This award recognises festivals that draw in crowds of 5000+ and deliver unforgettable experiences.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Concept & Guest Experience: Creative, immersive and inclusive design that engages attendees. Branding and Sponsorship: Innovative integration of sponsors and digital activations.
• Community Impact: Positive social, cultural, and economic effects, including local partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Suppliers & Logistics: Efficient coordination, use of event technology & strong risk management
• Safety Advisory Group (SAG) Process: Thorough SAG process, including risk assessment, safety planning, compliance with regulations & effective collaboration with relevant authorities.
• Use of Space : Accessible, imaginative and safe design that enhances the festival experience.
• On-the-Day Delivery: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
  

This award celebrates excellence in sporting events of any size, recognising outstanding organisation and strong community & participant engagement.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Concept & Guest Experience: Creative, immersive and inclusive design that engages attendees, supported by modern fan-engagement design.
• Venue & Location Suitability: Demonstration of suitable venue, highlighting accessibility, sustainability & connection to local area
• Branding & Sponsorship: Innovative integration of sponsors and digital activations that add value for both sponsors and attendees.
• Community Impact: Positive social, cultural, and economic effects, including local partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Suppliers & Logistics: Efficient coordination, use of event technology & strong risk management.
• On-the-Day Delivery: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
  

This award recognises festivals with fewer than 5000 attendees, and which deliver unforgettable experiences.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Concept & Guest Experience: Creative, immersive and inclusive design that engages attendees.
• Branding and Sponsorship: Innovative integration of sponsors and digital activations.
• Community Impact: Positive social, cultural, and economic effects, including local partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Suppliers & Logistics: Efficient coordination, use of event technology & strong risk management.
• Safety Advisory Group (SAG) Process: Thorough SAG process, including risk assessment, safety planning, compliance with regulations & effective collaboration with relevant authorities.
• Use of Space: Accessible, imaginative and safe design that enhances the festival experience.
• On-the-Day Delivery: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
  

This award celebrates events or festivals produced and delivered by students, recognising creativity and innovation.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Overall Concept and Design: Demonstration of clear concept and event design.
• Understanding of Key Event Components: Knowledge of key components of event planning
• Marketing & Audience Engagement: Good use of marketing and promotion to engage target audience
• Delivery and Delegate Experience: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed
• Outcomes & Lessons Learned: Demonstration of clear, meaningful outcomes and valuable lessons learned for future student learning/initiatives.
  

This award is open to anyone who is actively putting sustainability at the core of their event design, even if they are just at the beginning of their sustainability journey.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Sustainability & Community in Planning: Intentional incorporation of sustainability & community engagement in event planning and decision making
• Addressing Sustainability Challenges: Evaluation of key sustainability-related challenges faced during production, and effectiveness of strategies used to overcome them
• Attendee Engagement: Initiatives introduced to create a sustainable, inclusive and community-focused experience for attendees
• Collaboration with Venue(s) and Suppliers: Alignment of practices & sustainability goals with venue(s) and suppliers
• Outcomes & Lessons Learned: Success of the event’s sustainability outcomes, measured impact, and insights or improvements identified for future events and organisational policies.
  

This award recognises events that make a real difference, creating a strong impact for a charitable cause.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Concept & Attendee Experience: Creative, immersive and inclusive design that engages attendees.
• Promoting Cause & Raising Awareness: Demonstration of how effectively the event raised awareness for the charity & inspired engagement or action.
• Marketing and Reaching Target Audience: Evidence of how marketing efforts successfully reached intended audience, attracted supporters and amplified charity’s message
• Community, Volunteer & Attendee Engagement: Evidence of meaningful engagement with community, volunteers, and attendees
• Overcoming Organisational Challenges: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
• Impact and Feedback: Feedback and evidence of the event’s positive impact on the campaign’s overall goals.
  

This award celebrates events that bring communities closer together, by creating local positive impact.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Event Concept & Design: Overall concept and design of event, taking into consideration how innovation, inclusivity & technology were incorporated.
• Achievement of Core Objectives: How effectively the event met its core objectives, e.g. community engagement, policy communication, or measurable social impact.
• Event Format & Impact: How the chosen format enhanced the event’s overall success and audience engagement.
• Marketing and Reaching Target Audience: Strategies used to promote the event, reach the intended audience, and maximise participation through digital, social and traditional marketing mix.
• Delegate Experience & Feedback: How the attendee experience was measured and enhanced, including feedback, engagement and overall satisfaction.
• Challenges & Problem-Solving: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
  

This award is open to events designed for business audiences, recognising engaging, innovative events that deliver real value and measurable impact.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Event Concept & Design: Overall concept and design of event, including how it reflected your or your client’s goals and created an engaging, transformative experience for attendees.
• Achievement of Objectives: How the event met its core objectives, e.g. member engagement, networking, knowledge exchange or return on investment.
• Audience Engagement & Experience: Evidence of how you delivered a memorable and inclusive experience, using interactive elements, technology, or innovative formats/content to engage your attendees.
• Marketing & Audience Engagement: Evidence of good use of marketing and promotion to engage target audience
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Effective management of suppliers, venues, sponsors and stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery.
• Challenges & Problem-Solving: Key challenges faced during planning and delivery, and how these were successfully addressed.
  

This award recognises suppliers who provide outstanding products or services for outdoor events, demonstrating quality, reliability and innovation.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Unique Approach & Innovation: Evidence what sets your services apart from others in the industry, including any creative or innovative solutions you bring to outdoor events.
• Contribution to Event Experience: Enhanced overall attendee experience, adding value beyond standard expectations
• Sustainability and Responsibility: Incorporation of sustainable practice, environmental responsibility and community consideration into outdoor event services.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with event organisers, fellow suppliers and stakeholders to deliver a seamless and standout service.
• Measurable Impact & Feedback: Evidence of impact of services, including testimonials and feedback.
  

This award celebrates suppliers delivering innovative technology or communications solutions that enhance event experiences.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Unique Approach & Innovation: Evidence what sets your services apart from others in the industry, including innovative communications & technology solutions you bring to events.
• Contribution to Event Experience: Enhanced overall attendee experience, adding value beyond standard expectations.
• User Experience & Accessibility: Demonstration of technology or communications improving accessibility, ease of use and/or audience experience.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with event organisers, fellow suppliers and stakeholders to deliver a seamless and standout service.
• Measurable Impact & Feedback: Evidence of impact of technology or communications solutions, including testimonials and feedback.
  

This award celebrates freelance AV professionals who bring events to life with expert technical skills, creative solutions and flawless delivery.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Exceptional AV Expertise & Innovation: Demonstration of technical expertise and what sets the individual apart, highlighting examples where knowledge has contributed to exceptional event experiences.
• Leadership, Collaboration & Versatility: Evidence of working solo, as part of a team & in leadership roles, including examples where initiative led to an enhanced event outcome.
• Real-Time Problem Solving & Adaptability: Examples of resolving AV-related challenges on the spot, adapting under pressure. Industry
• Knowledge & Future-Focused Approach: Awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies and innovative practices, & how this is applied in practice.
• Feedback & Positive Testimonials: Evidence of impact of contribution, including client testimonials and feedback.
  

This award is open to emerging talent in the events industry who show exceptional skill, creativity, and ambition and who are set to make a big impact on the future of the events industry. This is irrespective of age or position.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Exceptional Rising Star Potential: Evidence of what makes them an outstanding emerging talent in the industry, highlighting achievements, impact and promise for future growth.
• Creativity, Innovation & Objective Achievement: Creativity and innovation at forefront of practice, meeting event objectives and enhancing overall attendee experience.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Evidence of effective collaboration as part of a team, or lead and inspire others, while contributing to a positive and productive event environment.
• Problem Solving, Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Demonstration of tackling challenges creatively, adapting to unexpected situations & innovative use of resources.
• Professional Development & Growth: Commitment to continuous learning, industry awareness and professional development – including adoption of emerging trends.
  

