- Awards
- Categories
The categories of WOW Awards Middle East are divided into 4, groups encompassing every aspect of MICE, LIVE Marketing, Entertainment, Social Events and Venues.
Events / Projects held in the Middle East or globally, but originating from the Middle East, are eligible to compete for the coveted metal.
Here are the 4 main categories:
- Group A: Experiential Marketing Awards
- Group B: Experiential Celebration Awards
- Group C: Experiential Management Awards
- Group D: Experiential Venue Awards
Events, Campaigns, or Projects executed locally or globally, between April 2024 and June 2025, by companies and individuals from the Middle East, i.e., agencies, clients, venues, and artists, can submit entries for relevant categories for WOW Awards Middle East 2025.
Early-Bird Submission Deadline:
30 June 2025
Entry Submission Deadline:
31 July 2025
A. EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING AWARDS: (18 CATEGORIES)
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For Campaigns / Events / Activities / Initiatives of brands, corporations, associations, government bodies, etc. for a defined customer, for the purpose of promotion, communication and marketing.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects:
- Executive Summary (Character Limit: 1200)
- Brief / Objective (Character limit: 1200)
- Concept (Character limit: 1200)
- Execution / Amplification (Character limit: 2400)
- Results / Scale (Character limit: 1800)
1. Corporate Incentive Programme of the Year
An experience/event designed for any stakeholder (employee, dealer, trade) of a company with the objective to celebrate an achievement/milestone/other momentous occasions/incentivize/motivate/recognize. (Multi-city/one-day) executed within Middle east / outside middle east
2. Corporate Meeting / Conference of the Year
A conference or meeting featuring knowledge-exchange, educational sessions, designed for any stakeholder group (employee, dealer, trade) of a company
3. Corporate Training / Education / Team Building Programme of the Year
An activity as part of a programme or standalone, where groups of stakeholders engage in a common task / goal that enhances team working / dynamics
4. Government Convention / Business Event of the Year
5. Association / Industry Congress / Convention of the Year
An annual event hosted for an industry segment / industry association, with aspects of a conference or a meeting, business exchange, knowledge sessions, gala evening and / or exhibition
6. Special Event of the Year for Government / Federation / Association
An On-ground showcase event by any department of the Government / Federation / Association
7. Launch Event of the Year
An experience/event designed for relevant audiences with the objective of launching or re-launch a brand, product or service
8. Concert of the Year
A sustainable, year-on-year concert engaging and growing a relevant community. Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property
9. Public Special Event of the Year
10. Event of the Year for a Luxury Brand
An experience/capaign designed for any exclusive/ premium brand with the objective to celebrate the product/service
11. Sport Event of the Year
A sustainable, engagement platform centered around a sport / E-sports (On-ground or virtual). Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property
12. Lifestyle Event of the Year (Music / Art / Culture / Festival)
A sustainable, year-on-year art/culture festival engaging and growing a relevant community. Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property.
13. Sponsorship Activation of the Year
A sponsoring brand's activation at a LIVE event, detailing relevance and context given the event and audience being engaged.
14. Mall Activation/Promotion of the Year
Promotion of an on-ground activity / event / IP where engagement with the community / audience extends and enhances the LIVE event / IP itself
15. Integrated Marketing Program of the Year
A engagement / activtation using multiple mediums including on-ground / LIVE in an integrated / coherent manner, showcasing enhanced efficacy whilst doing so
16. CSR Campaign of the Year by a Brand / Government
An activation created with the objective of a brand promoting / supporting or creating awareness about a social cause. Entries must display efficiency of the message delivery and the resulting impact
17. Exhibition Presence / Activation of brand at an event
A brand / company's presence at an industry exhibition, showcasing creativity / innovation in the design / engagement and how this was effective vis-à-vis other brands present
18. Brand Experience of the Year (best use of experiential marketing)
An activity designed for any stakeholders of a company with the objective of showcasing the best event/experiential marketing solutions
B. EXPERIENTIAL CELEBRATIONS AWARDS: (12 CATEGORIES)
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For various aspects of weddings, celebratory and social events.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects:
- Executive Summary (Character limit: 1200)
- Brief Background / Requirement by Client (Character Limit: 1200)
- Concept / Idea Suggested(Character Limit: 1200)
- Details of execution / Challenges in execution (Character Limit: 2400)
- Details of Results Achieved / Client Testimonial/s (if Applicable) (Character Limit: 1800)
19. Pre-wedding Celebration of the Year
A post-wedding event that stood out on the parameters of design, management, decor, entertainment, execution and impact.
