Event Technology Awards launch 2026 AI Edition: practical recognition for real results
The Event Technology Awards have introduced a dedicated AI Edition for 2026 to recognise artificial intelligence used in planning, delivery, engagement and measurement. It includes 30 categories and will announce winners in June 2026.
Positioned as a sister programme to the long-running Event Technology Awards, the AI Edition focuses on teams using AI to improve event design, operations and outcomes across in-person, hybrid and digital formats.
Why this matters for hospitality and events professionals
Budgets are tight. Expectations aren't. AI is now embedded across registration, audience engagement, matchmaking, content generation, analytics and sustainability optimisation. This programme rewards what actually works-so your best use cases can earn industry recognition and help win business.
What's new in the AI Edition
- Focus on applied AI with measurable outcomes-planning, delivery, personalisation and performance.
- 30 categories spanning attendee experience, marketing, content, sales and ROI, logistics, sustainability and innovation.
- Powered by event tech platform Evessio, confirmed as headline sponsor.
- Judging panel includes senior figures from global brands, technology companies, agencies and event organisers.
- Winners to be announced in June 2026.
Categories snapshot
- Best AI for Attendee Engagement
- Best AI for Event Content Creation
- Best AI for Lead Capture & Qualification
- Most Innovative AI Application in Events
These sit alongside broader areas across marketing, logistics, sustainability, and ROI-giving suppliers, agencies and in-house teams multiple routes to showcase results.
What the organisers are saying
"AI is reshaping every part of the event lifecycle. The AI Edition gives the industry a focused space to highlight the work being done and the results being achieved. This isn't about hype - it's about recognising the practical, real-world applications that are pushing the industry forward."
"We're proud to support the launch of the AI Edition. There is huge demand for visibility around AI innovation, and these awards will set a new benchmark for excellence in the space."
Who should enter
- Event technology providers and AI-led startups with proven deployments.
- Agencies implementing AI across client portfolios.
- In-house event, venue and hospitality teams using AI to improve attendee experience, operations, sales and sustainability.
Key dates
- Entries open: 1 December 2025
- Early bird deadline: 31 January 2026
- Final entry deadline: 31 March 2026
- Shortlist announcement: 15 April 2026
- Winners' announcement: June 2026
How to build a strong entry
- Show outcomes, not promises: conversion lift, qualified leads, attendee satisfaction, dwell time, revenue impact, cost or waste reduction.
- Prove it happened: live deployments across in-person, hybrid or digital events with credible data and references.
- Connect to business goals: explain how the AI use case supports sales, marketing efficiency, operational speed, safety, accessibility or sustainability.
- Demonstrate responsible use: data privacy, bias checks, human oversight and clear attendee communications.
- Keep it simple: one problem, one solution, one clear result-then expand with supporting evidence.
Fast prep checklist for planners and venues
- Audit your current stack across registration, engagement, matchmaking, content, analytics and sustainability. Identify where AI is already delivering measurable results.
- Collect case studies with before/after metrics, screenshots, clips and stakeholder quotes (client or attendee).
- Map each use case to the most relevant category and confirm internal approvals early.
- Lock timelines against entry deadlines and assign owners for data, creative and sign-off.
The AI Edition will be powered by Evessio as headline sponsor.
If your team needs to level up AI skills ahead of entry, explore role-based learning paths at Complete AI Training.
Your membership also unlocks:
