Below is a list of 2020 award categories.
Click the ( + ) to view the description and criteria for each category.

 

 

Best Technical Support for an Event

This category only applies to technical event production support. It includes elements such as achievement in rigging, staging, AV support, sound design, power distribution, etc. It does not mirror the logistics category. You need to include your process and proof of your involvement/responsibilities.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Design/Planning Challenges
  2. Meeting Objectives
  3. Degree of Complexity
  4. Creative Solutions
  5. Overall Design
  6. Wow Factor
  7. New Technology Elements
Best Audio Visual Design for an Event

To enter this category you must be the company directly responsible for the AV design and installation. It is ok if you enter as the planner if its a joint entry between producer and support team.

Judging Criteria:

  1. AV Design
  2. Meeting Objectives
  3. Degree of Complexity
  4. Creative Solutions
  5. Logistical Challenges
  6. Overall Visual Impact
  7. New Technology Elements
Best Event Photography

This category refers to photos from events that showcase the celebration or spirit of the event. This is the only application where embedded images in a pdf/ word doc are acceptable.

ONLY submit 20 attachment images in high-res jpeg format.

Capture scenes that:

  1. Are unique and relevant to the event (i.e. Nova Scotia Seafood Festival should capture colorful food presentations, costume characters, etc.)
  2. That form a collection.
  3. That shows people engaged in event activities.
  4. Provide backup if the images were used in promotional activity including online, print, editorial and advertising.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Overall Collection
  2. Imagery
  3. Storytelling
  4. Quality
  5. Visual Appeal
  6. Level of Detail
  7. Expression of Theme
Best Event Produced for a Corporation/Organization by a Third Party Planner

This refers to an event designed and produced for a business or organization. You must show proof you produced the event via a reference letter or email.

A budget is required.

Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

This entry must include copies of production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules to show judges how you executed the job.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity & Design
  2. Challenges Overcome
  3. Logistics
  4. Budget Allocation
  5. Entertainment Value
  6. Overall Strategy
  7. Impact
Best Event Produced By an In-House Team at a Venue or Corporation

This category is for events planned by an in-house planning team at venues, organizations or corporations (you must work in the organization the event is for).

Third-party planners cannot apply for this. You need to show proof of production elements.

A reference letter from a superior or client proving the event was successful is required.

Your entry must include a budget.

Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity & Design
  2. Logistics
  3. Budget Allocation
  4. Entertainment Value
  5. Meeting Objectives
  6. Overall Strategy
  7. Impact
Best Corporate Team Building Event

Refers to different types of team activations that are aimed at enhancing social relations and clarifying team members’ roles. Provide information on how the corporate event improved interpersonal relations and social interactions by achieving results and how they contributed to building effective working relationships.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Team Interaction
  3. Overall Strategy
  4. Impact & Outcome
  5. Logistics
  6. Overall Entertainment Value
  7. Attendee Engagement
Best Event Produced by an Association, Board or Committee

Must have been produced for an association by its board and or a board appointed a committee. Budget required.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Challenges
  3. Logistics
  4. Performance & Production value
  5. Entertainment Value
  6. Budget Allocation
  7. Overall Strategy
Best Conference

Must include a full description of the entire program, including all functions. Include the audience, goals, and objectives including how those were reached. Demonstrate the mission statement for the conference and identify key elements of production including (if applicable): housing, transportation, events, program, collateral material (if you produced it), logistical challenges, scheduling, and programming. Budget required. Include metrics when possible.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Programming
  2. Achievement of Defined Measurables
  3. Execution
  4. Logistics
  5. Setup / Flow/ Speaker or Sponsor Management
  6. Use of Technology
  7. Objectives
Best Multiple-Day Incentive

Refers to incentive travel groups or conventions taking place over multi-days. Include the following coverage in your entry where applicable: Strategy, budget, timelines, destination selection, programming, use of venue facilities, use of innovative technologies and service providers, implemented – project management, operations, logistics, registration & communications, housing, vendors, objectives, and successes in budgeting. Include metrics wherever possible.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Programming
  2. Achievement of Defined Measurables
  3. Budget Allocation
  4. Setup / Flow/ Speaker or Sponsor Management
  5. Use of Innovative Technology
  6. Registration and Housing
  7. Objectives
Best Public Event/Fair or Festival

Refers to public events produced for a specific city, district, province, community or public celebration. Corporate OWNED festivals or events must have been open to the public to be considered.

