CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN CANADIAN EVENTS

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Canadian Event Awards (CEA) have long been regarded as the most prestigious recognition in Canada’s event industry. For over two decades, these coveted awards have celebrated the very best in planning, production, design, and execution. Bringing together the country’s top event producers and creative visionaries, the CEA recognizes the unmatched innovation and talent that drive Canada’s event landscape. Each year, winners are chosen for their ability to transform ideas into unforgettable experiences, setting new standards for excellence across every aspect of the industry.

With categories ranging from corporate events and weddings to experiential marketing, fundraising and technical production, the Canadian Event Awards showcase a wide array of achievements, honouring the creative brilliance that defines Canada’s most spectacular events. Winning a CEA is not just a mark of achievement; it’s a symbol of leadership and excellence in a highly competitive field, one that carries a legacy of over 20 years of industry distinction. The CEAs continue to elevate and celebrate those who push the boundaries of creativity and set the gold standard for event experiences across the country.

CATEGORIES

Corporate Events/Entertainment

These awards are dedicated to honouring corporate events, spotlighting creativity, design, production, and logistical execution.

Creative/Design/Catering

Celebrating achievements in catering & and creative arts, these awards are focused on presentation, creativity, & and innovation.

Technical Support

These Awards honour events that stand out for their innovative use of technology, and recognize those that push the boundaries of production.

Fundraising/Community

Celebrating the impact of fundraising and community events, highlighting engagement, philanthropy, and community.

Signature Awards

Spotlighting the most outstanding events of the year and work that demonstrates exceptional creativity and sets industry benchmarks.

Experience & Marketing

Celebrating excellence in experiential marketing, engagement and product launch events and the people behind the magic.

WHY ENTER

Generate Attention

Create a buzz on social media and use your win as an opportunity to share your success story

Celebrate Your Team

Celebrate and recognize the success of your team, your suppliers and valued stakeholders

Win Valuable Prizes

Feature stories, podcast interviews and recognition that will elevate your brand or event

Build Your Brand

Raise your profile among your peers, showcase your work and let CSE tell your brand story

DEADLINES, FEES & JUDGING

Entry Fees & Deadlines

IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not need to submit your entry by these dates; these are “registration dates.”

  • Register before January 30, 2026: $235 per entry
  • Register from January 31 to February 20, 2026: $285 per entry
  • Register from February 21 to February 27, 2026: $335 per entry
The final deadline to register AND submit your entry is February 27, 2026.
Verification & Judging

Judging is done by a diverse panel of event professionals from across North America. Finalists are then notified by email and asked to accept the nomination and confirm key information.

 

Finalists Announcement

Finalists will be announced in early March 2026, online at canadianeventawards.com, on our social media, and at canadianspecialevents.com.  Finalists will be notified by email.

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Gala Awards Dinner & Celebration on April 29, 2026 proudly hosted by Peter & Paul’s Hospitality Group. The Gala is open to everyone, tickets go on sale in January. 

WHO ENTERS

PRIZES & RECOGNITION

Feature on CSE Mag Site

Feature on the Canadian Special Events Magazine website with a dedicated article about your project and link to your socials.

Feature on Event Awards

Spotlight on the Canadian Event Awards Blog with dedicated posts showcasing your project and achievements.

Feature in CSE Digital Mag

Winners will be featured in a special Look Book edition of Canadian Special Events Mag.

Winners Gallery

Placement in the Winners Gallery on the Canadian Event Awards Website and mentions on our site throughout the year.

Social Media Coverage

Dedicated social media posts across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, sharing your success with our community of eventprofs.

Feature in CSE e-newsletter

Coverage of your article in CSE’s e-news – exclusive content reaching 60K+ followers and industry leaders across Canada

Printed Certificate

A printed winner’s certificate celebrating your achievement. 

Digital Badge

A digital winners badge to use on social media and websites.

THE ENTRY PROCESS

Step 1: Register and Choose Your Category

Click here to access the entry platform and start your entry. At this stage, you only need to know what categories you are entering and the name of your submission, which is companyname_ thename of your event. Examples can be found in the portal.

Step 2: Payments

You can add as many categories as you like, and also include other suppliers, clients or planners in your submission. We call these “Joint Entrants”. Once you have chosen your categories and added any joint entrants, proceed to pay for your entries.

Step 3: Start Your Entry

Once you have completed your payment, you can start your entry. As you complete the forms and upload your files, your progress saves automatically, but we recommend clicking “Save” regularly. You can return and continue your entry at any time before the final submission deadline.

Step 4:Complete and Submit Your Entry

When your entry is complete, click “Send to Judges.” Only entries marked as submitted will be reviewed. Submissions can be edited after submission until the final entry date of February 27, 2026.

EVENT STORIES