Welcome to the 2026 Canadian Event Awards Rules & Guidelines page. If your company has entered in previous years, we strongly encourage you to review the following information before starting your submission. Each year, we update key elements such as category descriptions, eligibility rules, judging criteria, and submission requirements, so even returning entrants may encounter changes.

We recommend gathering all materials in advance and carefully reviewing the requirements for your selected category before starting your entry in the portal. Once you're ready, click HERE to begin your entry.

We can't wait to see what you've created this year. Good luck!

   
Eligibility, Rules, and Entry Permissions

  
Who Can Enter
The Canadian Event Awards are open to any Canadian company with offices in Canada. Events may have taken place anywhere in the world or online.

Eligible Event Dates
All events must have occurred between December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025.

Who Can Submit the Work (Client vs. Independent Planner)
Both the planner and or the client can submit the event. However, 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 path, with clear attribution of responsibilities.

Entry Rules and Submission Standards

  • A separate entry must be submitted for each event.
  • You may submit the same event in multiple categories.
  • Each joint entrant must be paid for and listed on the entry form.
  • Judges' decisions are final. 
  • No advance notice of winners will be provided under any circumstances.
  • Entries may be published in Canadian Special Events publications or associated websites. By entering, you confirm you have permission for the 300-word description and at least five photos from the event to be shared publicly.
  • Winners receive digital badges, which cannot be altered or transferred.
  • Stories, entry images, or entrant content found on our website cannot be copied, downloaded, or shared without express permission from CSE and the entrant.

Key Dates & Fees

IMPORTANT NOTE: You do NOT need to finalize your entry at the time you register. You have until the final deadline to smash the submit button; however, the longer you wait to register, the higher the fees will be. Take time to perfect your submission, but ensure it is completed by the final deadline: February 27, 2026, at midnight PST.

Key Dates:

  • Register before January 30, 2026: $235 per entry 
  • Register from January 31 to February 20, 2026: $285 per entry
  • Register from February 21 to February 27, 2026: $335 per entry (LAST WEEK)
  • Finalists announced in early March 
  • Winners announced at the Gala awards, April 29, 2026

Registering for the Canadian Event Awards is a simple and straightforward process. Visit the Step by Step Guide page and follow the steps to get started.

   
Categories

There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit, and you can submit the same event in multiple categories. Each time you enter the same event in a new category, you need to change the appropriate answers in the entry form. Not all categories ask the same questions, so be sure not to clone your entry, or it may not have a great shot at winning. Please be sure to include details for any joint entrants you would like to acknowledge in your submission.

Click HERE for a list of categories and criteria.

   
Payment & Joint Entries​

  • A Joint Entry is when a company collaborates with another company to enter an award. This allows both companies' names to be officially listed on the nomination.
    A joint entry requires an additional $100 fee per joint entrant.
  • Joint Entries are added during registration, before proceeding to payment. The platform treats Joint Entries the same way it treats categories, meaning they must be selected and saved at the registration stage, alongside your categories. One Joint Entry must be added for each additional company being included in the submission.
  • After registration and payment are complete, you will move into the entry phase. At this stage, Joint Entrant company details are entered directly into the entry form, as part of completing your submission for each category/entry.
  • NOT assigning Joint Entrants:  If you have other companies responsible for sharing the work with you, and you intend to have them listed as a finalist but don't purchase joint entries for them, they will not be listed, even if you add them to your entry form. Once the nominations are published, they cannot be added, so please make sure you take the time to add all Joint Entrants at the time of registration.

Click HERE for a detailed step-by-step guide.

   
Materials Needed

Gather all necessary materials based on your chosen category, including:

  • Event details
  • Budgets (if applicable, not all categories require a budget
  • Reference letters (if applicable)
  • Photos (PNG or JPEG only, no PDFs)
  • Video links (if applicable, e.g., YouTube or Vimeo)
  • A written description of your event

   
Key Phrases + Tips for Success

The following explains key phrases and entry form elements to help you navigate the system.

