The event industry in India has boomed significantly over the past decade, becoming a vital part of the country's entertainment, corporate, and social sectors. It encompasses a wide range of events, from weddings and festivals to corporate conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale public gatherings.
Watermark Event Solutions LLP, an event management company established in 2014 in Kochi, Kerala, has offices in India and abroad, and operates across three verticals - Watermark Event Solutions (Corporate Division), Watermark Weddings (Wedding Division), and We-Talent Global (Artist & Talent Management Division).
As part of its corporate events portfolio, Watermark Event Solutions has organised various important events such as the INS Vikrant Commissioning, the inauguration of the world’s first stepped dry dock (ISRF), the FICCI Kerala State Council ‘Made in Kerala’ Awards, the inauguration of Aster Whitefield Hospital, as well as handling the launch event for Kochi Metro.
Watermark’s wedding division has managed over 75 destination weddings. One of its recently organised notable weddings was of Naureen and Abid, the niece of Yusuffali MA, MD & Chairman, Lulu. The star-studded celebrations were enhanced by the presence of superstar Rajinikanth; Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India; high ministers from the UAE, and a constellation of other celebrities.
We-Talent Global breathed life into a variety of events by delivering world-class artists and talent. Some of the leading events in which it made an impact include the Dubai Global Village which spanned over 158 days and had artists such as Shreya Ghoshal and many more; the Oppo F5 launch event, the Kochi Metro launch event in Aluva, the ACAF UAE – the company has supported ACAF UAE in the years 2019, 2022 and very recently delivered talent and entertainment for the event in 2024 as well. Additionally, We-Talent Global also coordinates over 200 artists every year, spanning a range of performances for destination weddings. Having handled more than 50 destination weddings, the company executed one where it coordinated 42 artists over three days, as a feat.
Talking to Everything Experiential, in an exclusive chat, Sidhesh Kandiyil, Founder & Managing Director, Watermark Event Solutions LLP and event industry veteran speaks about the evolution of the Indian and global event industry, the transformation of corporate and government events, making a mark in experiential weddings with Watermark Weddings, trends and innovations in the industry, and more.
Edited excerpts:
With experience across almost two decades, how do you view the evolution of the event industry in India and globally, as well?
Over the past two decades, the event industry has transformed significantly, driven by technology, personalisation, and a growing focus on sustainability. Technological advancements, such as social media, virtual events, and live streaming, have revolutionised how events are planned and experienced, enabling global participation and interactive engagement. Personalisation is now a key focus, with clients demanding unique, tailored experiences that reflect individual tastes, pushing creativity and customisation to new levels.
Sustainability has become increasingly important, with event planners incorporating eco-friendly practices like reducing waste and using sustainable décor. Culturally, the rise of destination events and multicultural influences has introduced a fusion of global traditions, especially in weddings, enriching event designs.
Social media and influencers have changed event aesthetics, making "Instagrammable" moments essential, while the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health and safety, leading to more hybrid and physically safe event formats. Corporate events have also evolved, emphasising engagement and dynamic brand experiences, leveraging technology to create lasting connections.
Overall, the industry has shifted towards creating immersive, personalised experiences that combine technology, sustainability, and cultural diversity to meet modern expectations.
How have corporate events and government events in India seen a transformation over a while? Hosting corporate events abroad too, how do you see the similarities and differences in the way these events are handled in India and around the world?
Corporate and government events in India have seen significant transformation over the years. Corporate events have shifted from formal seminars to interactive and experiential formats, incorporating advanced technologies and creative themes to engage modern audiences. Government events have also evolved, with the Government of India now being a major client, raising the bar with larger and more impactful events. The number of conferences and events organised by central and state governments has increased, reflecting this elevated standard.
Globally, corporate events share a focus on brand engagement and technological integration, but differences emerge in cultural and logistical aspects. Indian events often blend traditional elements with modern innovations, featuring larger-scale gatherings that reflect the country’s cultural richness. In contrast, international events may lean towards minimalist designs and are typically more focused on precision and efficiency.
Indian events are known for their grandeur and elaborate arrangements, while international events often emphasise technological sophistication and streamlined execution. Both aim to create impactful experiences, but the approach and scale can vary significantly based on regional preferences and practices.
How is Watermark Weddings building a distinct name for itself in the space of experiential weddings, in India and globally, especially when various companies are offering the same services?
At Watermark Weddings, what makes us stand out in the world of experiential weddings, both in India and internationally, is our dedication to crafting personalised events that reflect each couple's unique vision. We go beyond standard wedding planning to create one-of-a-kind experiences that leave a lasting impression.
