2026 Award Categories
With a focus on innovation and excellence, the Awards feature a variety of categories that showcase the full range of the industry’s expertise. For 2026, we have streamlined the entry process, making it more accessible and efficient for participants to showcase their outstanding work.
Click the arrows next to each category to reveal its description and judging criteria.
Please remember that all events or projects must have taken place within the 2025 calendar year, except for New Year’s Eve events, which occurred on December 31, 2024, and are also eligible. You can register your events at any time, but you must complete and submit your entry by February 27, 2026. The earlier you register, the more you can save on entry fees.
Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you take your place in the spotlight!
Corporate | Conference | Teams
This category honours events designed and executed for corporations with budgets under $250,000 (excluding taxes). Corporate events aim to meet specific business goals, such as building relationships, launching new products/services, building teams, reinforcing brand identity, and achieving positive exposure.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the event based on logistics, innovation, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, budget management, technology integration (if applicable), overall strategy, vision, entertainment value (if applicable), outcomes, wow factor and catering (if applicable).
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category honours events designed and executed for corporations with budgets between $250,000 and $650,000 (excluding taxes). Corporate events aim to meet specific business goals, such as building relationships, launching new products/services, building teams, reinforcing brand identity, and achieving positive exposure.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the event based on logistics, innovation, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, budget management, technology integration (if applicable), overall strategy, vision, entertainment value (if applicable), outcomes, wow factor and catering (if applicable).
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category honours events designed and executed for corporations with budgets between $650,000 and $1M (excluding taxes). Corporate events aim to meet specific business goals, such as building relationships, launching new products/services, building teams, reinforcing brand identity, and achieving positive exposure.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the event based on logistics, innovation, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, budget management, technology integration (if applicable), overall strategy, vision, entertainment value (if applicable), outcomes, wow factor and catering (if applicable).
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes events created and delivered for corporations with a budget exceeding $1 million (excluding taxes). Corporate events aim to meet specific business goals, such as building relationships, launching new products/services, building teams, reinforcing brand identity, and achieving positive exposure.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the event based on logistics, innovation, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, budget management, technology integration (if applicable), overall strategy, vision, entertainment value (if applicable), outcomes, wow factor and catering (if applicable).
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
A corporate team-building event is a structured gathering with activities designed to foster stronger social bonds and enhance teamwork among employees within an organization.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will consider the effectiveness of event logistics, innovation, facilitation of team interaction, the event’s impact on participants and organizations, entertainment value, technology integration (if applicable), accessibility, and sustainability.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
The Best Conference – Industry & Innovation category honours events that drive progress, creativity, and excellence within their respective fields. These conferences foster professional growth, encourage collaboration, and set new benchmarks by addressing industry challenges, showcasing innovations, and promoting forward-thinking solutions.
With a focus on advancing business, technology, and creativity, this category celebrates conferences that inspire meaningful change and shape the future of their industries.
Examples include business, finance, technology, healthcare, marketing, creative sectors, aerospace, and energy.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate logistics, innovation, attendee engagement, achievement of defined outcomes, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, program quality and catering excellence (if applicable).
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
The Best Conference – Social + Community Impact category recognizes conferences that drive meaningful, positive change in society or communities through education, collaboration, and action.
These events often tackle significant social issues, foster inclusivity, or build awareness around causes such as sustainability, equity, health, or community empowerment.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate logistics, innovation, attendee engagement, achievement of defined outcomes, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, program quality and impact.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category celebrates the exceptional achievements of in-house teams and boards in event planning and execution. It highlights their outstanding creativity, strategic vision, and dedication to delivering memorable and impactful experiences. This award sets a benchmark for innovation and leadership in event management by recognizing excellence across corporate and nonprofit organizations.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate logistics, innovation level, design aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, technology integration (if applicable), entertainment quality (if applicable), the ‘wow’ factor, and catering excellence (if applicable). Submissions should demonstrate how creative solutions, efficient logistics, and effective budget management have significantly contributed to the event’s success.