This award celebrates an outstanding individual event planner who demonstrates creativity, professionalism and exceptional skill in delivering events.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Exceptional Contribution and Standout Impact: Demonstrate what uniquely sets this individual apart from others – showing exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to elevate events.
• Outstanding Event Strategy and Design: Demonstration of strong concept development, application of modern design principles and delivering exceptional experiences tailored to audience and organisational objectives.
• Excellence in Planning, Coordination and Delivery: Effective management of timelines, resources, suppliers & on-the-day operations to deliver seamless events across diverse formats & environments.
• Adaptability, Creativity & Problem Solving: Examples of how the individual brings creative concepts to life, solves problems under pressure and can adapt in ever changing situations.
• Stakeholder, Client & Team Collaboration: Demonstration of the individual working effectively with clients, teams, partners and suppliers – evidencing strong communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
  

This award recognises venues in Scotland that go above and beyond, combining outstanding spaces, exceptional service and memorable experiences that make every event exceptional.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Unique Value & Competitive Differentiation: Demonstrate what sets the venue apart from competitors, e.g. standout features, services, USPs or distinctive experiences offered to clients.
• Innovative and Flexible Use of Space: Evidence of using space creatively/transforming space in innovative ways to elevate event experience.
• Collaboration, Creativity & Client Partnership: Examples of venue’s strong working relationships with clients, partners & external suppliers to deliver exceptional events.
• Exceptional Client & Delegate Experience: Testimonials, reviews and feedback highlighting the venue’s consistency in delivering events
• Measurable Success & Growth: Demonstratable success over the past 12 months – e.g. increased bookings, improved satisfaction scores, sustainability initiatives, strategic development.
  

This award is open to creative and impactful brand activations that engage audiences and drive measurable results.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Creativity & Originality: Demonstrate how the activation was unique, intentional and delivered an original brand experience that resonated with the target audience.
• Alignment with Brand Objectives: Evidence of how the activation effectively reflected the brand’s values, messaging, strategic goals to overall reinforce brand awareness.
• Audience Engagement & Experience: Show how the activation engaged audiences and created meaningful interactions between the audience and brand.
• Innovation & Use of Technology: Highlight innovative approaches, creative use of technology or experiential elements used to elevate the activation.
• Measurable Impact & Results: Evidence of tangible outcomes of the activation, e.g. brand awareness, social media engagement, positive impact on sales, lead generation.
• Collaboration & Execution Excellence: Demonstrate how the team behind the activation worked effectively with partners, agencies, or suppliers to deliver a seamless activation.
  

The Impact Award recognises events and conferences* that demonstrate excellence in delivering outstanding and measurable positive outcomes for their stakeholders, industries, or communities.

*This category is open to organisers of all events except charity events, for which there is an alternative category. Organisers of events include professional conference organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), Convention Bureaus (CVBs), City Ambassadors, local hosts, national or international associations, destinations or venues.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Event Concept & Goals: Detailed description of the event, including goals, target audience and outcomes
• Intentional Impact Planning: Evidence of impact intentionally considered during the event planning process.
• Supporting Evidence of Measurable Outcomes: Provision of metrics, testimonials, case studies or any press coverage.
• Innovation, Sustainability & Engagement: Showcase examples of innovative approaches to delivering positive impact, e.g. public engagement, inclusivity, getting the attention of government.
• Collaboration & Partnerships: Provide examples of how the event inspired or facilitated collaborations, funding programmes, research initiatives or partnerships that extended its impact.
  

This award recognises a team that consistently delivers outstanding events through creativity collaboration and flawless execution. This is open to agencies, in-house teams, corporates, DMCs, charities and more.

Judges will assess this entry on the following:

• Innovation, Creativity & Standout Impact: Show how the team uses creativity, and innovative thinking to overcome challenges, deliver memorable events, and stand out as exceptional in the industry.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrate how the team works cohesively, communicating efficiently and leverages each member’s strengths to deliver seamless events.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Provide evidence of thorough planning, project management, and event delivery skills – ensuring events meet objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Stakeholder, Client & Supplier Management: Demonstrate how the team works collaboratively with clients, stakeholders, suppliers, and partners to achieve outstanding event outcomes.
• Measurable Impact & Results: Provide evidence of the team’s impact, including attendee satisfaction, engagement, organisational outcomes or other measurable success indicators.
• Professionalism & Team Development: Show how the team support individual development, demonstrating professionalism & contribute to industry best practices.