20. Intimate Wedding Celebration of the Year
21. Wedding Celebration of the Year
The full series of functions, celebrations and ceremonies as part of a wedding or a milestone or any social event including all aspects of Entertainment, Décor, F&B; etc.
22. Social Event of the Year
A wedding or social event with unique experiential elements woven in, involving a celebration that highly engages guests
23. Special Moment in a Social Event
The high point of a social event/function that created a WOW Moment for the entire wedding/event celebration.
24. Entertainment Design for a Social Event
A social event big or small that includes aspects of entertainment, that integrates into the overall format of the function
25. Décor / Theme Integration for a Social Event
The décor/design elements as a part of a big/small for a social event
26. Use of Flowers / Floral Installation at a Social Event
Use of floral décor, flowers in form of design elements/art installations or others at a social event
27. F&B Experience - Concept, Design, Presentation for a Social Event
The food and beverage management and execution from a social event
28. Invitation / Merchandise for a Social / Wedding Celebration
An innovative design curated for wedding invitations and stationery for one/all of the celebrations for a wedding / social event
29. Photography of a Social / Wedding Celebration
Still photography at a wedding function, main wedding or any other kind of social event
30. Videography of a Social / Wedding Celebration
Videography at a wedding function, main wedding or any other kind of social event.
C. EXPERIENTIAL MANAGEMENT AWARDS (15 CATEGORIES)
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For delivering technical and production support to bring alive an event / experience successfully.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects:
- Executive Summary (Character Limit: 1200)
- Brief / Objective (Character limit: 1200)
- Concept (Character limit: 1200)
- Execution / Amplification (Character limit: 2400)
- Results / Scale (Character limit: 1800)
31. Achievement in Production Management
Delivery of end-to-end production of an event while overcoming execution challenges
32. Achievement in Lighting Solution
Delivery of unique / highly technical / superior lighting design solutions at an event
33. Achievement in Trussing Solution
Delivery of trussing services at an event while overcoming logistical/safety challenges
34. Achievement in Audio Solution
Achievement of challenges related to the elements and installation of Audio Visual Technology creatively
35. Achievement in Video Solution
Achievement of challenges related to the elements and installation of Video Visual Technology creatively
36. Achievement in SFX / Pyrotechnic (add drone shows and other special effects mediums when describing)
Challenges and creative inputs related to the elements of SFX/Pyrotechnic at an event.
37. Achievement in Temporary Venue / Structure Construct
Execution, design and fabrication of sets, stalls, displays, installations, etc. as part of an event / experience.
38. Achievement in Stage Design Construct / Fabrication
Execution, design and fabrication of sets, stalls, displays, installations, etc. as part of an event / experience.
39. Achievement in Exhibition Stall Production (under 250 sq. mt)
40. Achievement in Exhibition Stall Production (Over 250 sq. mt)
41. Innovative Use of Event Tech Software
Innovative integration of event technology software to enhance attendee experiences, streamline operations, and achieve event objectives.
