Award Categories

1. Best B2B Brand Experience

This award recognises organisations that were able to deliver an outstanding B2B brand experience to their audiences during an event. The brand experience must be in line with the brand’s values and objectives, and provide a compelling environment for keeping audiences engaged and switched on. Any format targeting a B2B audience is eligible. This category is open to events held one time or multiple times.

2. Best B2C Brand Experience

This award recognises organisations that were able to deliver an outstanding B2C brand experience to their audiences during an event. The brand experience must be in line with the brand’s values and objectives, and provide a compelling environment for keeping audiences engaged and switched on. Any format targeting a B2C audience is eligible. This category is open to events held one time or multiple times.

3. Best B2B Event: Conferences / Meetings / Seminars

This award recognises an outstanding B2B or corporate event that communicated its message in a unique yet effective method. B2B conferences and awards galas, sales meetings, annual shareholder events, proprietary events, multi-day meetings, webinars etc. are all eligible. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event. This category is open to events held either in a single venue, or an event held at multiple times in different venues.

4. Best Community-Focused / Cause-Related Event*

This award recognises the brand that made best use of an event to advocate a public cause, raise awareness of a public issue, or bring a community together. Relevant and tangible evidence should be provided to demonstrate the purpose, reach and effect of the event, as well as the seamless execution.

*This category was formerly Best Community Event

5. Best Consumer Event: Arts / Culture / Entertainment

This award recognises the best consumer event for arts, culture and entertainment. This can include theatre events, gallery exhibitions, music concerts, local festivals, film festivals, artistic competitions and more. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity as well as effective and seamless execution to support the event’s focus. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event.

6. Best Consumer Event: Health / Wellness / Fitness

This award recognises the best consumer event related to health, wellness or fitness. This can include anything that addresses social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual, or physical wellbeing.. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity as well as effective and seamless execution to support the event’s focus. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event.

7. Best Consumer Event: Product Launch / Re-Launch

This award recognises the most innovative and effective event specifically designed to support a launch or a re-launch of a product. The event can be part of an integrated campaign but the results and awareness shown must have been generated specifically from the event. Judges will be looking for a clear understanding of and engagement with the target audience, consistency of message and out-of-the-box approaches to promoting and experiencing the product.

8. Best Content Creation for a Virtual Event

This award recognises events that exhibited a truly creative, innovative or unique
content for virtual events. Judges will be looking at how the creative content was infused throughout the event, and evidence that it had a positive and tangible effect on audience’s perception and experience of the event. The element can be any concept including but not limited to: Unique themes, unique uses of technology, unique activation, unique use of influencers, or novel forms of audience engagement (AR/VR etc).

9. Best Creative Element for an Event

This award recognises events that exhibited a truly creative, innovative or unique concept. Judges will be looking at how the creative element was infused throughout the event, and evidence that it had a positive and tangible effect on audience’s perception and experience of the event. The element can be any concept via any medium, including but not limited to: Unique themes, unique uses of technology, unique activation, unique use of influencers, or novel forms of audience engagement (AR/VR etc).

10. Best Digital Integration

This award recognises the best “live” campaigns that effectively integrated digital elements and technologies within an event experience. If your event (B2B or B2C) was complemented by web portals, use of mobile / apps, AR / VR, digital, social media and more, this category is for you. Judges will be looking at how seamlessly the user experience of the digital technologies worked hand-in-hand with the physical event to enhance engagement with the audience.

11. Best Event Ambience

This award recognises the best exhibit or environment from an event programme. The entry should focus on what was designed, how it was put together, the materials used, and how it contributed to the atmosphere of the event. Results need not be submitted but audience feedback and testimonials are welcomed.

12. Best Event Branding

This award recognises the company that ensured seamless branding across all event platforms and perfect alignment with the brand’s profile and values. The entrant must take into consideration how the overall event supported the brand’s message. The results of the event need not be submitted but tangible evidence of consistent branding across all event channels must be submitted.

