The qualifying period is for events that took place between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026.
The deadline for entries is 1st April 2026.
The shortlist will be revealed by the 14th of May 2026.
Non-member entries
Non-member entries are priced at £599 (+VAT) per entry. You will be invoiced on receipt of entry and payment must be made prior to the entry deadline, otherwise they will not be included.
Entries from AEV & ESSA members are included as a member benefit.
Judging process
To ensure only the very best entries reach the shortlist and ultimately win the accolade, alongside an independent third party judging process, 35% of the judges come from within the industry, and 65% from outside of membership which provides a unique and truly impartial view.
We promote and seek to attain both a diverse and inclusive profile for all our events, working groups, and judging panels.
Click here for top tips for writing a successful award entry
Entry guidance from the AEO Excellence Awards judges:
We value authenticity and originality — entries that tell your unique story and stand out.
While AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful, over-reliance may result in submissions that feel formulaic or lack a personal touch.
Judges want to be inspired and engaged, so ensure your entry reflects your voice. Submissions that sound alike risk blending in with the crowd.
.png)
.png)
.png/fit-in/1280x9999/filters:no_upscale())
)
.png/fit-in/1280x9999/filters:no_upscale())
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
.png/fit-in/1280x9999/filters:no_upscale())
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
.png/fit-in/1280x9999/filters:no_upscale())
)
.png/fit-in/1280x9999/filters:no_upscale())
)
)
)
)