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The Esprit Awards are presented by the International Live Events Association (ILEA) to recognize and award the most outstanding live events in the industry each year. The 2026 Esprit Awards includes 16 categories recognizing all aspects of live events, from planning to production, from design to event. The Esprit Awards program is the most inclusive and prestigious international awards program for professionals engaged in the industry of live events.

Criteria + FAQ

Any individual and/or company representative in the events industry is eligible to enter the Esprit Awards competition. Entrants can submit any of their events that occurred between  January 1 and December 31 into the following year's Esprit Awards competition. Choose the category that best fits your event(s). Category-specific criteria is available below.

If you have questions, check out the FAQ page on the Esprit application website or email us.

Categories

  • BEST OVERALL CORPORATE EVENT - The Best Overall Corporate Event award celebrates an exceptional gathering that exemplifies excellence in corporate event management. This distinguished event seamlessly integrates strategic planning, innovation, and flawless execution, creating a dynamic and impactful experience for attendees. It represents the pinnacle of professionalism and creativity in corporate event execution, setting a benchmark for the industry.

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  • BEST OVERALL NONPROFIT/ASSOCIATION EVENT - The Best Overall Nonprofit/Association Event award highlights a remarkable gathering that goes beyond celebration, embodying the spirit of purpose-driven excellence. This event demonstrates outstanding planning, execution, and a commitment to the mission of the organization. It stands as a shining example of how events can effectively amplify and support the causes that matter, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of those in the nonprofit and association event sector.
     

  • BEST OVERALL PRIVATE EVENT - The Best Overall Private Event award signifies an unparalleled celebration that epitomizes the artistry of event planning. This exclusive affair demonstrates impeccable execution, personalized touches, and a seamless flow that reflects the highest standards in private event excellence. It is a testament to the exceptional skill, creativity, and attention to detail exhibited by event professionals in creating unforgettable moments for their clients.
     

  • BEST OVERALL PUBLIC EVENT - The Best Overall Public Event award recognizes an extraordinary gathering that captivates the public with its innovative design, flawless execution, and immersive experiences. This event sets the standard for excellence in the realm of live experiences, showcasing the pinnacle of creativity and professionalism in the events industry.
     

  • BEST OVERALL WEDDING - The Best Overall Wedding award honors an exceptional celebration that showcases meticulous planning, impeccable execution, and a perfect blend of personal style. This event exemplifies the pinnacle of matrimonial bliss, where every detail is flawlessly curated, and the seamless orchestration reflects the expertise of a true event professional.

CATERED

The Catered category recognizes outstanding design and production of food and/or beverage for an event, or series of events.

EVENT CAPTURE

The Event Capture category recognizes outstanding capture of an event through social media content, photographs and/or video.

MARKETING CAMPAIGN

The Marketing Campaign category recognizes an outstanding event or series

of events that achieves

marketing objectives.

SCENIC DESIGN, INSTALLATION OR
EXHIBIT DESIGN

The Scenic Design, Installation or Exhibit Design category recognizes outstanding design and production of scenic/set design, temporary

installations and or exhibit

or tradeshow booths.

DESIGN/DECOR

The Design/Decor category recognizes outstanding design and production of decor elements for an event or

series of events.

INNOVATION

The Innovation category recognizes an outstanding new element or idea that elevates an event, or series of events.

MARKETING COLLATERAL

The Marketing Collateral category recognizes outstanding media material (print or digital) used to promote or provide engagement for an event

- in person, hybrid or virtual.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION

The Technical Production category recognizes outstanding design and achievement of AV production and technology for an event or series of events and/or event technology.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION INITIATIVE

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative category recognizes an outstanding event, or series of events that creates cultural inclusion and belonging, through workplace and/or attendee diversity, diversity intelligence & vendor/supplier diversity.

LOGISTICS

The Logistics category recognizes outstanding problem solving for complex logistical challenges required to execute an event, event element, or series of events.

MULTI-DAY

The Multi-Day category recognizes an outstanding event spanning the course of more than one day with set up and breakdown days

not included.

VIRTUAL

The Virtual category recognizes an outstanding event or series of events for a 100% virtual or hybrid audience who are able to participate in real time.

ENTERTAINER/
ENTERTAINMENT

The Entertainer/Entertainment category recognizes an outstanding entertainer or entertainment production for an event or series of events.

MAKES AN IMPACT
/GIVES BACK

The Makes an Impact/Gives Back category recognizes the positive social, environmental, or cultural impact of an event or series of events.

