The Indian event management industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years and is expected to reach approximately USD 5.66 billion by 2025, with a projected CAGR of 8.31%. Among the notable names in the industry are Sidhesh Kandiyil and Anup Joy, Co-Founders of Watermark Event Solutions LLP, who have made their mark through their contributions. They consistently continue to raise the bar for what events can be— Together, they’ve shaped Watermark Events into one of the most trusted names in the event space, known for its impeccable execution, innovative concepts, and ability to bring dreams to life.
Watermark Event Solutions LLP was founded in 2014 with a clear mission: to create unique, high-impact events that are not just well-planned but unforgettable. With a combined experience spanning decades, Sidhesh and Anup have leveraged their diverse expertise to position Watermark Events as a leader in corporate events, luxury weddings, government protocol functions, and experiential marketing. Their hands-on approach, complemented by a keen understanding of evolving industry trends, has led them to create some of the most talked-about events in India and beyond.
The Backbone of Operations – Sidhesh Kandiyil
Every successful event requires a meticulous planner, someone who can transform an ambitious idea into a well executed experience. That’s exactly where Sidhesh Kandiyil, Founder and Managing Director at Watermark, excels. With a career that began in project management and protocol events, Sidhesh quickly established himself as a go-to name in the event industry for his skill to seamlessly pull-off large-scale, high-stakes projects with precision and ease.
Sidhesh played a crucial role in managing the Kochi Metro’s inaugural event, which saw the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Handling protocol events involving high-profile dignitaries is no small feat, yet Sidhesh has done it time and again, earning widespread recognition for his calm and composed management style. Beyond the notable seven high protocol events, his work extends to large corporate gatherings and large-scale weddings. Over the past decade, he has led the team in executing 75 weddings, including over 45 destination celebrations across major cities. With collaborations spanning 50+ agencies and 25 top wedding designers, the team delivers bespoke décor and seamless entertainment.
His creativity and keen eye for detail enable him to conceptualize experiences that resonate deeply with clients and attendees alike. Whether it’s an opulent destination wedding or a corporate product launch, Sidhesh believes in blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that every event tells a story that reflects the client’s vision. His passion for perfection also drives his role as the Managing Director of other ventures, including Evenstor—a one-stop shop for party supplies and decoration items—and Festoon Props & Rentals – Kochi and Festoon Luxury Rentals - Coimbatore, South India’s largest props and furniture rental company.
Anup Joy: The Corporate Brain
Complementing Sidhesh’s operational genius is Anup Joy, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Watermark Events. While Sidhesh ensures flawless execution, Anup brings the creative spark that adds the Watermark flair to all events. With a background in mechanical engineering, Anup’s career took an interesting turn when he decided to pursue his passion for event management. His journey has taken him through various roles, including managerial positions, before co-founding Watermark Event Solutions in 2014.
Anup is the driving force behind Watermark Events’ corporate event management division, where his strategic vision and out-of-the-box thinking have helped the company set new standards in experiential marketing and brand activation. Under his guidance, the company has executed numerous high-profile corporate events and protocol events, combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on creating immersive brand experiences. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the commissioning event of INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier of India, which was officiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This grand event, a significant milestone in India's maritime history, was one of the seven prestigious protocol events meticulously managed by Watermark Events. Anup’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. His partnership with Sidhesh also led him to co-found Evenstor, Festoon Props and Rentals, and Festoon Luxury Rentals.
The Vision Behind Watermark
What sets Sidhesh and Anup apart is their shared vision for Watermark Events. Both founders believe in pushing boundaries and staying ahead of industry trends. For them, no two events should ever feel the same. This philosophy drives the team to create fresh, innovative concepts for every project they undertake, blending creativity, technology, and sustainability into their event planning process.
For Sidhesh, the focus remains on seamless execution and client satisfaction, ensuring that every event is delivered on time and exceeds expectations. His role involves working closely with clients, understanding their needs, and translating their vision into reality. Meanwhile, Anup’s focus on the creative and strategic side of the business has enabled Watermark Events to build strong relationships with corporate brands, positioning the company as a trusted partner for brand launches, conferences, and experiential activations.
Watermark Events’ reputation is built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and quality. The duo’s commitment to delivering excellence at every stage has earned them numerous accolades, including the recent recognition at the EEMAX Global Awards, where they won Silver for Government Event of the Year for managing the historic commissioning of INS Vikrant, as well as the WeddingSutra Influencer Awards.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Watermark Event Solutions. As the event industry continues to undergo steady evolution, Sidhesh and Anup are already thinking ahead, exploring ways to integrate AI and augmented reality (AR) into event experiences. They are also focusing on sustainable event planning, recognizing the importance of eco-conscious practices in today’s world.
Their vision for the future includes expanding Watermark’s presence internationally while continuing to raise the bar for event management in India. Whether it’s creating immersive brand experiences for global companies or designing bespoke destination weddings, the duo is determined to stay at the forefront of the industry.
At the heart of it all is a simple yet powerful belief: every event tells a story, and their job is to bring that story to life. For Sidhesh and Anup, event management is more than just a business—it’s a passion, a creative pursuit that allows them to turn dreams into bespoke reality.