment industry.
Industry Leaders Highlight Growth and Innovation
Speaking during the event, Vijay Arora, Chairperson of the Spotlight Awards Committee, emphasized the importance of recognizing the professionals who work behind the scenes to bring extraordinary experiences to life.
He stated that Spotlight Awards was established to celebrate the partners and professionals who form the backbone of the industry. According to Arora, the 2026 edition successfully showcased the innovation, scale, and excellence that characterize India’s rapidly expanding experiential ecosystem.
Atul Chabbra, Member of the Spotlight Awards Committee, highlighted the authenticity of the awards and the importance of recognizing meaningful contributions and impactful partnerships.
He noted that the diversity of talent and the quality of work displayed during the awards reflected the tremendous progress made by the industry over the years.
Ruchin Kohli, VP North and Co-Chair of the Spotlight Awards Committee, emphasized the role of collaboration in driving industry success. He pointed out that every contributor, from technicians and production teams to creative professionals and strategic partners, plays a crucial role in delivering memorable experiences and raising industry standards.
Spotlight Awards Reinforces Industry Excellence
More than just an awards ceremony, Spotlight Awards 2026 served as a celebration of passion, innovation, dedication, and excellence. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit that continues to drive India’s events and experiential marketing sector forward.
As businesses increasingly invest in immersive experiences, live events, and experiential campaigns, the role of industry professionals has become more critical than ever. Platforms such as Spotlight Awards provide valuable recognition while encouraging innovation and best practices across the sector.
About EEMA
The Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) is an autonomous, non-profit organization representing registered companies, institutions, and professionals from India’s events and experiential marketing industry.
Over the past two decades, the sector has witnessed substantial growth, with more than 1,000 organizations operating across multiple industry segments in over 100 cities nationwide. EEMA continues to play a key role in promoting industry development, professional standards, and collaboration among stakeholders.
With another successful edition concluded, Spotlight Awards 2026 has once again reaffirmed its position as a premier platform for recognizing excellence and inspiring the future of India’s dynamic events and entertainment industry.