Include event budgets, marketing materials (if applicable) and proof of production elements. Show risk management and identify how the logistical needs of attendees were met.

In your entry show the entertainment value and how you handled public event issues such as security, visibility, family facilities (if applicable) must be included.

Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

Your entry must include a budget.

Judging Criteria:

Creativity
Budget
Impact
Overall Entertainment Value
Programming
Risk Management
Logistics

Best Event for a High Profile Charity

Refers to the event production only, funds raised are not considered. This category is about the event itself.

A high profile charity is a nationally recognized charitable organization with significant public exposure and offices and or public initiatives in more than one region of the country. Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, all university and hospital foundations and major charities would fall under this charitable category.

Your entry must include a budget.

Judging Criteria:

Creative Concept
Logistics
Use of Budget
Event Design
Entertainment Value
Overall Strategy & Meeting Objectives
Guest experience
Success in profiling the charity at the event

Best Event Produced for a Community Based Non Profit

A Community-Based Charity is a neighborhood non-profit charity group raising funds for a local cause. Examples include local non-profits such as animal rescue, libraries, and small fundraisers. These charities are small, often run by volunteers or staff and have smaller budgets.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity & Design
  2. Logistics
  3. Use of Budget
  4. Production Value
  5. Meeting Objectives
  6. Overall Strategy
  7. Success in Profiling the Charity
Best Fundraising Event

This category refers to the entire production, including the dollars raised and media exposure generated. It takes into consideration your strategy, metrics and guest experience. Ensure you include content to speak to these.

Include cost summaries, objectives, marketing materials and the event plan as well as proof of targets reached.

The budget is required for this category. Video is suggested but not mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

Logistics
Creativity
Use of Budget
Success in Fundraising
Success in Profiling the Charity
Media Exposure
Marketing
Achieving KPIs
Strategy
Guest experience

Best Event for a Private Individual

This category refers to an event such as birthday event, private social event, engagement, sweet sixteen, anniversary etc or for a small business or group such as a club. The entry must include a budget.

Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Planning Logistics
  3. Budget Allocation
  4. Design
  5. Meeting Objectives
  6. Overall Strategy
  7. Impact
Best Entertainment Production

Refers to the entertainment element of an event, not the event itself. Video footage MUST be included with all entries. Judges are looking to see the show you produced so be sure to explain your concept, performance and show the impact. Your entry must include a budget.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative Concept & Programming
  2. Impact
  3. Logistics
  4. Wow Factor
  5. Entertainment Values
  6. Suitability
  7. Budget Allocation
Outstanding Logistical Achievement

Refers to the level of logistical challenges and the degree of complex solutions required to execute an event or element of an event. Please state objectives and challenges clearly and explain how these were successfully overcome. The judges want to see how difficult a task or event was, how you solved the issues or challenge and the steps you used to manage that solution. This can be an event or a part of an event such as a tight timeline or a load in that was extremely difficult.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Complexity
  2. Creative Solutions
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Meeting Objectives
  5. Logistics Strategy
  6. Time Management
  7. Execution
Best Trade Show or Exposition

Consumer event, trade, and expositions are acceptable. To enter this category your company must be responsible for producing and managing the event. Include event budget and proof of production components and how you managed them. Judges will want to see production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules to show the planning phases and how you executed. Entries without proper docs will be disqualified as they cannot be judged without them. Budget is required.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Logistics
  2. Impact
  3. Production Management
  4. Show Layout
  5. Creative Design
  6. Objectives
  7. Marketing
Best Experiential Marketing Event