13. Best Event by an In-House Team

This award recognises an event created and executed by an in-house team. The event can be B2B or B2C, covering any sector or audience but the event must be 100% company-owned and controlled. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity as well as effective and seamless execution to support the event’s focus. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event.

14. Best Event for a Specific Audience*

This award recognises the event campaign that engaged a specific target audience effectively. Judges will be looking for evidence of strategic engagement and positive action and/or a change in community behaviour.

*This category was formerly Best Event for a Targeted Community

15. Best Event on a Budget

Awarded to the event that created the buzz and brand awareness with a limited budget. Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of the event that drove customer engagement while being financially smart.

16. Best Event Production

This award recognises the most creative, extensive, outrageous, ambitious and outstanding production of an event. Everything from the lighting to the music to the script and registration / ticketing process will be taken into consideration. Research and insights into the idea and execution will be needed. This category focuses on the fantastic production and execution itself, and less on how the event’s marketing objectives were met.

17. Best Event Response to COVID-19 Restrictions*

This category recognises the best event that was well-executed while adhering to existing restrictions and limitations in order to defend against the spread of Covd-19. Entrants should clearly state the prevailing rules and regulations, and how the event successfully complied with them. This can be for either a B2B or B2C audience.

Judges will be assessing the overall strategy and impact of the idea on the overall success of the campaign.

* This category was formerly Best Event Response to COVID-19

18. Best Event: More Than 500 Attendees NEW

This award recognises excellence in the planning, execution and overall experience of events with a capacity of over 500 attendees. The attendees must have been physically present to qualify for this award. Entrants should demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and attention to detail, resulting in a memorable and successful experience for all participants. From large conferences and conventions to festivals and gala events, this award acknowledges the hard work and dedication put into creating an event that truly stands out among the rest.

19. Best Event: 100 - 500 Attendees NEW

This category acknowledges outstanding events with an attendance capacity between 100 and 500 attendees. This award celebrates the successful planning, execution and overall experience of events that demonstrate exceptional creativity, attention to detail and a commitment to providing a memorable experience for all participants. From intimate business conferences to social gatherings and community events, this award recognises the efforts put into making an event that stands out in its category.

20. Best Event: Less Than 100 Attendees NEW

This category honours the excellence in planning and executing events with a capacity of less than 100 attendees. Entrants should showcase exceptional creativity, attention to detail and a commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience for all participants. Designed for events with a highly targeted audience such as product experiences, VIP-focused sessions, small gatherings or exclusive parties, this award acknowledges the hard work and dedication put into creating events that stand out among their peers.

21. Best Experiential Marketing

This award recognises the most innovative real-world marketing / brand activation experience designed to foster a personal interaction and memorable connection with customers. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity and seamless execution. Entries should provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the experience.

22. Best Government Sector / Non-Profit

This award recognises the most strategic, creative and effective event conceptualised and executed by a government sector or non-profit organisation and is open to an event held either in a single venue, or multiple times in different venues. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity as well as effective and seamless execution to support the event’s focus. Entries should provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event.

23. Best Hybrid Event (B2B) NEW

Recognises excellence in the planning, execution and overall experience of business-to-business hybrid events. Entrants should demonstrate how the event successfully blended in-person and virtual elements, providing attendees with an engaging and innovative experience. This category acknowledges the challenges faced in the planning and execution of hybrid events and celebrates events that overcome these challenges to deliver a seamless and impactful experience for attendees. From business conferences and trade shows to training sessions and networking events, this award celebrates the efforts put into making a successful hybrid event in the B2B sector.

24. Best Hybrid Event (B2C) NEW

Recognises excellence in the planning, execution and overall experience of business-to-consumer hybrid events. Entrants should demonstrate how the event successfully blended in-person and virtual elements, providing attendees with an engaging and innovative experience. This category acknowledges the challenges faced in the planning and execution of hybrid events and celebrates events that overcome these challenges to deliver a seamless and impactful experience for attendees. From consumer-focused conferences and festivals to product launches and promotional events, this award celebrates the efforts put into making a successful hybrid event in the B2C sector.