- Videos: Recommended, not required.
- Budget: Not required
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes events organized by associations and committees that exemplify successful collaboration and a shared commitment to achieving clear objectives. These events unite diverse groups, fostering community, engagement, and a collective sense of purpose.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on logistics, innovation, attendee engagement, outcomes, design, aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, overall entertainment value, and collaboration. Showcase how collaboration was crucial to your event’s success and its positive impact on your member community.
- Videos: Recommended, not required.
- Budget: Not required
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Marketing | Experiential | Trade Shows
A product launch is an event that signifies the introduction of a new brand, product, or service to the market. The event typically highlights the product’s features, benefits, and unique aspects and may include demonstrations, interactive experiences, and media coverage.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will focus on the event strategy, logistics, technology integration (if applicable), brand alignment, engagement, storytelling, media reach, outcome, metrics, accessibility, overall entertainment value and innovation.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Private experiential events are exclusive, invitation-only experiences designed for a specific audience, such as clients, stakeholders, or industry leaders. Attendance is strictly restricted to those invited, ensuring a tailored and high-value interaction. These events focus on building deep, meaningful connections, aligning with strategic brand goals, and delivering personalized, impactful experiences that drive measurable outcomes.
Judging Criteria:
Experiential marketing events will be evaluated based on strategy, logistics, engagement, brand profiling, storytelling, media reach, outcome metrics, accessibility, and overall entertainment value.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Public experiential events are open to everyone, with no restrictions on who can attend. Tickets may or may not be required, depending on the event, but there are no barriers to entry beyond general availability. These events aim to engage a broader audience, creating immersive and inclusive experiences that build brand awareness, generate buzz, and foster lasting impressions among diverse groups. Public events often rely on their shareability to amplify their reach.
Judging Criteria:
Experiential marketing events will be evaluated based on strategy, logistics, engagement, brand profiling, storytelling, media reach, outcome metrics, accessibility, and overall entertainment value.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This award recognizes an outstanding pop-up experience that brings a brand, product, or story to life in a temporary, high-impact format. Whether a one-day takeover or a multi-week installation, the winning pop-up delivers a compelling guest journey, strong design execution, seamless operations, and measurable results, creating real engagement, buzz, and brand value.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will evaluate the strength and originality of the concept, clarity of brand alignment, and effectiveness of the guest journey and engagement. Entries will be assessed on design, operational execution, and innovation, as well as measurable results tied to the stated objectives.
- Videos: Videos are required and must be accessible via YouTube, Vimeo, or an online viewing platform.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Honours an outstanding trade show experience that delivers high value for exhibitors and attendees through smart strategy, strong show design, and excellent execution.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will consider the clarity of the show’s purpose and strategy, the quality of the attendee and exhibitor experience, and the effectiveness of show floor design, content, and programming. Entries will be evaluated on operational execution, marketing impact and turnout, innovation, and clear evidence of results, including exhibitor satisfaction, business outcomes, and overall return on investment.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Non-Profit | Community/Public | Academic
This category recognizes exceptional events organized by small, local, community-based charities or non-profits dedicated to positively impacting their immediate neighbourhoods. These organizations typically operate on a grassroots level, often with limited resources, volunteer-driven initiatives, and a profound commitment to addressing specific community needs.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on community impact, logistics, creativity, volunteer and staff participation, metrics and outcomes, marketing, sustainability/accessibility, and entertainment value.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes outstanding events organized by high-profile charities or non-profits with a significant presence and a broad reach across regions or the entire country. These organizations often have substantial resources, extensive networks, and a strong national or international reputation. These events effectively leverage their high-profile status to advance their mission, raise funds, engage supporters, and make a substantial impact on a national or global scale.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on logistics, national or regional influence (if applicable), creativity and innovation, marketing, metrics and outcomes, volunteer and staff participation, execution, sustainability, inclusivity, and entertainment value.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes the excellence and effectiveness of small-scale fundraising events designed to fund a charitable cause or organization. This category focuses on elements that support fundraising-specific goals. Entries should highlight innovative and impactful strategies that successfully generated donations, fostered donor engagement, and achieved fundraising objectives.
