The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has officially opened entries for the Australian Business Events Awards 2026, unveiling a refreshed awards program shaped by industry feedback and designed to reflect the full breadth of Australia’s dynamic business events sector.
Recognising excellence across every part of the business events ecosystem, from organisers, venues and destinations to suppliers, agencies, technology providers and emerging leaders; all award criteria has been refined, offering clearer category definitions and stronger alignment.
The 2026 program introduces a new Best Corporate Event category, which was introduced in direct response to industry feedback. The category recognises excellence in corporate-led events, including company conferences, product launches, leadership events, awards programs and major organisational gatherings, opening the awards to a broader cross-section of the business events community.
ABEA has also refined the Best Incentive Event category, providing a clearer definition of incentive programs as performance enhancement tools linked to measurable workplace outcomes. The update is designed to strengthen category integrity and ensure more consistent judging.
Further changes include a comprehensive review of criteria across all award categories. Questions are more direct, outcome-focused and aligned to measurable results, providing entrants with clearer guidance while supporting greater consistency throughout the judging process.
The Contribution to Industry Award, ABEA’s highest individual honour, is now free to enter and can no longer be self-nominated. The change reinforces its position as a genuine peer-recognition award celebrating individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have left a lasting mark on the sector.
ABEA CEO Melissa Brown said the refresh demonstrates the association’s commitment to listening to members and evolving with the industry it represents to ensure all contributors are recognised.
“The Australian business events industry is home to extraordinary talent, innovation and expertise, and these awards provide an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations setting the standard for our sector.
“Recognition matters because it shines a light on the work happening behind the scenes, encourages continuous improvement and helps showcase the value our industry delivers to businesses, communities and the wider economy.
“We’re committed to ensuring the program remains relevant, credible and representative of the industry it serves, while continuing to celebrate the outstanding work being delivered across Australia,” said Brown.
The 2026 Australian Business Events Awards feature 24 categories spanning events, products and initiatives, teams, venues, and individual excellence. Winners will be announced at the Australian Business Events Awards on 2 December 2026 at Adelaide Convention Centre as part of the ABEA Conference & Awards.
Entries are open now and close at 5:00pm AEDT on Monday 20 October 2026.
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