With over two decades of experience, we are directly involved in every project, offering clients expert guidance from start to finish. This hands-on approach ensures that every detail aligns with the couple’s wishes. Our team is also incredibly flexible and adaptable, allowing us to manage any last-minute changes or challenges with ease, ensuring events flow seamlessly.
While quality is always a priority, we focus on optimising the use of resources and providing exceptional value without compromise. Our goal is to create stunning, memorable events that make the most of every element. Whether it's a destination wedding or a more intimate affair, our ability to handle complex logistics and deliver flawless execution sets us apart from others in the industry.
While working on experiential weddings within the country and across the globe, what do you think are couples focusing on – what are the similarities and differences in the taste for experiential weddings in India and abroad?
When planning experiential weddings, couples both in India and abroad are focused on crafting unique and memorable experiences, but their approaches often reflect cultural and stylistic differences.
In India, weddings are known for their opulence and grandeur. Couples often blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, featuring elaborate décor, vibrant themes, and multiple events spanning several days. There’s a strong emphasis on cultural rituals and customs, but they’re presented in a contemporary way to add a fresh and exciting twist.
Abroad, the focus tends to be on elegance and personalisation. Couples often opt for minimalist designs and sophisticated venues, incorporating modern touches such as high-tech lighting and live streaming. The goal is to create an intimate, high-impact experience that feels both luxurious and refined.
Overall, while both Indian and international couples aim to make their weddings unforgettable, Indian weddings are typically more extravagant and rich in cultural elements. In contrast, international weddings usually prioritise a blend of modern sophistication and personalised elegance, creating intimate yet impactful celebrations.
The artist and celebrity management industry has seen a change over the years too – new and larger companies stepping into this space, large companies having dedicated arms for this discipline, as well as from the perspective of growth on the business side of it. How does We-Talent Global look at providing inimitable services in the space of artist and celebrity management, especially when it also means facing the biggies in the trade?
In the evolving landscape of artist and celebrity management, where new and larger companies are making their mark and established firms are expanding their operations, We-Talent Global distinguishes itself by offering an exceptionally comprehensive service. While the entertainment industry in India has seen significant growth, drawing numerous prominent players, there remains a wealth of untapped potential within our country’s deep cultural roots and diverse entertainment sector.
We-Talent Global embraces this diversity, tapping into the rich cultural heritage of India and exploring the vast spectrum of artistic talents spanning music, film, dance, and more. Our extensive roster includes exclusive and non-exclusive artists, from traditional and cultural performers to bands, national and South Indian singers, emcees, DJs, dancers, special performers, motivational speakers, and stand-up comedians. This breadth of talent ensures that we can cater to every conceivable need, whether for high-profile corporate gatherings, vibrant weddings, or public performances.
Our approach provides clients with unparalleled flexibility and choice. By offering access to a wide variety of talent, we not only accommodate different tastes and preferences but also ensure that each event is tailored to deliver a memorable and impactful experience. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity sets us apart in a competitive market, establishing We-Talent Global as a versatile and invaluable partner in artist and celebrity management.
Reflecting on my career, I began in the event industry as an artist manager in 1994 and transitioned to event management in 1998. Over three decades in the industry, from the era before mobile phones and Google to the current technological revolution, I have witnessed a paradigm shift in artist management. Despite these changes, we have consistently maintained a policy of providing turnkey solutions for our artists and clients. This means we handle everything from inquiry to logistics, settling full accounts, and media coverage, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.
According to you, what kind of trends and innovations are expected to disrupt the event industry (corporate events, weddings, artist & celebrity management, and event tech) – in India and globally?
The event industry is poised for transformation due to several key trends and innovations. For corporate events, the shift towards hybrid and virtual formats is expected to continue, driven by advancements in technology like AI and data analytics, which will allow for more personalised and engaging experiences. There will also be a growing emphasis on sustainability, reflecting broader corporate responsibility trends.
In the wedding sector, personalisation will be a major focus, with couples seeking highly tailored experiences that reflect their unique styles. Technology, such as augmented reality and drone photography, will play a significant role in enhancing event planning and documentation. Additionally, eco-friendly practices will become more common as couples aim to minimize their environmental impact.
For artist and celebrity management, social media will remain a powerful tool for fan engagement and brand collaborations. Blockchain technology might be used to increase transparency in contracts and payments, while virtual and holographic appearances will offer new opportunities for remote interactions and performances.
In event tech, immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality will create more engaging event experiences, while AI will enhance personalisation and efficiency. The rise of smart venues equipped with IoT devices will improve operational efficiency and guest experiences. Overall, these trends will shape how events are planned, executed, and experienced globally.
BW Reporters
She is the Senior Editorial Lead at Businessworld and majorly covers pieces on advertising, marketing, branding and experiential marketing. She writes closely for BW Marketing World and Everything Experiential.
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