PLANNING

The Planning category recognizes outstanding achievement in planning

for a live event.

Overall Best

Best Overall Corporate Event

  • On the Eight Track - ASC 2025 | Hello! Destination Management

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Best Overall Non-Profit/Association Event

  • ​ILEA Build: Constructing Creativity | CoveRock Consulting, Radius Event Design, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Your Love in Lights, 4Wall Entertainment, CID Event Productions, Siagel Productions

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Best Overall Public Event

  • Surrey Fusion Festival | MRG Live Ltd, City of Surrey​

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Best Overall Private Event

  • ​DebFest | Sara Walker Private Events

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Best Overall Wedding

  • ​A Blooming Love | Wilkinson Rhodes

Catered Event

Corporate

  • Totally 90's: A Throwback Feast | White Table Catering & Events

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Wedding

  • A Moderne Love Story | D'Amico Hospitality

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Association/Non-Profit

  • Ignite the Night - The Mayor's Party | White Table Catering & Events

Event Design/Decor

Corporate

  • Beyond the Emerald City | Cohera

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Wedding

  • A Blooming Love | Wilkinson Rhodes​

DEI&A Initiative

Corporate

  • Mojave Moment Resilience Space - IMEX 2025 | Hello! Destination Management

​

Public

  • Surrey Fusion Festival | MRG Live Ltd, City of Surrey

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Association/Non-Profit

  • Wing Luke Museum Dinner & Auction: Wing Luke Legacies | GFS Events

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Entertainer/Entertainment

Corporate

  • IPW 2025 Opening Reception: The Ultimate House Party | BeatMix Music​

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Association/Non-Profit

  • Performing with Purpose: Lightscape | Fluxion Entertainment LLC

Event Capture

Corporate

  • Brohn Homes: Havana Nights | Nomad + Camera, Waterloo Creative

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Wedding

  • Liz and John's Wedding | Jessica Miller Photography​

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Public

  • The Bakken Museum: Sparking an Interest in Science | Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC

Event Innovation

Corporate

  • Mojave Moment Resilience Space - IMEX 2025 | Hello! Destination Management

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Private

  • Aroma Journey Friendsgiving Fragrance Blending Experience | Aroma Journey LLC

​

Association/Non-Profit

  • Symphony Soiree | Cohera

​

Wedding

  • Yes, Even the Cream Cheese Wonton | D'Amico Hospitality

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Event Logistics

Corporate

  • US News Award Celebration | Glickerman Productionz​

​

Association/Non-Profit

  • Emerson College Alumni Weekend | Emerson College

​

Public

  • Khatsahlano Street Party | MRG Live Ltd, Kitsilano 4th Ave Business Improvement Association

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Private

  • 60th Birthday Party | CORT Party Rental

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Wedding

  • A Blooming Love | Wilkinson Rhodes

Makes an Impact

Corporate

  • CTC Presents: The HOSPY'S 2025 | CTC Designation Management, a DMC Network Company

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Wedding

  • How we achieved a legitimate Zero Waste Wedding | Eclipse Event Co.​

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Association/Non-Profit

  • GO WEST Future Leaders Program | OneWest Event Design & Production

Multi-Day Event

Corporate

  • White Cap: Champions Club Incentive | AOO Events​

​

Association/Non-Profit

  • ILEA Build: Constructing Creativity | CoveRock Consulting, Radius Event Design, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Your Love in Lights, 4Wall Entertainment, CID Event Productions, Siagel Productions​

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Public

  • Charlotte SHOUT! | Charlotte Center City Partners

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Marketing Collateral

Corporate

  • On the Eight Track - ASC 2025 | Hello! Destination Management​​

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Wedding

  • Alyssa and Justin's Wedding - A Family-Forward Nuptials Event | Aly Am Paperie

Marketing Campaign

Corporate

  • Cohera Brand Launch | Cohera​

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Association/Non-Profit

  • SickKids 150: #Balloonspotting | Citizen Experiential​

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Event Planning

Corporate

  • Tennessee Twilight | Hello! Nashville Destination Management​

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Association/Non-Profit

  • Love Purse | GYM Events​

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Wedding

  • A Blooming Love | Wilkinson Rhodes

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Scenic Design

Corporate

  • Pigment of Your Imagination | Hello! Destination Management​

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Public

  • Santa's Workshop presented by Shoppers Drug Mart | Citizen Experiential​

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Wedding

  • Flower Wedding Event | VIVAS Inc.

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To read more about each winning event and see pictures, click below!
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