25. Best Immersive Experience

This award recognises an event that brings a product or brand to life for the attendees in a truly innovative and interactive format. This includes the use of technology, surroundings and should involve high levels of multisensory engagement from the attendees. Judges will be looking at how strongly the brand values and concepts relate directly to the attendee’s journey at the event.

26. Best Integrated Event Campaign

This award recognises the best event employing two or more channels including online and offline to enhance an event’s promotion and experience. Judges will be looking for seamless integration with the event’s objectives and branding and how the campaign drove traffic, generated leads, identified prospects, and garnered more participation compared to the competition.

27. Best Internal Business Event*

This award recognises the best event developed for internal staff. Judges will be looking for how engaging concepts perfectly capture and align with the company’s vision and values. This category can include motivational seminars, teambuilding initiatives, gala dinners and more. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose and results of the event.

*This category was formerly Best Business Event: Internal

28. Best Pop-up Experience/Environment

This award recognises the most creative use of Pop-up marketing, including stores, stands, road shows, flash mobs, or anything else that was temporary and time-sensitive. Entrants should demonstrate measurable results and examples of engagement. Events from both the B2B and B2C worlds are welcomed.

29. Best Press / Media Event

This award recognises the press event that was most creative in the invitation process, and was effective and seamless in its execution and presentation. Entrants should demonstrate measurable results and media take up as a result of the event.

30. Best PR-Led Event Campaign

This category recognises the best use of PR and communications by an in-house PR team, a PR agency, or a combination of both, to bring a brand to life and/or deliver an organisation’s communication needs as part of an event campaign. This category is open to any one-off or ongoing events or initiative such as a concert, conference, roadshow, experiential field marketing activity, sponsorship activation, and any programme that incorporates events as a major focus.

Judges will be looking at the nature of the event, communication strategies, core business objectives, context within the overall PR campaign and the ability to build brand reputation.

31. Best Retail / Shopper Marketing

This award recognises the best event setup inside a mall and / or retailer environment that creatively engaged shoppers through activities or programmes; this can also include pop-up shops or highly engaging displays. Judges will be looking for high levels of creativity, excellence in design, execution and the meeting of marketing objectives. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the events.

32. Best Use of Gamification / Contests

This award recognises the best use of games and / or competitions in an event campaign to enhance an event’s promotion and / or improve engagement levels at an event. Judges will be looking for evidence of high levels of interactivity and engagement from the target audience and bold creative execution. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of introducing the games / contests.

33. Best Use of Hosting Platforms

This award recognises the best event employing the best use of hosting platforms to enhance an event’s promotion and experience. Judges will be looking for seamless integration with the event’s objectives and branding and how the campaign drove traffic, generated leads, identified prospects, and garnered more participation and engagement. Hosting platforms including but not limited to: Zoom, BigMarker, Google Meet, Skype and Discord.

34. Best Use of Influencers / KOLs

This award recognises the most effective use of influencers in an event campaign which could include the use of appropriate experts, ambassadors, bloggers or celebrities. Judges will be looking for how closely the influencer(s) relate to the theme or style of the event and how their presence at the event as well as in the lead up to the event enhanced awareness and engagement from the target audience.

35. Best Use of Live Streaming

This award recognises the best event employing the best use of live streaming platforms to enhance an event’s promotion and experience. Judges will be looking for seamless integration with the event’s objectives and branding and how the campaign drove traffic, generated leads, identified prospects, and garnered more participation and engagement. Live streaming platforms including but not limited to: Facebook live, Instagram Live, Linkedin Live, Twitter Live, YouTube Livestream and Tiktok.

