ENTRY KIT
www.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwardsCONTENTS: ABOUT THE AWARDS & KEY DATES ....................... 2 2026 CATEGORIES & CRITERIA .......................... 3 - 7 HOW & WHY ENTER THE AWARDS ......................... 8 ELIGIBILITY & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................... 9 BENEFITS OF ENTERING ............................................ 10 TOP TIPS FOR ENTRIES .............................................. 11 GET IN TOUCH .............................................................. 12 ABOUT THE AWARDS: The AV Awards 2026 is your chance to take center stage and be recognised among the best in Technology, Business, People, and Projects. Last year over 1,400 AV Professionals gathered to celebrate groundbreaking achievements AWARD KEY DATES: Friday 24 April 2026: Early bird entry deadline Friday 12 June 2026: Standard entry deadline July 2026: First round of judging to begin August 2026: Finalists announced Awards Event: Friday 6 November 2026
2026 CATEGORIES - BUSINESS DE&I Initiative of the Year This award recognises an individual, team or organisation that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to promoting Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) both within your business and across the industry as a whole over the past 12 months. Entries are open to organisations dedicated to promoting DEI as well as AV organisations that have undertaken specific DEI initiatives. Entries are also welcome from partnerships between the two types of organisations. Distributor of the Year Distributors of AV technology across all markets and regions which provide equipment and support to the dealer channel on behalf of the AV manufacturers they represent. In most cases distributors provide all the services and support elements that are available directly from the manufacturers, including inventory to accommodate immediate needs, warranty processing, service support, project and design assistance as well as demonstration equipment, sales training and sales assistance. Channel Team of the Year For any team working within channel businesses (manufacturers, distributions, integrators, resellers, consultants, production and rental companies), including sales, R&D, delivery, service teams, marketing, etc. Sustainability Initiative of the Year This award will recognise how a sustainable approach has improved commercial performance, competitiveness, employee engagement, and customer and supplier perception. It will also reward innovative practices; future sustainability plans and awareness; and the greatest commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. Integrator of the Year Integrators that serve customers either locally or internationally across all regions, and are committed to the complete project; from design, construction and installation, from delivery to training, and from commissioning to service and maintenance. Manufacturer of the Year Any organisation that is involved in the research, design and production of AV technology. AV Start Up of the Year The Audio Visual (AV) Start-Up of the Year Award honours emerging companies that are making a significant impact in the AV industry. This award recognises start-ups that showcase innovation, technical excellence, and the potential to shape the future of AV technologies in sectors like live events, entertainment, corporate environments, education, or immersive experiences. Submit an entry online: www.avawards.com *T&Cs: Entry deadline: Friday 24 April, £180 + VAT per entry
*AV Apprentice of the Year The AV Apprentice of the Year Award celebrates emerging talent within the AV industry, recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, technical skill, and a passion for developing their career. This award honours apprentices who have made a notable contribution to their workplace, shown a commitment to learning, and displayed the potential to become future leaders in the AV sector. Submit an entry online: www.avawards.com *T&Cs: Entry deadline: Friday 24 April, £180 + VAT per entry 2026 CATEGORIES - PEOPLE AV Professional of the Year Individuals working in the AV/IT, events or production industry, whether for an end-user organisation, a vendor or working on a freelance basis. Nominations should recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution and/or shown impressive leadership in the management of an in-house contract or vendor service- driven team. Rising Star of the Year This category is open to individuals that have been in the AV Industry for five years or less. This applies to all sectors of the supply chain, including end- users, freelancers and contractors. The aim of this award is to recognise an emerging professional who has made a standout contribution to the technical, operational, or commercial performance of their team or company. To be eligible for this award, entrants must have been in the industry for 5 years or less. *RETURNING* End-User Team of the Year This category recognises in-house AV/IT/support, production and events service teams who would typically look after the technology procurement, service selection, delivery, implementation and maintenance/management internally of an AV service, project or event. The team may be outsourced, but must only serve the primary end-user organisation.