Small Scale Vs Large Scale – Differentiation
Small-Scale Fundraising Events
These events are intimate, community-driven, and budget-conscious, with a localized audience and more straightforward execution.
- Primarily local or niche audience
- Modest budget with limited sponsorship involvement
- Single-location event with straightforward logistics
- Organized by small teams—often volunteer-supported
- Minimal media exposure, mainly local press or community outreach
Large-Scale Fundraising Events
These events are high-profile and have a significant industry presence, often drawing national or international attention.
- Substantial budget, backed by major corporate sponsors
- National or international audience
- Widespread media coverage and industry recognition
- Complex logistics, potentially multi-location or high-production
- Managed with large vendor partnerships
Judging Criteria
Judging will focus on community impact, logistics, innovative fundraising, volunteer/staff engagement, metrics and outcomes, appeal, sustainability, inclusivity, marketing and entertainment value.
Videos: Recommended but not required.
Budget: Required.
Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Large-scale fundraising events are characterized by their expansive reach, significant attendance, and ambitious fundraising goals. These events are typically organized by well-established charitable organizations with the resources to execute grand and memorable experiences. They aim to mobilize a large community of supporters, donors, and participants to raise substantial funds for charitable causes. This category focuses on elements that support fundraising-specific objectives.
Small Scale Vs Large Scale – Differentiation
Small-Scale Fundraising Events
These events are intimate, community-driven, and budget-conscious, with a localized audience and more straightforward execution.
- Primarily local or niche audience
- Modest budget with limited sponsorship involvement
- Single-location event with straightforward logistics
- Organized by small teams—often volunteer-supported
- Minimal media exposure, mainly local press or community outreach
Large-Scale Fundraising Events
These events are high-profile and have a significant industry presence, often drawing national or international attention.
- Substantial budget, backed by major corporate sponsors
- National or international audience
- Widespread media coverage and industry recognition
- Complex logistics, potentially multi-location or high-production
- Managed with large vendor partnerships
Judging Criteria:
Entries should demonstrate strong fundraising impact and return on investment, including funds raised, sponsorship success, and financial efficiency, supported by seamless execution across logistics, production, staging, AV, and technical delivery. Submissions should highlight innovation and creativity, effective marketing and media reach, and audience engagement through compelling storytelling and activations. Judges will also evaluate the strength of sponsorships and partnerships, along with efforts toward sustainability and inclusivity. Finally, entries should reflect a lasting legacy, including continued donor engagement, mission advancement, and broader industry or community impact.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category honours academic institutions’ excellence in event planning. It acknowledges an educational organization’s efforts and creativity in crafting and hosting exceptional events that positively impact their communities, promote learning experiences, highlight innovation, and advance institutional strategic goals.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on the strategic alignment with institutional goals, community engagement, creativity and innovation, marketing effectiveness, logistical efficiency, measurable outcomes, design aesthetics, sustainability initiatives, and efforts to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Share your institution’s success stories and implementation skills that made a lasting impression on attendees.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category celebrates exceptional planning and execution of market fairs and festivals, showcasing events highlighting culture, commerce, and community.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on logistics, vendor engagement, attendee interaction, community involvement, appeal, sustainability, inclusivity, entertainment value, promotional strategy, risk management, and cultural representation.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes outstanding events organized by or in collaboration with city or municipal governments. These events aim to engage and celebrate the local community, promote tourism, and enhance the city’s reputation. Whether it’s a cultural festival, a holiday celebration, or a civic initiative, this category acknowledges events that contribute to the vibrancy and cohesion of a city or municipality.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on logistics, vendor engagement, attendee interaction, community involvement, appeal, sustainability, inclusivity, entertainment value, legacy & celebration, promotional strategy, risk management, and cultural representation.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
These events focus on preserving, promoting, and showcasing the richness of a specific culture or community. Outstanding event planning is crucial in delivering an immersive experience that fosters cultural appreciation and understanding.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on aesthetics, community involvement, logistics volunteer/staff engagement, creative solutions, innovative attendee engagement, risk management, entertainment value, sustainability, inclusivity, successful promotion, cultural representation and cultural preservation and promotion.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
Technical | Production | Entertainment
This category recognizes the best online gathering or presentation designed to engage employees, clients, stakeholders, or the public. These virtual events focus on delivering key messages, launching products or services, offering training or education, celebrating milestones, or fostering meaningful connections.