Refers to engagement marketing, sometimes called “experiential marketing,” “event marketing”, “on-ground marketing”, “live marketing” or “participation marketing” and engages consumers and invites and encourages them to participate in the evolution of a brand. Describe how you measure the extent to which a consumer had a meaningful brand experience when attending the event. Demonstrate the two-dimensional (two-way) communication where consumers participated, shared, and interacted with a brand to create the engagement. Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Execution
  2. Attendance
  3. Media Reach (if applicable)
  4. Logistics
  5. Wow Factor
  6. Creativity in Design
  7. Concept
Best Brand /Product Launch Event

Refers to trade events, media events, and consumer events for attendees to experience a product/brand first hand. Clearly demonstrate how you organized the event by determining the purpose such as product distribution, media coverage, consumer awareness, sales, or influencer outreach. Define the target audience and key location attributes that reflect your product and its impact on those attending. Provide examples outreach, value for audience and attendance. Budget required. Video submissions are recommended but not mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Execution
  2. Attendance
  3. Media Reach (if applicable)
  4. Logistics
  5. Wow Factor
  6. Creativity in Design
  7. Concept
Best Show Booth/ Brand Display or Pavilion

Must be a static or interactive display used to market a product or service at an actual event. Cannot be a permanent installation. Entrant must be responsible for both design and construction. Include clear pictures and a list of construction materials. Budget required.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Design and Creative
  2. Usability
  3. Budget Allocation
  4. Logistics
  5. Use of Materials
  6. Visual impact
  7. Wow Factor
Best Event Design/Decor Concept $0 – $50,000

This category is for decor and design. Retail value cannot exceed $50,000, fees not included. Do not include delivery and shipping. Actual billing may be requested to validate costs. You cannot include sponsored components that would have brought the cost over the limit. The budget must reflect actual costs.

Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you designed and or installed the decor.

Min of 10 images is required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

For this category you may embed images in a PDF as well, there is no limit to the number but the file needs to remain low enough to download unzipped.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Suitability
  3. Objectives
  4. Budget Allocation
  5. Logistics
  6. Impact
  7. Use of Materials in Design
Best Event Design/Decor Concept $50,000 -$150,000

This category is for decor and design. Retail value cannot exceed $150,000, fees not included. Do not include delivery and shipping.  Actual billing may be requested to validate costs. You cannot include sponsored components that would have brought the cost over the limit. The budget must reflect actual costs.

Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you designed and or installed the decor.

Min of 10 images is required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

For this category you may embed images in a PDF as well, there is no limit to the number but the file needs to remain low enough to download unzipped.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Suitability
  3. Objectives
  4. Budget Allocation
  5. Logistics
  6. Impact
  7. Use of Materials in Design
Best Event Design/Decor Concept $150,000+

This category is for decor and design. The retail value MUST exceed $150,000, fees not included. Do not include delivery and shipping.  Actual billing may be requested to validate costs. You cannot include sponsored components that would have brought the cost over the limit. The budget must reflect actual costs.

Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you designed and or installed the decor.

Min of 10 images is required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

For this category you may embed images in a PDF as well, there is no limit to the number but the file needs to remain low enough to download unzipped.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Suitability
  3. Objectives
  4. Budget Allocation
  5. Logistics
  6. Impact
  7. Use of Materials in Design
Most Creative Table/ Centre Design

The category is for table decor only and does not include entertainment or catering. Include proof that you designed and installed the table decor. This must also include the value of any sponsored components of the decor. The budget must reflect actual costs. Include clear pictures, budgets, and a min of 10 images are required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Suitability
  3. Objectives
  4. Budget Allocation
  5. Logistics
  6. Impact
  7. Use of Materials in Design
Most Creative Food Presentation

This is a food and design category. However, judges will not consider decor unless it supports the food presentation. The entrant must be the caterer, not the planner unless they are one in the same. Do not include overall room design in the application. Entry may be for plated or buffet designs.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Use of Colour
  3. Practicality
  4. Design
  5. Showcasing of Food
  6. Logistics
  7. Accessibility
Best Catered Event