2026 CATEGORIES - PROJECTS Event and Live Entertainment Project of the Year Temporary installations, live and and broadcast productions using AV and experiential technology in live events, studio- based and virtual productions (entertainment shows, ceremonies, conferences, product launches, festivals, etc). Permanent installations should be entered in Venue Project of the Year or Themed Entertainment Project of the Year. Corporate Project of the Year Installations using AV and experiential technology in finance, legal, telecoms, IT, property, real estate, chemical/petroleum - excludes corporate lobbies, which should be entered into retail project. Leisure and Hospitality Project of the Year Installations using AV and experiential technology in cruise ships, sports and leisure facilities, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and resorts, travel agents, tour operators, casinos and F&B - excludes large stadiums which should enter venue project of the year. However, if you have installed into hospitality areas, this would be included here. Public Sector Project of the Year Installations using AV and experiential technology in government, military, law enforcement, emergency services, health, medical, transport, energy and utilities, and command and control rooms. Retail Project of the Year Installations using AV and experiential technology in digital signage, digital out of home (DooH), retail, showrooms and corporate lobbies. Themed Entertainment and Attractions Project of the Year Permanent installations using AV and experiential technology in entertainment environments - cinema, visitor attractions, museums, theme parks, heritage and visitor attractions, galleries, science centres and themed attractions. Venue Project of the Year Permanent installations using AV and experiential technology in large venues - houses of worship, stadiums, conference halls, historic venues, theatres, exhibition venues, musical entertainment and performance venues. Temporary installations, live and broadcast productions should entered in events and live entertainment project of the year. Education Project of the Year Installations using AV and experiential technology in all kinds of learning environments, such as higher, primary, secondary, further education and auditoriums – and covering applications such as lecture capture and distance learning. Submit an entry online: www.avawards.com *T&Cs: Entry deadline: Friday 24 April, £180 + VAT per entry
2026 CATEGORIES - TECHNOLOGYols Control and Management Technology of the Year All audio, visual and lighting technologies fulfilling the role of management and control in a pro AV environment, including apps and software. Commercial control systems include keypads, control panels (audio, video, lighting), touch panel controls, remote controls used in both AV applications and applied integrated systems for energy control, building management and lighting control. This also includes integrated physical access control such as keypads, serial controllers, IP-enabled controllers, and edge- based extenders. Standalone software includes all software that is not integrated or packaged with other products for AV asset management, design, show control, collaboration, content creation, scheduling, content management and room management for many solutions, such as digital signage, collaboration, cinema, live events, command and control. Processing and Distribution Technology of the Year All technologies fulfilling the role of processing and distribution in a pro AV environment. Includes processors, signal routing and switching to include signal switchers, transmitters and matrix switchers (routers) that transmit and replicate control information and IP-based AV signals outside specialist applications (such as broadcast). Collaboration Technology of the Year Video conferencing, telepresence, audio conferencing, web conferencing, or any other software environment, or ecosystem that delivers eco-system collaboration rather than communication functionality. Interactive touch screens should enter Communication Technology of the Year, if they are supporting collaboration environments. Enabling Technology of the Year All enabling technology including brackets, mounts, cages, visualisation, simulation, software, tools, accessories, monitoring, power and design tools. Submit an entry online: www.avawards.com *T&Cs: Early Bird Entry deadline: Friday 24 April, £180 + VAT per entry
2026 CATEGORIES - TECHNOLOGYols Visual Technology of the Year All display technology, including projectors, LFD, LED, and mixed reality. *Event/Experience Technology of the Year All pro audio, video and lighting technology involved in events, production, rental and staging. Audio Technology of the Year Pro audio technology involved in installations across all sectors, except production. Audio Technology of the Year Pro audio technology involved in installations across all sectors, except production. Enabling Technology of the Year All enabling technology including brackets, mounts, cages, visualisation, simulation, software, tools, accessories, monitoring, power and design tools. Digital Signage Technology of the Year Digital signage technology solutions including media players, servers, software and managed services to display content in out-of-home (OOH), public environments, and by multiple individuals simultaneously to convey information, advertising, or other forms of messaging. Displays should enter Visual Technology or Communication Technology of the Year.Submit an entry online: www.avawards.com *T&Cs: Early Bird Entry deadline: Friday 24 April, £180 + VAT per entry
