Why Enter the Canadian Event Awards

Brand Recognition

Awards position your company as a leader in your marketplace

Marketing

Winning awards raises your profile & generates exposure on a national level

Team Spirit

Its an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the success of your team, clients & vendors

Prizes

The award winners receive up to $25K to use for marketing & advertising with Canadian Special Events

Attract Attention

Winning awards play a positive role in attracting sponsors, talent and support for your business or event

Honoring Excellence in Canadian Events

For over two decades, the Canadian Event Awards have been the mark of excellence for Canadian event professionals. The national program recognizes outstanding achievements in events, meetings, catering, entertainment, design, production and event technology. Since its inception, over 1100 awards have been presented. The competition has become a globally recognized brand and a powerful launching pad for companies looking to establish themselves in a competitive marketplace.

The work submitted by Canadians into the CEA competition represents the most creative, technically challenging and highly respected events in the country. From west coast foraged wedding feasts to downtown Toronto Pride paraded, national charity galas in Montreal to small-town festivals in PEI, the Canadian Event Awards offers a diverse and inclusive program based on merit, innovation and talent.

In 2020 the event and meeting industry, along with the rest of the world, was devastated by the COVID19 crisis resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of events. In response to the changing ecosystem of the event industry, this year’s award categories have been modified temporarily and will remain in place until the 2023 awards season.

From The Blog

Award Categories

  • Best Corporate Event
  • Best Experiential Marketing Event
  • Best Conference
  • Best Trade Show, Market or Fair
  • Best Event for a High Profile Charity
  • Best Event for a Community Based Non-Profit
  • Best Micro Event (25 or less)
  • Best Event for a Private Individual/Group/Cause
  • Most Outstanding Event 2020
  • Most Creative Food Styling
  • Best Event Catering
  • Most Creative Event Design/Décor
  • Most Creative Floral Design
  • Outstanding Technical Support
  • Best Event Video/Filmmaking
  • Outstanding Audio/Visual Support
  • Outstanding Logistical Achievement
  • Outstanding Event Support Services
  • Best Event Photography
  • Best Wedding
  • Best Micro Wedding
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Entertainer of the Year
  • Caterer of the Year
  • Wedding Professional of the Year
  • Emerging Industry Leader
  • Spirit of the Industry
  • Event Professional of the Year

New for 2021

  • Best Virtual Corporate Event
  • Best Virtual Marketing Event
  • Best Virtual Conference
  • Best Virtual Trade Show, Market or Fair
  • Best Virtual Event for a Non-Profit
  • Best Virtual Fundraising Concept
  • Most Outstanding Virtual Event 2020
  • Best Virtual Wedding
  • Best Drive-Through/In Event Experience
  • Best Virtual Awards Event
  • Best Hybrid Event
  • Outstanding Technical Support -Virtual Event
  • Best Multi-Location Streamed Event
  • Best Virtual Backdrop/Staging Design
  • Best Experience/Gift Box
  • Best Virtual Event Cooking /Cocktail Demo
  • Most Creative Virtual Event Catering Package
  • Best Virtual Event Platform
  • Best Event App
  • Best Event Industry Support Initiative
  • Best Virtual Event by an Association or Board
  • BIG Idea of the Year
  • Best Event Business Adaptation
  • Best Social Media Event Marketing Campaign
  • Best Event Podcast
  • Social Media Sensation

The Process

  • 1. Read the Rules & Guidelines

    Review the rules and make sure you note the deadlines, fees and materials you will need. This site offers a Step by Step Guide to help you navigate the process. 

     

  • 2. Decide What to Enter

    The category you enter must correspond directly to the work you do (i.e. if you enter Best Food Presentation, you must be the caterer, not the contractor). Each category has a description of the judging criteria to help you decide. 

  • Register Your Company

    Click on the Enter Now button and head over to register. Select your categories and register your company. You will receive a private login you can use to revisit the entrants portal to work on your entries until the deadline.

     

  • 4. Submit Your Entry

    Your entry will consist of a series of questions (NEW format this year!). You will be asked to describe your work, provide key details like date, location, venue (if applicable), then upload your images, video and other materials as required.

  • 5. After You Enter

    You will still be able to edit it until the entry deadline. After the portal closes, all entries will be judged by a panel of experts from across North America. The judging is private and secure; no one can download or share your entry information.

  • 6. Nominees and Winners are Announced

    Nominees are announced approximately six weeks after the awards deadline. Your work, if nominated, will be showcased on the Canadian Special Events website and social feeds. Winners will be announced at the Gala, which due to the pandemic, will once again take place virtually in June 2021.

Need Advice?

Not Sure What to Enter? Reach out and let’s get started today!