Categories

Description

When You Need a Joint Entry

You need a Joint Entry if you want your co-entrant listed publicly as a finalist.

NOTE: If an independent planner or designer (not employed by the client at the time) designed, planned, produced, or executed the event/element for a client, the client cannot submit the work as their own without acknowledging them in the written submission. Meaning you need to write their name in the description. You don't need a Joint Entry for this, but note without a Joint Entry, they won't be publicly recognized in any materials, only the judges will see their name.

If There's a Separation or Dispute:

If the planner and client have parted ways or there's a business conflict, the client cannot enter the planner's work without credit.

In these cases, a Joint Entry is the only acceptable submission, with clear attribution of responsibilities.

Requirements

Purchase a joint entry for each company you want listed in your application.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

The Best Conference – Industry & Innovation category honours conferences that drive progress, creativity, and excellence within their respective industry. 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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

This category celebrates the exceptional event achievements of in-house teams and boards. It highlights their outstanding creativity, strategic vision, and dedication to delivering experiences and sets a benchmark for innovation and leadership in event management.

Requirements

Judges will evaluate the following where applicable. There is no point deduction if some of these do not apply to your event: logistics, innovation, 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 and efficient logistics have significantly contributed to the event's success.

• Videos: Recommended, not required.
• Budget: Not required
• Images: All events require a minimum of ten images. 

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

Honours an outstanding trade show experience that delivers high value for exhibitors and attendees through smart strategy, strong show design, and excellent execution.

Requirements

Judges 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, production 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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

1. Primarily local or niche audience Modest budget with limited sponsorship involvement
2. Single-location event with straightforward logistics
3. Organized by small teams—often volunteer-supported
4. 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.

1. Substantial budget, backed by major corporate sponsors
2. National or international audience
3. Widespread media coverage and industry recognition
4. Complex logistics, potentially multi-location or high-production
5. Managed with large vendor partnerships

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

1. Primarily local or niche audience Modest budget with limited sponsorship involvement
2. Single-location event with straightforward logistics
3. Organized by small teams—often volunteer-supported
4. 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.

1. Substantial budget, backed by major corporate sponsors
2. National or international audience
3. Widespread media coverage and industry recognition
4. Complex logistics, potentially multi-location or high-production
5. Managed with large vendor partnerships

Requirements

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.

Description

This category celebrates exceptional planning and execution of market fairs and festivals, showcasing events highlighting culture, commerce, and community.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

This category is for any technical support teams or integrated suppliers who supported delivery of an event. 

Judging will consider the strength of any pre-production planning, execution, and/or show flow, if applicable. Because this category will include many diverse types of event support, judging will mostly focus on problem-solving under pressure, collaboration and professionalism, logistics, creative solutions and the overall guest experience. Purposeful use of technology, along with strong safety practices, will also be assessed, again applied where applicable. 

• Videos: Recommended but not required.
• Budget: Not required.
• Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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 images are required.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

Judges will evaluate the entry based on planning and execution, problem-solving, design cohesion and visual appeal, 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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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 align with the event's objectives and elevate the guest experience.

Requirements

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.

Description

Successfully designed and executed trade show booths or pavilions 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.

Requirements

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 entries are encouraged to submit a minimum of 20 images.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Description

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.

Description

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.

Description

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.

Requirements

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

Description

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

Description

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

Description

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