To submit an entry, choose your desired category and click the 'Enter Now' button. You will be prompted to create an account or log in if you're an existing user. If you'd like to submit additional entries, simply select more categories from the dropdown menu. WHY ENTER THE AV AWARDS?The AV Awards offers a prime opportunity to recognise and applaud the accomplishments and positive contributions made within the AV idustry. If you are passionate and leading within the business, technology, and people industry, then now is the perfect time to recognise your efforts by submitting an entry! Enter your company and/or personalities for the awards today and if you are shortlisted, you will benefit from a host of opportunities putting your organisation in the spotlight. Elevate your company profile within the AV industry Be recognised as the best in your sector, judged by senior industry leaders Gain exposure to the AV Magazines audiences and enjoy coverage about your organisation in pre and post-event write-ups. Exclusive use of the ‘AV Award Finalist’ logo Meet and engage with influential figures and decision-makers from across the full spectrum of the AV industry Our winners are published in the AV Magazine, giving you and your organisation even more exposure to the sector, both online and in print. HOW TO ENTER www.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwards www.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwards
Entries should showcase work/achievements carried in the past year: 01 February 2025 – 31 May 2026 Entrants should have a strong UK presence; shortlisted companies are expected to attend or be represented at the awards. You can access the full criteria for each category on the categories page, under each category description, simply click the ‘criteria’ button to view the details. Be sure to provide as much supporting evidence as possible to strengthen your submission www.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwards ENTRY ELIGIBILITY The executive summary should be no more than 500 words. This section serves as an opportunity to highlight your most significant work and achievements, providing clear and compelling evidence to support your claims. The summary must address all key points outlined in the criteria for each category, offering a comprehensive overview of your accomplishments. Entrants should ensure that this is the most polished and impactful section of their submission, as it sets the tone for the evaluation and will be the primary reference for the judges when assessing your entry. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
VIEW 2025 WINNERS www.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwards BENEFITS OF ENTERING: Maximise Your Exposure Benefit from extensive pre- and post-event coverage, putting your team and projects in the spotlight. “It is the pinnacle of the AV year - miss it and miss out!” Jason Huggins Key Account Manager, Sony “A great opportunity to network and see the best the industry has to offer.” Tristan Roebuck Senior Technical Project Manager Boston Consulting Group Elevate Your Brand Showcase your company and achievements to the entire AV industry, boosting your reputation and visibility. Be Recognised by Industry Leaders Stand out as the best in your sector, with entries judged by a panel of senior experts and influential professionals. Connect with Key Decision-Makers Attend an unmissable evening of celebration and networking with over 1,400 AV professionals, including top-tier industry influencers. Use the Prestige to Your Advantage Gain exclusive rights to the AV Awards Finalist logo—an instant mark of quality and credibility.
TOP TIPS FOR AN AWARD-WINNING ENTRYwww.avawards.com @AVMagazine #AVAwards1. PREPARE IN ADVANCE Familiarise yourself with the entry questions before starting your submission and think of the best way to present your project. Remember to make a note of the deadline!3. DRAFT YOUR WORK It is best practice to draft the answers to the questions into a word document before submitting your entry. This way you'll never lose your hard work and always have a copy to refer back to.7. ADD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Don’t forget to include some images or documents to help support your entry, giving the judges the full picture.2. ALLOW TIME Time is essential to the success of any award submission, so ensure you have plenty of time to focus on preparing a quality entry that helps the judges understand why you should win.4. TELL YOUR STORY Every company has a story and we want to know yours! Tell us what challenges you overcame to get where you are, what path you took to build your success, and how you accomplished the achievements that make you deserving of the winner’s crown.5. USE TESTIMONIALS Solid testimonials from your customers or clients are one of the strongest ways to impress the judges and add value to your entry. We have a section for testimonials, that is free of a word-count, so make sure you utilise this space.6. PROOF YOUR WORK Make sure you proofread your work and gain input from colleagues before submitting your entry.8. THINK LIKE A JUDGE What makes your submission stand out? We highly recommend taking a step back before submitting your entry and reading it from a judge’s point of view. We want to know why you really deserve to win this award against worthy competition. ENTER NOW
GET IN TOUCH If you have any questions regarding your entries, please contact logistics@emap.com FAQS Click here to view our frequently asked questions. SUBMIT AN ENTRY Click here to view all the criteria and submit an entry!