Judging Criteria:
In this category, judges will assess technical execution, audience engagement and interaction, content quality, brand integration, audience reach, user experience, accessibility, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity. Entrants are encouraged to include as much information as possible to allow the judges to understand the work accomplished, including objectives, challenges, outcomes, metrics, and data, if applicable.
- Videos: A recording or animation is helpful but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: A minimum of 10 high-quality images/screenshots is recommended.
This award recognizes outstanding technical production support that powers a live experience, from audio, video, and lighting to show calling, streaming, presentation management, connectivity, and onsite troubleshooting. It celebrates teams who make events run flawlessly, elevate the audience experience, and solve problems fast, safely, and professionally.
Judging Criteria:
This category is for AV companies, production partners, technical directors, show callers, event tech teams, or integrated suppliers who supported delivery onsite.
Judging will consider the strength of pre-production planning, execution, and show flow, as well as the quality and reliability of audio, video, and lighting. Entries will be evaluated on problem-solving under pressure, collaboration and professionalism, and the overall audience and speaker experience. Purposeful use of technology, along with strong safety practices and compliance with industry standards, will also be assessed.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category celebrates the production of outstanding entertainment for public events, including festivals, community gatherings, corporate activations, nonprofit initiatives, and city-wide celebrations. Judges will assess dynamic and impactful performances that engage diverse audiences while aligning with the event’s goals and purpose.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on production value, artistic and performative excellence, logistics, innovation and creativity, sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity, the use of technology (if applicable), overall entertainment value, complexity, lighting (if applicable), the WOW factor, and risk management.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category celebrates the production of exceptional entertainment for private events, including corporate functions, weddings, galas, and other exclusive gatherings. Judges will evaluate captivating and well-executed performances that align seamlessly with the event’s purpose and resonate with the audience.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on production value, artistic and performative excellence, logistics, innovation and creativity, sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity, the use of technology (if applicable), overall entertainment value, complexity, lighting (if applicable), the WOW factor, and risk management.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category celebrates exceptional visual storytelling in all its forms, including photography, videography, animation, projection mapping, and other creative visual media. It honours projects that captivate audiences through innovative techniques, compelling narratives, and striking visuals. Whether through still images, dynamic motion, or immersive displays, these projects evoke emotion, inspire connection, and leave a lasting impact. They showcase the transformative power of visual storytelling to elevate the event experience.
Judging Criteria:
Entries will be evaluated based on their impact, creativity, and originality, showcasing imaginative execution and compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences. Message clarity will be assessed to ensure the visual storytelling effectively communicates its narrative or purpose. The overall aesthetic quality, including visual and audio coherence, music relevance, and production value, will play a significant role in the evaluation. Innovative techniques and the use of technology will also be considered, highlighting creativity in execution. Factors such as clarity, pacing, and relevance will be assessed for projects involving narration. Finally, the complexity of the production—including the integration of multiple elements and techniques to deliver a cohesive and impactful story—will be a key consideration.
- Videos: If the entry is a video, a copy of the entire video and, if possible, a 2-minute highlight reel are required. Videos must be links to YouTube or Vimeo.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category focuses on the ability to overcome obstacles, tackle logistical challenges, and implement complex solutions during an event’s execution. These challenges may encompass a range of scenarios, such as tight timelines, intricate load-in processes, multi-location events, adverse weather conditions, site-specific issues, compliance with city by-laws, structural considerations, intricate schedules, client-related challenges, or even the management of events across different time zones. Entries can pertain to either the entire event or a specific event element.
