Spotlight Awards 2026, held on 19 June 2026 at A DOT, Gurugram, brought together the finest professionals and partners from the events and entertainment industry, honouring exceptional contributions and setting new benchmarks for excellence across the experiential landscape.
More than 135 awards across 65 categories were presented during the evening, alongside special recognitions for stalwarts of the industry. The Wadhwa brothers – Varinder, Davinder and Navneet of Modern Stage Services, were bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their family’s invaluable contribution spanning over five decades. Outstanding Contribution Awards across regions were presented to Warren D’souza (West), Surat Singh Malhotra (South), and Manoj Singh (East).
In the field of entertainment, legendary performer Daler Mehndi was honoured with the Lifetime Musical Achievement Award, Navraj Hans received the Pop Icon Award, and Kubbra Sait was recognised with the Youth Icon Award. Performances by Mame Khan, Raja Hasan, DJ Veronika, Rahasya – The Musical Project, Tishul Percussionist and Zenith Group of Dancers kept the audience enthralled.
“Spotlight Awards was created to celebrate the backbone of our industry, the partners and professionals who bring ideas to life behind the scenes. Each year, we see the bar being raised, and 2026 has truly showcased the scale, innovation, and excellence that define India’s experiential ecosystem today,” said Vijay Arora, Chairperson, Spotlight Awards Committee.
“What makes Spotlight Awards special is its authenticity, it recognises real work, real impact, and real partnerships. The diversity of talent and the quality of execution we witnessed this year reflects how far our industry has evolved,” added Atul Chabbra, Spotlight Awards Committee Member.
“Spotlight Awards 2026 is a powerful reminder that our industry thrives on collaboration. From technicians to creative partners, every contributor plays a vital role. It’s this collective spirit that continues to push boundaries and elevate the standard of experiences we create,” shared Ruchin Kohli, VP North & Co-Chair, Spotlight Awards Committee.
More than an awards ceremony, Spotlight Awards 2026 was a tribute to passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives India’s events industry forward.
The Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) is an autonomous, non-profit body representing registered companies, institutions, and professionals from India’s events and experiential marketing industry. Over the last two decades, the industry has experienced significant expansion, with more than 1,000 organisations operating across multiple sectors in over 100 cities across the country.