This is an event category that includes food design, preparation, and service in the overall event. It is recommended that the planner and caterer joint enter and the must entry includes details about the event itself. Include things like design, table design, food service, menus, floor plan, scheduling, etc. Judges will consider decor if supports the food presentation. The budget is not required.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Logistics
  3. Theme Integration
  4. Food Service
  5. Meeting Objectives
  6. Menu
  7. Food Design
Best Wedding Creative

This refers to the creative design of the overall wedding and or reception or a significant component. It may include entertainment or catering if the applicant had input and it was part of the creative component being entered. Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you designed and installed the decor.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Challenges
  3. Use of Budget
  4. Design
  5. Meeting Couples Objectives
  6. Components
  7. Wow Factor
Best Wedding Under $150,000

This category is for wedding production. This can include the ceremony, reception or both. Retail value cannot exceed $150,000, fees not included. Do not include delivery and shipping. Actual billing may be requested to validate costs. You cannot include sponsored components that would have brought the cost over the limit. The budget must reflect actual costs.

Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you did the work.

Min of 10 images is required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

For this category you may embed images in a PDF as well, there is no limit to the number but the file needs to remain low enough to download unzipped.

Budget required. Show production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules and design development proof.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Challenges
  3. Use of Budget
  4. Design
  5. Meeting Couples Objectives
  6. Components
  7. Wow Factor
Best Wedding Over $150,000

This category is for wedding production. This can include the ceremony, reception or both. The retail value MUST exceed $150,000, fees not included. Do not include delivery and shipping. Actual billing may be requested to validate costs. You cannot include sponsored components that would have brought the cost over the limit. The budget must reflect actual costs.

Include clear pictures, budgets, and proof that you did the work.

Min of 10 images is required as attachments not embedded in a PDF.

For this category you may embed images in a PDF as well, there is no limit to the number but the file needs to remain low enough to download unzipped.

Budget required.

Show production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules and design development proof.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Challenges
  3. Use of Budget
  4. Design
  5. Meeting Couples Objectives
  6. Components
  7. Wow Factor
Most Outstanding Event Up to $250,000 ( + )

These awards are given to the top producer of any type of event; corporate, public or private which is deemed the most exceptional in all aspects of the overall plan.

The event budget must be under $250,000 and must reflect the retail amount that was billed to the client.

For food & beverage functions, only include catering as part of your total budget if you contracted and paid the caterer.

Include your role in the project, prove your challenges and solutions, and include photos.

Video submissions are mandatory.

Budgets must also include any sponsored components.

You must submit your production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules and plans.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Design
  3. Challenges
  4. Innovation
  5. Budget
  6. Entertainment
  7. Technical (if applicable)
  8. Strategy
Most Outstanding Event $250,000 - $500,000

These awards are given to the top producer of any type of event; corporate, public or private which is deemed the most exceptional in all aspects of the overall plan.

The event budget must be between $250,000 -$500,000 and must reflect the retail amount that was billed to the client.

For food & beverage functions, only include catering as part of your total budget if you contracted and paid the caterer.

Include your role in the project, prove your challenges and solutions, and include photos.

Video submissions are mandatory.

Budgets must also include any sponsored components.

You must submit your production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules and plans.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Design
  3. Challenges
  4. Innovation
  5. Budget
  6. Entertainment
  7. Technical (if applicable)
  8. Strategy
Most Outstanding Event Over $500,000

These awards are given to the top producer of any type of event; corporate, public or private which is deemed the most exceptional in all aspects of the overall plan.

The event budget must be over $500,000 and must reflect the retail amount that was billed to the client.

For food & beverage functions, only include catering as part of your total budget if you contracted and paid the caterer.

Include your role in the project, prove your challenges and solutions, and include photos.

Video submissions are mandatory.

Budgets must also include any sponsored components.