42. Achievement in Show Running / Stage Management
Show flow, fluidity in event proceedings, backstage handling, show running and stage management for an event
43. Innovation in Interactive Technology
Any innovation in the integration of interactive technology like apps, AR, VR, gamification and other such technologies
44. Innovation in Entertainment Design
D. EXPERIENTIAL VENUE AWARDS (5 CATEGORIES)
45. Luxury Event Venue of the Year - Middle East Region
Recognizing the hotel that offered a premium and exclusive setting for high-profile events
46. Best Hotel Venue for Corporate Events
Awarded to the hotel that delivered exceptional infrastructure and services for business conferences, incentives, and meetings
47. Outstanding Event Services Team at a Hotel
Recognizing excellence in coordination, planning, guest relations, and execution by a hotel’s event team
48. Best Sustainable Event Venue by a Hotel
Honoring commitment to eco-friendly practices without compromising guest experience
49. Destination Hotel of the Year for Events
Recognizing a hotel that became a true destination for international and regional events, combining location, facilities, and guest experience
A. EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING (18 CATEGORIES)
For Campaigns / Events / Activities / Initiatives of brands, corporations, associations, government bodies, etc. for a defined customer, for the purpose of promotion, communication and marketing.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects in all 18 categories of Experiential Marketing:
- Executive Summary (Character Limit: 1200)
- Brief / Objective (Character limit: 1200)
- Concept (Character limit: 1200)
- Execution / Amplification (Character limit: 2400)
- Results / Scale (Character limit: 1800)
1. Corporate Incentive Programme of the Year
An experience/event designed for any stakeholder (employee, dealer, trade) of a company with the objective to celebrate an achievement/milestone/other momentous occasions/incentivize/motivate/recognize. (Multi-city/one-day) executed within Middle east / outside middle east
2. Corporate Meeting / Conference of the Year
A conference or meeting featuring knowledge-exchange, educational sessions, designed for any stakeholder group (employee, dealer, trade) of a company
3. Corporate Training / Education / Team Building Programme of the Year
An activity as part of a programme or standalone, where groups of stakeholders engage in a common task / goal that enhances team working / dynamics
4. Government Convention / Business Event of the Year
5. Association / Industry Congress / Convention of the Year
An annual event hosted for an industry segment / industry association, with aspects of a conference or a meeting, business exchange, knowledge sessions, gala evening and / or exhibition
6. Special Event of the Year for Government / Federation / Association
An On-ground showcase event by any department of the Government / Federation / Association
7. Launch Event of the Year
An experience/event designed for relevant audiences with the objective of launching or re-launch a brand, product or service
8. Concert of the Year
A sustainable, year-on-year concert engaging and growing a relevant community. Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property
9. Public Special Event of the Year
10. Event of the Year for a Luxury Brand
An experience/capaign designed for any exclusive/ premium brand with the objective to celebrate the product/service
11. Sport Event of the Year
A sustainable, engagement platform centered around a sport / E-sports (On-ground or virtual). Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property
12. Lifestyle Event of the Year (Music / Art / Culture / Festival)
A sustainable, year-on-year art/culture festival engaging and growing a relevant community. Entries must display year-on-year evolution and resulting success of the property.
13. Sponsorship Activation of the Year
A sponsoring brand's activation at a LIVE event, detailing relevance and context given the event and audience being engaged.
14. Mall Activation/Promotion of the Year
Promotion of an on-ground activity / event / IP where engagement with the community / audience extends and enhances the LIVE event / IP itself
15. Integrated Marketing Program of the Year
A engagement / activtation using multiple mediums including on-ground / LIVE in an integrated / coherent manner, showcasing enhanced efficacy whilst doing so
16. CSR Campaign of the Year by a Brand / Government
An activation created with the objective of a brand promoting / supporting or creating awareness about a social cause. Entries must display efficiency of the message delivery and the resulting impact
17. Exhibition Presence / Activation of brand at an event
A brand / company's presence at an industry exhibition, showcasing creativity / innovation in the design / engagement and how this was effective vis-à-vis other brands present
18. Brand Experience of the Year (best use of experiential marketing)
An activity designed for any stakeholders of a company with the objective of showcasing the best event/experiential marketing solutions
B. EXPERIENTIAL CELEBRATIONS (12 CATEGORIES)
For various aspects of weddings, celebratory and social events. Entries in these categories cannot be for a corporation / brand, even if they feature a celebratory aspect.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects in all 12 categories of Experiential Celebrations:
- Executive Summary (Character limit: 1200)
- Brief Background / Requirement by Client (Character Limit: 1200)
- Concept / Idea Suggested(Character Limit: 1200)
- Details of execution / Challenges in execution (Character Limit: 2400)
- Details of Results Achieved / Client Testimonial/s (if Applicable) (Character Limit: 1800)
19. Pre-wedding Celebration of the Year
A post-wedding event that stood out on the parameters of design, management, decor, entertainment, execution and impact.
