The ABPCO Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate industry best practice in association and not-for-profit conferences and events.  They are an opportunity to showcase the incredible work that is being undertaken in this sector, and the positive impact that it has.

We are open for entries to the 2026 ABPCO Excellence Awards! Click here to access our Entry Portal.  The deadline to enter is Friday 7 August 2026.

This year's Awards will be presented in Belfast on 11 December at ICC Belfast. 

If your organisation is interested in sponsoring this year's event contact Matt Stalker. 

2026 ABPCO Excellence Award categories:

• Best Association Events Team
  This Award recognises the events team best able to demonstrate outstanding performance and results. Enter here>>
• Best Digital & Technology Provider
  This Award recognises the best digital and technology provider to work in partnership with PCOs, associations and/or industry partners. Enter here>>
• Best EDI at a Conference
  This Award recognises the PCO or conference team that has best demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion for their conference. Enter here>>
• Best Event by an Agency PCO (ABPCO members only)
  This Award recognises the conference or event delivered by an agency PCO which best demonstrates outstanding planning and has resulted in a purposeful, impactful and engaging event. Enter here>>
• Best Event by an In-House PCO (ABPCO members only)
  This Award recognises the conference or event delivered by an in-house team which best demonstrates outstanding planning and has resulted in a purposeful, impactful and engaging event. Enter here>>
• Best Industry Supplier  (ABPCO members only)
  This Award recognises the industry supplier that best demonstrates their positive impact on the not-for-profit/association events sector. Enter here>>
• Best International Conference
  This Award recognises the best conference or event which has taken place outside of the UK that demonstrates outstanding event organisation, and which has resulted in an innovative, impactful, and engaging event. Enter here>>
• Best Member Engagement
  This Award recognises the best membership engagement via an event or a membership campaign. Enter here>>
• Best Partnership
  This Award recognises the best partnership between PCOs, associations and/or industry partners. Enter here>>
• NEW: Best New Conference
  This Award recognises the best new conference to be delivered for the first time since 1 June 2025. Enter here>>
• Best Sustainable Conference
  This Award recognises the PCO or conference team that has best demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of economic, social and/or environmental sustainability for their conference. Enter here>>
• Guiding Star
  This Award recognises the individual working in association and not-for-profit events or as a supplier to these, who has best shown exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting others within the industry. Enter here>>
• Legacy and Impact
  This Award recognises a team or organisation that has best shown far-reaching impact for our industry and further afield. Enter here>>
• Rising Star
  This Award will be presented to the individual, who has spent less than 5 years in the association and not-for-profit events industry (or as a supplier to these), who has best shown exceptional promise and made significant impact. Enter here>>
• Student of the Year 
  This Award will be presented to the student, currently studying events management (or a related field) at a UK University or who has graduated in 2026, who best demonstrates exceptional promise and an outstanding approach to learning. Enter here>>