Judging Criteria:
The judging criteria for this category include complexity, meticulous planning, effective resource allocation, coordination, risk management, innovative problem-solving, timeliness, adaptability, and tangible results. Entrants should provide detailed explanations of the strategies and approaches used to tackle challenges, emphasizing the task and innovative solutions.
- Videos: Not required but helpful.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: A minimum of 10 high-quality images/screenshots are required.
Social | Creative | Catering | Weddings
This category recognizes exceptional table design that elevates the overall event experience through thoughtful styling, creativity, and execution. Entries should demonstrate a strong design concept brought to life through the intentional use of floral and/or non-floral elements, materials, colour, texture, and form, creating a visually striking and cohesive tablescape that enhances both atmosphere and guest experience.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will consider the originality and clarity of the design concept, the cohesion and composition of all table elements, and the quality of craftsmanship and finish. Entries should balance visual impact with functionality, ensuring guest comfort, clear sightlines, and practical service flow. Judges will also assess how effectively the table design supports the event’s theme, story, or brand identity, as well as the thoughtful use of resources, sustainability considerations, and the overall impact of the table within the space, both in person and through photography.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: Decor categories require a minimum of 20 images.
This category honours exceptional event design and décor created for events with a smaller footprint or a single primary environment. Entries demonstrate a cohesive theme, a thoughtfully curated colour palette, and strategically placed elements that elevate the ambiance and guest experience, often through one main space and/or one to two hero moments where detail, polish, and strong styling drive the impact.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the entry based on planning and execution, problem-solving, design cohesion and visual appeal (including the use of colour, texture, form, composition, balance, and proportion), originality and innovation, sustainability and accessibility (where applicable), and the overall quality of finish and guest experience.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: Decor categories require a minimum of 20 images.
This category honours exceptional event design and décor that transforms a venue and/or delivers a multi-zone guest journey with higher complexity, production integration, and immersive impact. Entries demonstrate cohesion across multiple spaces, sophisticated layering of design elements, and elevated execution—often involving custom fabrication and/or scenic elements, technical integration, and complex installation planning.
Judging Criteria:
Judges will evaluate the entry based on creative vision and cohesion across the full guest journey, aesthetics and visual impact (including the use of colour, texture, form, composition, balance, and proportion), planning and execution, logistics excellence, problem-solving under complexity, originality and innovation, sustainability and accessibility (where applicable), and the overall quality of finish and guest experience.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not Required.
- Images: Decor categories require a minimum of 20 images.
This category recognizes the pinnacle of event design, celebrating exceptional creativity, innovation, and execution that set new standards in the industry. It honours events that seamlessly integrate aesthetics, functionality, and originality to deliver an unforgettable experience. Entries should demonstrate how the design concept, creative elements, and overall vision aligned with the event’s objectives and elevate the guest experience.
Judging Criteria: Judging will focus on the cohesiveness of the design, execution and attention to detail, as well as the impact on guest experience, ambiance, engagement, and overall look and aesthetics. Additional consideration will be given to functionality and accessibility, innovation, logistics, creativity and visual and functional impact.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: Decor categories require a minimum of 20 images.
Successfully designed and executed trade show booths or pavillions should be eye-catching and memorable and effectively communicate the company’s brand and message to attendees. These displays are portable brand expressions, the first point of contact between the company and potential clients or customers, and the setting for future interactions.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on the effectiveness of the booth or pavilion based on several key criteria. These include innovation and creativity, visual appeal, how well the design communicated key messages, brand alignment, and theme. Sustainability, accessibility, metrics and engagement will also be considered.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: Decor categories require a minimum of 20 images.
This category celebrates culinary excellence and seamless integration of catering into the overall event experience. The catered elements should reflect the unique vision and goals of the event, creating a memorable dining experience for attendees.