20. Intimate Wedding Celebration of the Year
21. Wedding Celebration of the Year
The full series of functions, celebrations and ceremonies as part of a wedding or a milestone or any social event including all aspects of Entertainment, Décor, F&B; etc.
22. Social Event of the Year
A wedding or social event with unique experiential elements woven in, involving a celebration that highly engages guests
23. Special Moment in a Social Event
The high point of a social event/function that created a WOW Moment for the entire wedding/event celebration.
24. Entertainment Design for a Social Event
A social event big or small that includes aspects of entertainment, that integrates into the overall format of the function
25. Décor / Theme Integration for a Social Event
The décor/design elements as a part of a big/small for a social event
26. Use of Flowers / Floral Installation at a Social Event
Use of floral décor, flowers in form of design elements/art installations or others at a social event
27. F&B Experience - Concept, Design, Presentation for a Social Event
The food and beverage management and execution from a social event
28. Invitation / Merchandise for a Social / Wedding Celebration
An innovative design curated for wedding invitations and stationery for one/all of the celebrations for a wedding / social event
29. Photography of a Social / Wedding Celebration
Still photography at a wedding function, main wedding or any other kind of social event
30. Videography of a Social / Wedding Celebration
Videography at a wedding function, main wedding or any other kind of social event.
C. EXPERIENTIAL MANAGEMENT (15 CATEGORIES)
Only Service Providers can enter this category. Not agencies. If an agency has played a pivotal role, an exception can be made wherein the entry is jointly submitted by the service provider along with the agency.
Each entry has to be described basis the following 5 aspects in all 14 categories of Experiential Business:
- Executive Summary (Character Limit: 1200)
- Description of the event / activity (Character limit: 1200)
- Brief from Client / Requirement by Client (Character limit: 1200)
- Concept (Character limit: 1200)
- Details of execution / Challenges in execution (Include client testimonials, if any) (Character limit: 2400)
31. Achievement in Production Management
Delivery of end-to-end production of an event while overcoming execution challenges
32. Achievement in Lighting Solution
Delivery of unique / highly technical / superior lighting design solutions at an event
33. Achievement in Trussing Solution
Delivery of trussing services at an event while overcoming logistical/safety challenges
34. Achievement in Audio Solution
Achievement of challenges related to the elements and installation of Audio Visual Technology creatively
35. Achievement in Video Solution
Achievement of challenges related to the elements and installation of Video Visual Technology creatively
36. Achievement in SFX / Pyrotechnic (add drone shows and other special effects mediums when describing)
Challenges and creative inputs related to the elements of SFX/Pyrotechnic at an event.
37. Achievement in Temporary Venue / Structure Construct
Execution, design and fabrication of sets, stalls, displays, installations, etc. as part of an event / experience.
38. Achievement in Stage Design Construct / Fabrication
Execution, design and fabrication of sets, stalls, displays, installations, etc. as part of an event / experience.
39. Achievement in Exhibition Stall Production (under 250 sq. mt)
40. Achievement in Exhibition Stall Production (Over 250 sq. mt)
41. Innovative Use of Event Tech Software
Innovative integration of event technology software to enhance attendee experiences, streamline operations, and achieve event objectives.
42. Achievement in Show Running / Stage Management
Show flow, fluidity in event proceedings, backstage handling, show running and stage management for an event
43. Innovation in Interactive Technology
Any innovation in the integration of interactive technology like apps, AR, VR, gamification and other such technologies
44. Innovation in Entertainment Design
