Celebrating the innovation, resilience and excellence of Aotearoa's world-class events industry.
Announced 15 June 2026
Congratulations to all finalists. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 5 August 2026 at the NZICC, Auckland.
Individual Award
★ Sponsored by NZICC
Individual Award
Event Category
★ Sponsored by Ticketmaster
Event Category
★ Sponsored by Cvent
Event Category
★ Sponsored by Race Roster
Event Category
★ Sponsored by MRI
✦ New for 2026
★ Sponsored by Click for Hire
Event Category
Event Category
Event Category
Event Category
★ Sponsored by APRA
Event Category
★ Sponsored by Ticketek
Supplier / Industry Award
★ Sponsored by NZME
Inclusion Award
Supplier / Industry Award
★ Sponsored by Phantom Billstickers
Sustainability Award
Venue Award
★ Supported by EVANZ
Special Awards
These two awards are not entered in the same way — read on for details.
★ Sponsored by Maketu Pies
All finalists from the Excellence Award categories are automatically entered. The event with the most public votes during the voting timeline wins. Voting opens soon, thanks to EventFinda for the support.
No separate entry required — finalist status from another category is your ticket in.
Recognises an individual or team with an outstanding contribution to advancing the New Zealand events industry. By third-party nomination only.
No finalists announced — winner revealed at the Gala.
About the Awards
Give your people, stakeholders and suppliers the recognition they deserve. These awards honour the people who push our industry forward.
Honour outstanding events and suppliers delivering exceptional experiences for communities right across New Zealand.
Finalists and winners gain national recognition, media exposure and a powerful endorsement of the quality work you deliver.
Key Dates
Save the Date
The Awards Gala Evening will be held in conjunction with the Eventing the Future Conference at Auckland's New Zealand International Convention Centre on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
An extraordinary evening celebrating the people, events and organisations shaping Aotearoa's events industry.
Date & Venue
Wednesday 5 August 2026
NZICC, Auckland
Tickets on Sale Now
One of the best reasons to enter the Awards? Your work will be seen by an outstanding panel of judges drawn from across the events, sponsorship, supplier, and business sectors.
Every entry is carefully reviewed, and you'll receive valuable feedback from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry.
The full award descriptions, eligibility, and judging criteria for each category.
Recognises event or sponsorship professionals with under five years' experience (as at 7 April 2026) who demonstrate outstanding leadership and industry potential. No age limit.
Proudly Sponsored by NZICCRecognises professionals with a significant career — typically 6+ years' experience — where the qualifying year demonstrates exceptional excellence and outstanding performance.
Recognises outstanding arts, cultural, or heritage events — regardless of organisation size or event budget.
Proudly Sponsored by TicketmasterRecognises excellence in business events of any size — both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C).
Proudly Sponsored by CventRecognises excellence in events with fewer than 3,000 participants delivered to meet community needs or for cause-related fundraising and awareness.
Proudly Sponsored by Race RosterRecognises excellence in events with more than 3,000 participants delivered to meet community needs or for cause-related fundraising and awareness.
Proudly Sponsored by MRIRecognises excellence in event sponsorship that delivers strong outcomes for all stakeholders through a cohesive, integrated strategy.
Proudly Sponsored by Click for HireRecognises excellence in food, beverage, or lifestyle events — food/wine/beer festivals, garden shows, special-interest expos.
Recognises excellence in events owned or delivered by local government.
Recognises excellence in sports events. Event budget and size are irrelevant.
Proudly Sponsored by TicketekRecognises excellence in music-focused events — concerts, festivals, performances, tours, one-off or series.
Proudly Sponsored by APRARecognises successful hosting and/or delivery of an internationally significant event in New Zealand.
Recognises excellence in event marketing and creative concepts — graphic design, design & build, theming, and more.
Proudly Sponsored by Phantom BillstickersRecognises outstanding service or product suppliers supporting the events industry.
Proudly Sponsored by NZMERecognises outstanding environmental sustainability initiatives across the events sector.
Recognises outstanding diversity, equity, and inclusivity-focused events that champion belonging and representation.
For event venues — stadiums, convention centres, private function venues, sporting venues, community venues.
Proudly Supported by EVANZJoin us at the NZICC, Auckland for Aotearoa's most prestigious events industry night.