Submissions should highlight creative menu design, plating, food service, and how the catering complemented the event’s theme or purpose. Additional considerations may include table settings, décor that enhances the dining experience, and logistical execution such as floor plans and scheduling.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will evaluate menu selection and creativity, visual appeal, table settings, design and decor, execution, complexity of catering, overall experience, accessibility, sustainability, logistics, creativity, diversity and wow factor.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images. Food categories should submit a minimum of 20 images.
An event organized for a private individual, group, or cause is intended to celebrate a personal, non-business-related occasion, such as a birthday, religious ceremony, anniversary, or private celebration. It could also be an event planned for a group or cause that is not publicly funded or organized.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on logistics, planning and execution, innovative and creative elements, design and aesthetics, sustainability practices, accessibility and overall entertainment value. Catering and personal touches, and risk management. Clear examples and anecdotes are recommended for submissions.
- Videos: While not mandatory, videos are recommended to provide visual context and highlights of the event, showcasing key moments and the overall atmosphere.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This award recognizes an exceptional wedding experience delivered with elegance, intention, and flawless execution within a smaller or more streamlined scope. Whether intimate or mid-size, Signature Celebrations stand out through cohesive design, thoughtful personalization, a smooth guest journey, and beautifully managed details from start to finish.
Judging Criteria:
Choose this category if the wedding was primarily one main celebration with a lighter production footprint, for example, a single venue or primary space, fewer program segments, streamlined logistics, and limited custom build/fabrication. This category is about excellence in planning, cohesion, and guest experience, not budget.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This award recognizes an outstanding large-scale or highly complex wedding experience that delivers impact on every level; design, production, guest journey, and logistics. Grand Celebrations typically involve multiple spaces, layered production, larger teams, and intricate coordination, executed seamlessly to create a memorable, elevated experience for guests.
Judging Criteria
Choose this category if the wedding involved significant scale or complexity, such as multiple spaces or venues, multi-event programming (welcome event + ceremony + reception + after-party), major production layers, custom builds/scenic/fabrication, integrated technical production, larger teams, and extended install/strike timelines. This category recognizes complexity and orchestration.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not Required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
This category recognizes overall wedding designs that showcase exceptional creativity and innovation. Qualifying entries stand out with unique concepts, personalized touches, meticulous attention to detail, and innovative elements that contribute to a visually stunning and emotionally meaningful wedding experience.
Judging Criteria:
Judging will focus on creativity and innovation, highlighting unique concepts and imaginative designs that set the wedding apart. Personalization is key, with thoughtful details reflecting the couple’s story, culture, or preferences. Cohesiveness will be assessed, ensuring themes, colour palettes, and decor elements are seamlessly integrated. Attention to detail and flawless execution will be evaluated, along with the overall visual impact and “wow factor.” Functionality and guest experience, accessibility, innovation, effective use of space, and emotional resonance will round out the criteria.
- Videos: Recommended but not required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images; decor/design entries are encouraged to submit a minimum of 20 images.
Signature Event Awards
This category recognizes outstanding excellence in event planning, execution, and impact. Open to any type of event—public, corporate, or private—it celebrates those who set the gold standard in creativity, innovation, and flawless delivery. From concept to completion, entries should showcase exceptional attention to detail, audience engagement, and measurable success, highlighting the event’s lasting impression and its ability to exceed expectations.
Judging Criteria:
Judging in this category will be based on overall excellence across the full event experience, including strategic planning and alignment with goals, logistics and execution, innovation and creative problem-solving, attendee engagement, measurable outcomes, design and aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity, effective use of technology (if applicable), entertainment value and catering (if applicable), collaboration and stakeholder management, risk management, long-term impact, and overall wow factor.
- Videos: Required.
- Budget: Not required.
- Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.
The Spirit of the Industry Award is presented in memory of Leslee Bell, the founder of the legendary Canadian design house Decor & More Inc. and a visionary in the event industry. Leslee inspired hundreds of industry professionals with her passion, dedication, integrity, and leadership. She navigated the event industry gracefully, guiding her team through the challenges and changes of a rapidly evolving field.
