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SUMMARY:ABPCO Excellence Awards 2026
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DESCRIPTION:\n\nThe 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. This year's Awards will be presented in Belfast on 11 December at ICC Belfast.  The ABPCO Awards are free to enter and open to members and non-members. \n\nABPCO Award Finalists will be announced in early September!\n\nOur Headline Event Sponsor is SEC - Scottish Event Campus.\n\nOur Awards Dinner Networking Supper sponsor is Visit Belfast and our Newcomers Drinks sponsor is MICE Concierge.  Our Student Participation sponsor is the Liverpool Experience Campus (LEX) and our Event Tech Partner is CVent.   Our Awards welcome drinks sponsor is Harrogate Convention Centre and our Video Production Partner is Inclusive Digital. \n\nIf your organisation is interested in sponsoring this year's event contact Matt Stalker. \n\n2026 ABPCO Excellence Award categories:Best Association Events Team - sponsored by Manchester Central\nThis Award recognises the events team best able to demonstrate outstanding performance and results. The submission could show how team spirit has been enhanced and should showcase how the team fosters a culture of innovation and delivers excellent customer service. Best Digital & Technology Provider - sponsored by Live Recruitment \nThis Award recognises the best digital and technology provider to work in partnership with PCOs, associations and/or industry partners. The winning application will  demonstrate outstanding performance and results due to a successful partnership.  It will also showcase how the provider has enabled conference innovation.  Best EDI at a Conference - sponsored by the British Motor Museum \nThis Award recognises the PCO or conference team that has best demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion for their conference.Best Event by an Agency PCO (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by Full Circle Events & Exhibitions\nThis 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.Best Event by an In-House PCO (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by P&J Live\nThis 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. Best Industry Supplier  (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by Modex \nThis Award recognises the industry supplier that best demonstrates their positive impact on the not-for-profit/association events sector. Best International Conference - sponsored by Allianz Stadium Twickenham \nThis 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. Best Member Engagement - sponsored by Memcom\nThis Award recognises the best membership engagement via an event or a membership campaign. The winning team will be able to demonstrate outstanding innovation, performance, and results.  The submission could show how you have been innovative in your approach at an event or within the membership journey. Best Partnership - sponsored by the Telford International Centre\nThis Award recognises the best partnership between PCOs, associations and/or industry partners. The winning application will demonstrate outstanding performance and results.NEW: Best New Conference - sponsored by the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel \nThis Award recognises the best new conference to be delivered for the first time since 1 June 2025. Best Sustainable Conference\nThis 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. Guiding Star - sponsored by London Excel \nThis 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.Legacy and Impact - sponsored by Bridgewater Hall \nThis Award recognises a team or organisation that has best shown far-reaching impact for our industry and further afield. Judges will look for tangible metrics, evidence of impact  and will take into consideration how far-reaching and long-lasting the legacy could be. Rising Star - sponsored by the Crowne Plaza Newcastle \nThis 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. Student of the Year - sponsored by Allianz Stadium Twickenham \nThis 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. Outstanding Contribution Award \nThis Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to ABPCO and/or the association/not-for-profit events sector.   The nomination may relate to a specific project or a longer-term contribution. To nominate, email a supporting statement of up to 250 words to hello@abpco.org by Friday 25 September (self-nomination is not accepted).  The ABPCO Executive Committee reserves the right to award the Lifetime Achievement Award.\n\n
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LOCATION:ICC Belfast
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