CELEBRATING EVENT TRAILBLAZERS & INDUSTRY LEADERS

The C&IT Awards 2026 Are Open

The C&IT Awards return for 2026 - championing the most innovative, creative and high-performing professionals across the events industry.

In a landscape that never stands still, excellence matters more than ever. The C&IT Awards recognise the agencies, in-house teams, venues, destinations and suppliers who are not only delivering exceptional events - but redefining what exceptional looks like.

For 2026, our categories have been carefully refined to reflect the evolving priorities of the industry. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to integrity. Every entry is rigorously assessed by an independent panel of expert judges with real-world experience of the work itself.

Winning a C&IT Award is more than a trophy - it’s a benchmark of credibility in a competitive and fast-moving sector.

The stage is set for 2026.
Are you ready to be recognised?

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR




"Every year, the C&IT Awards represent an opportunity to celebrate not just the fantastic work that the industry puts into creating impactful and effective live experiences, but the organisations, teams and individuals that make it such a vibrant and rewarding sector to work in. Live events are more important for businesses than ever, and it’s an honour to have the chance to recognise so many outstanding examples of why that is."

Adam Shepherd
Editor, C&IT

New for 2026: The Luminary Award


Introducing The Luminary Award - a prestigious new honour celebrating a true visionary of the events industry.

This award recognises an iconic leader aged 40 or over whose career has been defined by excellence, progression and lasting impact.

Nominees may be self-nominated or put forward by peers.

The Luminary Award is about legacy, leadership and lifting others as you rise.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SAVE THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY

KEY DATES

First Entry Deadline: 26 March

Second Entry Deadline: 23 April

Final Entry Deadline: 11 June

Shortlist Announced: July

Awards Ceremony: 23 October, London

PRICES

FIRST ENTRY DEADLINE: £425 + VAT

SECOND ENTRY DEADLINE: £525 + VAT

FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE: £625 + VAT

C&IT AWARDS 2026 CATEGORIES


EVENT TYPE

These categories are for excellence in event format, delivery and ROI. They are open to events held for any industry or sector, to recognise the best-in-class for each specific event format.

Product Launch of the Year

Brand Activation Excellence

Internal or Team-Building Event of the Year

Experiential Event of the Year

Celebratory Event of the Year

Best Exhibition or Trade Show

Incentive Event of the Year

Conference of the Year

INNOVATION & CREATIVITY

These categories are for the trailblazers. Whether you are launching something entirely new, transforming a legacy event, or pioneering new uses of technology and sustainability.

Best New Event (past 2 years)

Excellence in Event Transformation

Best Event Under £50,000

Best Use of Technology

Best Sustainable Initiative

SUPPLIERS

These awards go to the essential partners of the B2B events industry; the exceptional venues, destinations and support services and functions such as representation, commercial, and technical teams.

Best Event Support Services Provider

Sales and Marketing Team of the Year

Best Hotel - UK

Best Hotel - International

Best Convention Centre

Best UK MICE Destination

Best International MICE Destination

Best DMC Representative

BEST OF THE BEST

These awards go to the very best teams - the powerhouses of the B2B events industry.

Corporate or In-house Event Team of the Year

UK Agency of the Year

Global Agency of the Year

Incentive Agency of the Year

Boutique Agency of the Year (<10 people)

THE LUMINARY AWARD

This prestigious award celebrates a true visionary and champion of the events industry; an icon renowned for excellence and whose work is progressive, inspiring and memorable.

GRAND PRIX

This category is for organisations the judges feel have proven outstanding excellence in the MICE industry. The Grand Prix cannot be entered directly. All category winners are automatically entered into the running, and the judges make the final selection. 

AMPLIFICATION PACKAGES

If you're a winner at these awards, we can now help you shout about your success, even more, via our amplification package

You’ve had an incredible night, picked up an award, and celebrated in style - now it’s time to shout about your success!

We’re here to help you spread the word, getting your win out there, to the audience, in front of prospective clients - and event your competitors!.

That’s why we’ve created an instant shout-about-it package: quick turnaround content that won’t destroy your marketing budget.


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


The C&IT Awards provide a premier platform to showcase your brand to senior decision-makers in the events industry. Sponsoring the awards offers exceptional brand visibility, high-value networking, and the opportunity to align with the most innovative and creative minds in B2B events.

With extensive marketing exposure, this is your chance to position your company at the forefront of the industry.

Contact the team today at [email protected].

ABOUT THE BRAND


C&IT Insight is the go-to hub for event industry professionals, offering expert analysis, innovative ideas, and practical resources to enhance event planning and execution.

Bringing together in-depth knowledge from C&IT and leading partners, the platform provides exclusive access to webinars, reports, surveys, and bespoke events. Covering key topics such as event management, attendee engagement, marketing, technology, incentive travel, and creativity, C&IT Insight equips industry professionals with the tools and expertise needed to drive impactful events and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.