This award is a testament to the legacy and is given to individuals who embody Leslee’s qualities: leaders, innovators, motivators, and doers in the industry. They are passionate advocates who participate in key initiatives, volunteer their time and talent for their peers and causes, and conduct their work and business relationships with ethics and integrity.
Do you know someone who fits this description? Someone who embodies the spirit and passion of the event and meeting industry and is deserving of recognition for their drive, commitment, and passion? If so, submit a recommendation by using this entry portal. There is no fee to enter this category.
You cannot submit your own nomination.
The Emerging Leader has been in the industry for less than five years and has made a significant impact. They have set themselves apart through their exceptional commitment to their field and professional development. They have demonstrated a drive to succeed and exceed the goals they set for themselves as young professionals. They have contributed proactively to the industry, volunteered their time and skills, taken on additional projects, and become involved in key initiatives. They understand the importance of giving back, are team players, and have helped their organization succeed by going above and beyond. They are a future leader who will continue to make a lasting impact in the industry and are not just competent in their field but also driven to make a difference and inspire others to do the same.
Do you know an exceptional young professional making huge strides early in their career? If so, submit a recommendation by using the entry portal. There is no fee to enter this category. Those selected for nomination will be notified and asked to accept the nomination. The winners will be announced at the Canadian Event Awards Gala on April 29 in Toronto.
Presented exclusively to performers, this award celebrates outstanding success in entertainment.
The recipient will have experienced outstanding success in the last year, growing their portfolio of clients, performing at a diverse range of events and experiences, contributing to the industry, and growing in popularity. Judging will be based on referral letters, video footage, innovation, creativity, entertainment value, popularity, artistic merit, business growth, social media, uniqueness, industry participation, and professionalism.
Applicants will be asked to submit:
1. Samples of performances
2. A video – edited to 3 minutes or less
3. A year-in-review summary detailing the type of entertainment provided, including the number of clients and events in 2025
4. A professional promo shot
5. Biography
6. Two letters of reference
7. Images of events and performances
The Caterer of the Year award recognizes individuals or companies in the food service sector who have significantly contributed to the catering industry. They have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and expertise in catering and hospitality. Their dedication and commitment to advancing the industry through their innovation and professionalism set them apart and have resulted in remarkable success.
This award recognizes their achievements and inspires others to pursue excellence in the catering field. The recipient of this prestigious award embodies creativity, innovation, and a passion for professional development.
Requirements:
- Year-in-Review Summary: Highlighting work and achievements from 2025.
- Supporting Materials
- Professional Headshot
- Professional Bio
- Letters of Reference: Two from colleagues and two from 2025 clients.
- Images
- Video recommended
The Wedding Professional of the Year award honours individuals who have significantly impacted the wedding industry through exceptional skills, expertise, and dedication to their craft. It celebrates professionals who are committed to excellence, continuous learning, and innovation while inspiring others through leadership and outstanding performance. The recipient consistently delivers high-quality services, exceeding client expectations and upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. They lead by example, showcasing creativity, care and consideration, strategic solutions, and a passion for advancing the industry.
Requirements:
- Year-in-Review Summary: Highlighting work and achievements from 2025.
- Supporting Materials
- Professional Headshot
- Professional Bio
- Letters of Reference: Two from colleagues and two from 2025 clients.
- Images
- Video recommended
The Event Professional of the Year award honours individuals who have significantly impacted the event industry through exceptional skills, expertise, and dedication to their craft. It celebrates professionals who are committed to excellence, continuous learning, and innovation while inspiring others through leadership and outstanding performance.
The recipient consistently delivers high-quality services, exceeding client expectations and upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. They lead by example, showcasing creativity, strategic solutions, and a passion for advancing the industry.
Requirements:
- Year-in-Review Summary: Highlighting work and achievements from 2025.
- Supporting Materials
- Professional Headshot
- Professional Bio
- Letters of Reference: Two from colleagues and two from 2025 clients.
- Images
- Video recommended