ADMEI Awards

Award Classifications

The ADMEI Awards Program includes three classifications: Achievement, People's Choice, and Recognition with multiple award categories within each classification.

• Achievement Awards identify DMCs that excel in Destination Management services for a specific program or event.

• People's Choice Award identifies the public's favorite program or event entry.

• Recognition Awards recognize peers and industry leaders with special acknowledgment for their efforts and leadership.

2026 Entry Instructions & Overview

New in 2026!

Defining "Program" vs. "Event"

In the context of ADMEI’s Awards Program, it’s important to distinguish between an event and a program:

An event refers to a single function or experience within a larger scope—such as a welcome reception, gala dinner, team-building activity, or awards ceremony. It has a specific purpose, location, and time frame.

A program encompasses a series of coordinated events designed to achieve an overarching goal—such as an incentive trip, multi-day conference, product launch, or corporate retreat. Programs typically span multiple days and involve several distinct events, each contributing to a unified theme or objective.

Best Décor & Design is now divided into two categories: Best Décor & Design (Event) and Best Décor & Design (Program).

Detailed information on categories and rules are included in the Entry Instructions document (link below).

Download  2026 Entry Instructions                      Enter Awards Submission Platform

2026 Award Program Dates

All programs submitted for the must have occurred between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025 and taken place in the DMC’s local destination (or virtually).