  • Company Name: The name you enter in the form will appear exactly as written in all published materials if you are nominated. Avoid abbreviations or acronyms unless you want them displayed.
  • Client Information: A client will NEVER be contacted without your permission. Clients are only contacted in cases of discrepancies or challenges to project ownership.
  • Joint Entries: A joint entrant or “co-entrant” is a company you are adding to your submission in addition to your own. Each joint/co-entrant requires an additional fee. Ensure you have purchased joint entry credits for any co-entrants. Co-entrants will not be listed as nominees unless a joint entry credit is applied.
  • 300-Word Summary: Use third-person tense (e.g., “The team at XYZ Events created…” instead of “We created…”).
  • Main Photo: This will be prominently displayed in Event Awards marketing materials and at the gala, so ensure the photo is relevant to your category.
  • Additional Photos: Submit a minimum of 10 high-quality images (20–30 recommended). Images must be in PNG or JPEG format; PDFs are not accepted.
  • Videos: If applicable, provide accessible online video links (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo). Videos must be under 5 minutes.
  • Budgets: If your category requires a budget, it must reflect retail pricing (the amount billed to the client). Budgets remain confidential, shared only with judges, and never published.
  • Menus: If applicable, submit menus along with photos of the catering.
  • Website Links: Include links for events that have a website.
  • Reference Letters and Recommendations: Required only for Signature Awards.
  • Extended Description: Provide a detailed description of your event, highlighting the story, challenges faced, and successes achieved.
  • Supporting Materials: If required by your category, include additional documents, such as critical paths, floor plans, or social media content. If you are nominated, we may request the actual video file for use during the awards show.
  • Category-Specific Questions: Be prepared to answer specific questions about your event, including details on inspiration, creativity, risk management, and logistical planning. These answers give judges deeper insights into your event and increase your chances of winning.

Once your entry is complete, click “Send to Judges” to finalize. You may save your progress and return to the portal anytime before the final deadline, February 27, 2026.

   
Judging

  • The Canadian Event Industry Awards is a globally renowned competition for event professionals, featuring a thorough four-stage judging process to ensure fairness and rigorous evaluation.
  • Pre-screening: Judges are assigned to categories post-entry period, reducing conflicts of interest and maintaining a level playing field.
  • First-Round Analysis: Judges thoroughly review entries in their categories against specific criteria, selecting nominees for their standout excellence.
  • Scoring and Tallying: Entries are evaluated according to set criteria, with a dedicated system processing the scores to guarantee objectivity and accuracy.
  • Finalist Determination: After announcing finalists, a second round of independent evaluations by judges determines the category winners.
  • Our panel of diverse industry experts ensures the highest standards of fairness and impartiality, upholding the integrity of the Canadian Event Industry Awards.

   
Prizes

Winners of the Canadian Event Awards receive the following benefits:

  • Feature on CSE Mag Site: A dedicated article about your project, with a link to your social media.
  • Feature on Event Awards Blog: Spotlight showcasing your project and achievements.
  • Feature in CSE Digital Mag: Inclusion in a special Look Book edition of Canadian Special Events Magazine.
  • Winners Gallery: Placement in the Winners Gallery on the Canadian Event Awards website.
  • Social Media Coverage: Dedicated posts across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
  • Feature in CSE e-newsletter: Coverage reaching over 60,000 followers and industry leaders.
  • Digital Badge: A winner's badge for use on social media and websites.

   
Gala Awards Ceremony & Dinner

Join us on April 29, 2026, in Toronto, for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the Canadian Event Awards Gala. This exquisite dinner and awards ceremony is a highlight of Canada's event industry, attracting the nation's foremost event professionals. Tickets to the Gala are not included with your entry fees. Tickets are available as single tickets, tables of ten and VIP sponsored tables, which include branding at the event, in the event app, and an opportunity to present an award on stage.
Tickets to this event sell out early. Visit cseliva.ca to secure your seats. 

We hope these instructions will help navigate the entry process. Best of luck with your submission! If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us (email below).