36. Best Use of Omnichannel for an Event NEW

This award acknowledges exceptional event planning and execution that leverages multiple channels to create an immersive and comprehensive experience for attendees. This award celebrates events that seamlessly connect various digital and physical touchpoints, including social media, email, and in-person experiences, to create a cohesive and engaging experience for attendees. From business conferences to consumer-focused events, this award honours events that effectively utilise an omnichannel approach to connect with and engage attendees in new and innovative ways.

37. Best Use of Social Media

This award recognises the event that best used social media to strike a conversation with their audience and get them talking about the event. Judges will be looking for evidence of social media helping to expand reach and enhance the experience.

38. Best Use of Sponsorships / Partnerships

This category acknowledges events that effectively leverage sponsorships and partnerships to create an experience that is engaging and memorable for participants. From sponsoring a team, to a league, to a one-off event or a specific activation, judges will look at how well the event met the brand’s objectives and the overall execution of the event. From business conferences and trade shows to consumer-focused events, this award celebrates the efforts put into forming and executing meaningful partnerships that add value for attendees. Entries should also provide relevant and tangible evidence to demonstrate the purpose, reach and results of the event.

39. Best Use of Sustainability NEW

This award recognises events that prioritise and successfully integrate sustainable practices into the planning, execution, and overall experience of the event. Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability in all aspects of event planning, from venue selection and transportation to food and waste management. Judges will be looking for examples of effectively sustainable practices that created a more responsible and eco-friendly experience for all participants.

40. Best Use of Tech

This category recognises events that effectively leveraged technology to enhance the overall experience for attendees. Entrants should showcase innovative and impactful uses of technology, including virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications, among others. They should also demonstrate how they effectively integrated technology to create a more interactive, engaging, and memorable experience for attendees. Judges will be looking for effective solutions to real problems, and why the technology was the solution.

41. Best Virtual Event (B2B)

This award recognises the best organisation, promotion, and execution of a virtual conference, webinar or other type of non-physical gathering. Judges will be looking for effective communication, engagement and delegate experience across the entire event journey.

42. Best Virtual Event (B2C)

TALENT CATEGORIES

43. Team of the Year (Agency)

This category recognises outstanding work from an agency team which has made a significant impact to their clients’ overall event campaigns, executions and results. Entrants can use one particular campaign as a case study of evidence to form their entry or can use aspects from various projects, but all work must have taken place within the eligibility period and they must show evidence of:

Outstanding achievement in marketing campaigns and event project management
Creativity and innovation
Strategic thinking
Excellent execution
Successful results against objectives / KPIs
Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award. Client testimonials are welcomed.

44. Team of the Year (Brand)

This category recognises outstanding work from a brand-side marketing team which has made a significant impact to the organisation’s overall event campaigns, executions and results. Entrants can use one particular campaign as a case study of evidence to form their entry or can use aspects from various projects, but all work must have taken place within the eligibility period and they must show evidence of:

Outstanding achievement in marketing campaigns and event project management
Creativity and innovation
Strategic thinking
Excellent execution
Successful results against objectives / KPIs
Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award. Manager / agency testimonials are welcomed.

NOT OPEN FOR ENTRY

45. Event Agency of the Year 2023 (Not for Entry)

Our very own Grand Prix du Jury, awarded to the event agency that scored the highest across all categories. Using a standard points system, 4 points will be granted for Gold, 2 points for Silver, and 1 point for Bronze. Any point ties will be decided based on placement (i.e. 2 Gold would break a tie against 1 Gold and 2 Silver). Any placement ties will be decided by the average score percentage assigned by the Judging Panel.

46. Event Marketer of the Year 2023 (Not for Entry)

Our very own Grand Prix du Jury, awarded to the brand that scored the highest across all categories. Using a standard points system, 4 points will be granted for Gold, 2 points for Silver, and 1 point for Bronze. Any point ties will be decided based on placement (i.e. 2 Gold would break a tie against 1 Gold and 2 Silver). Any placement ties will be decided by the average score percentage assigned by the Judging Panel.