About the Event 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.

Why Enter the 2025 Event Awards

Generate Attention

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

Celebrate Your Team

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

Win Valuable Prizes

Receive valuable marketing, promotions and recognition of your win to elevate your business

Build Your Brand

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

Categories

Corporate Events

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

Creative/Food

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

These awards celebrate the impact of fundraising and community events, highlighting engagement, philanthropy, and community-building

Signature Awards

These awards spotlight the most outstanding events of the year. These events demonstrate exceptional creativity and set industry benchmarks

Legacy Awards

Celebrating professionals doing amazing work, giving back to the industry, leading by example, and inspiring others to do the same

Who Enters

Event Stories

Deadlines & Fees

DEADLINES

October 15, 2024

The entry portal opens for submissions to the 2025 Canadian Event Awards.

January 31, 2025

Phase 1 – Early Bird Deadline
Register and select your categories by January 31, 2025 to save $50 per entry. You will still have until the final deadline to edit and submit your entries.

February 16, 2025

Phase 2 – Final Deadline
The final deadline to register and choose your categories is February 16, 2025. Entries not registered by this date will incur an additional $75 late fee, with a one-week final extension available until February 23.

February 23, 2025

Phase 3 – Extension Week
A $75 last minute extension fee applies to all entries registered between February 16 and 23, 2025. All entries must be registered and submitted by midnight PST, February 23, 2025. No further extensions will be granted.

FEES

Phase 1: October 15, 2024 – January 31, 2025

$225 Per Entry
Register and select your categories by January 31, 2025.

Phase 2: January 31 – February 16, 2025

$275 Per Entry
Register and choose your categories by February 16, 2025.

Extension Week: February 16 – February 23, 2025

$350 Per Entry
A $75 late fee applies to all entries registered between February 16 and February 23, 2025. All entries must be registered and submitted by midnight PST, February 23, 2025. No further extensions will be granted.

The Entry Process

Step 1: Register and Choose Your Category

Click the Enter Now button, select your categories, and register your company. You’ll receive a private PIN via email to log into your entry portal and complete the application process.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Materials

Each entry has specific requirements. Upload your event images, supporting documents, marketing materials or testimonials to support your entry. Ensure all files are properly labelled and meet the upload requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Entry Form

Once you log in to your portal, you will find a complete guide on how to submit and tips on crafting a winning entry. Each category outlines the judging criteria to help you shape your responses. 

Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Entry

Review all details carefully before submitting. Once satisfied, click submit to finalize your entry and receive a confirmation email. Submissions can be edited after submission until the final entry date. 

PRIZES & RECOGNITION

Winning a Canadian Event Award brings unparalleled recognition and prestige to your company. Each winner will be prominently featured across Canadian Special Events’ omni-channel platforms, ensuring maximum exposure and credibility. This year, we’ve expanded the benefits to offer even more value, making it worthwhile for any venue to participate.

Winners will be highlighted not just during the awards period but throughout the year, receiving ongoing publicity and opportunities to showcase their achievements to a wide network of event professionals, industry leaders, and potential clients.

  • Feature on Canadian Special Events’ Main Website: Prominent placement for winners on the CSE homepage.

  • Inclusion in the 2025 Canadian Event Awards LookBook Magazine: Exclusive editorial features highlighting each winner.

  • Spotlight on the Canadian Event Awards Blog: Dedicated blog posts showcasing your venue and achievements.

  • Placement in the Winners Gallery on the Canadian Event Awards Website: Featured on our site throughout the year for event planners and industry professionals to see.

  • Coverage in CSE Newsletters: Extensive publicity in newsletters reaching 60K+ followers, including event planners and industry leaders across Canada.

  • Custom Press Release for Promotional Use: A press release  to announce your win to your own networks.

  • Digital Badge and Crystal Award: Winners receive a crystal award to display, plus a digital badge for use in email signatures and social media.

  • Winner Certificate: A personalized certificate celebrating your achievement.

  • Social Media Interview: Additional opportunities to participate in panel interviews and Industry Expert round-ups throughout the year.

  • Dedicated Social Media Post: Individual posts across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, sharing your success with a broad audience