You must submit your production documents like scripts, critical paths and production schedules and plans.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creative
  2. Design
  3. Challenges
  4. Innovation
  5. Budget
  6. Entertainment
  7. Technical (if applicable)
  8. Strategy
Emerging Leader Award

THE EMERGING LEADER AWARD is presented to someone who is just at the beginning of his or her event professional journey. Even in their short career, they have proven that they are both truly passionate about the event industry through volunteer work; that they are committed to growing as a professional by continuing their formal event education and that they are passionate about what they do, as proven by their overall involvement in the industry.

This award is not just about skill, it is about commitment, leadership and professionalism.

You cannot enter this category. You can only submit a candidate for consideration using the portal.

Candidates are selected by CSE Magazine.

To submit someone, please provide a 300-word summary to make a recommendation on an individual you believe embodies the qualities of an Emerging Leader.

Please include the individual's email, telephone, name, title and company.

Spirit of the Industry Award

You cannot enter this category.

You can only submit a candidate for consideration using the portal.

Candidates are selected by CSE Magazine.

To submit someone, please provide a 300-word summary to make a recommendation on an individual you believe embodies the Spirit of the Canadian event and meeting industry.

Please include the individual's email, telephone, name, title and company.

Entertainer of the Year

Presented to live performers exclusively to celebrate outstanding success in the previous year.

Include samples of your work; a video is mandatory and must be edited to 3 minutes. 

Detail type of entertainment including the number and quality of clients and events in 2019.

Judging will be based on referral letters, video footage, and quality of entertainment value.

Please submit a year in review summary, images supporting your entry, a professional shot, personal bio and 3 letters of reference from 2019 clients.

Wedding Professional of the Year

This award is given to the person who inspires others to achieve success in the world of wedding planning; who stands out from the crowd by having made exceptional contributions to the wedding industry over the past year; who creates wedding success stories time and time again; who operates their business or career with the highest level of enthusiasm, accomplishment and professional integrity. The award-winning candidate is innovative and strong is their knowledge, creativity and customer service.

This individual will have proven in their submission, that over the preceding 12 months they have shown exemplary performance in their discipline, have contributed to the growth and development of the industry, have gone above and beyond client and peer expectations and have raised the bar for those they work with and/or for.

Please submit:

1. A year in review summary showing all your work in 2019.
2. Images supporting your entry
3. A professional headshot
4. A personal bio
5. 3 letters of reference from colleagues, 2 from wedding clients from 2019.

Caterer of the Year

This award is given to the person who inspires others to achieve success in the field of food service and design; who has made contributions to the catering industry over the past year; who displays exemplary ingenuity of ingredients, preparation and presentation of a collection of catered items; and who consistently demonstrates outstanding presentation of creative event menus.

This award is given to the person who inspires others to achieve success in the field of foodservice and design; who has made contributions to the catering industry over the past year; who displays exemplary ingenuity of ingredients, preparation and presentation of a collection of catered items; and who consistently demonstrates outstanding presentation of creative event menus.

This individual will have proven in their submission, that over the preceding 12 months they have shown exemplary performance in their discipline, have contributed to the growth and development of the industry, have gone above and beyond client and peer expectations and have raised the bar for those they work with and/or for.

Please submit:

1. A year in review summary showing all your work in 2019.
2. Images supporting your entry
3. A professional headshot
4. A personal bio
5. 3 letters of reference from colleagues, 2 from clients from 2019.

Event Professional of the Year

This award is given to the person who inspires others to achieve event success, who stands out from the crowd by having made exceptional contributions to the industry over the past year, and operates their business or career with the highest level of enthusiasm, accomplishment, and professional integrity.

This individual may be professionally involved in the special event industry in any discipline of planning or producing events or meetings, incentives, involved in event design, decor, technical production, coordination, catering or facility management.

This individual will have proven in their submission, that over the preceding 12 months they have shown exemplary performance in their discipline, have contributed to the growth and development of the industry and have gone above and beyond client and peer expectations and have raised the bar for those they work with and/or for.

Please submit:

1. A year in review summary showing all your work in 2019.
2. Images supporting your entry
3. A professional headshot
4. A personal bio
5. 3 letters of reference from colleagues, 2 from clients from 2019.