Nominate – Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Awards & Summit

September 22-24, 2026

Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes, California

Nominate a Show Today!

In addition to honoring the 100 largest U.S.-based trade shows that took place in 2025, Trade Show Executive (TSE) will single out additional shows for the Gold 100 Grand Awards. The winners of these awards will be held in strict confidence until the envelopes are opened at the Gold 100 Awards Gala. TSE will spotlight one show in each of the categories listed below with a coveted crystal trophy on stage at the annual event.

The Giants Among Giants

In our quest to seek out shows that exemplify the very best, TSE’s Gold 100 Grand Awards will be open to shows of all sizes, not just the largest. Your show does not need to be ranked in the Gold 100 to be nominated for a Grand Award.

Managers who consider their shows to be in the forefront of social media, technology, marketing strategies, or any of the other categories, may enter their events regardless of whether or not they are on the Gold 100 roster. Winners will be based on how well their event’s initiatives and performance align with the award criteria.

Grand Award Nominations are Closed!

Nominations are Open on May 20th, the Deadline is extended to July 27th.. The Grand Award Finalists (four in each category) will be revealed on August 3rd.

Four Grand Award Finalist will be selected in each category, and we encourage to submit in more than one category! All Grand Award Finalists receive a complimentary registration and are invited to attend the Gold 100 Awards & Summit in Palos Verdes CA, September 21-24th, 2026.

PART I: Basic Data

Show Name

2025 Show Dates

2025 Show Site (facility, city and state)

2025 Show Format (in person, virtual or hybrid)

Show Management

Name of Show Management Company or Association and Name of Nominator

Address

City

U.S. State

Zip Code

Cell Phone of Nominator

Web Site

Top Executive Responsible for the Show

Executive Name

Executive Title

Executive E-mail

Additional E-mails to Contact

PART II: Grand Award Categories

Please consider my show for the following Grand Award Categories:

(You may enter multiple categories)

(1) Most Extreme Results from Social Media in 2025

This award recognizes the show that saw the most impressive stats from its social media marketing and campaigns. Tell us about what platforms you used, new channels you tried and what the results were from your efforts in this submission.

(2) Stickiest Show Floor in 2025

The Stickiest Show Floor award will honor the show that recorded the best strategy for keeping attendees on the show floor and engaging with exhibitors. If you used specific metrics to track this and engagement, please share them in this submission.

(3) Show with the Most Commendable Green Initiatives

Are you championing sustainability at your show with progressive and effective efforts and initiatives? Tell us all about it in your submission to the Show with the Most Commendable Green Initiative award.

(4) Best Use of Technology and Data in 2025

Technology is rapidly evolving in the event space, with the introduction of new tools and solutions for show organizers. This award recognizes the show that is taking the best advantage of technological advancements and using it to better their shows, programming and operations. Tell us how your team is using technology and data to enhance your show in a submission for the Best Use of Technology and Data award.

(5) Slam Dunk Award: Best New Idea of 2025

This award recognizes a disruptive and successful idea that brought an event to new heights in 2025. From a new activation or event to after-hours programming to helping exhibitors see the most success onsite to everything in between, share what idea took your event to the next level for a chance to win the Slam Dunk Award.

(6) The Marketing Genius Award

The Marketing Genius Award recognizes the show team that implemented the most clever and effective marketing techniques.

(7) Best Strategic Partnership Award

This award recognizes the strategic partnership that yielded the most success in the pursuit of their objectives and led to an enhanced offering. In this nomination, please include what the purpose/goals of the partnership were and how they were met or exceeded. This is open to all trade show industry partnerships for consideration.

(8) Best Attendee Acquisition Model

This award recognizes the show that implemented the most successful attendee acquisition strategy. Share with us your strategy and the results of it in a nomination for the Best Attendee Acquisition Model award.

(9) Best Exhibitor ROI of 2025

Did your show see high ROI for exhibitors in 2025? Tell us how you did it in a submission for the Best Exhibitor ROI of 2024 award.

(10) Best New Launch in 2025

Whether it be a new kind of program for attendees, sponsorship offering or even a brand-new show, share with us what launch in 2025 was most impactful.

(11) Staying Connected Award

The Staying Connected Award recognizes the show that has implemented the best programs to stay connected to its audience year-round.

(12) Against All Odds Awards

This award recognizes a trade show that successfully took place in 2025 despite facing significant challenges such as global disruptions, economic hurdles, or unforeseen obstacles. Celebrating resilience and innovation, this category honors the event that demonstrated determination, adaptability, and leadership to deliver a memorable and impactful experience against all odds.

(13) Good Impact Award

This award honors trade shows that are making a meaningful difference for the world and their show community. Whether through initiatives that promote social responsibility, charitable causes, sustainability, or community engagement, this recognition highlights events dedicated to doing good and creating a positive legacy. Nominate your show if it demonstrates a genuine commitment to making a lasting, positive impact beyond just the event itself.

(14) Greatest Trade Show of 2025

Best overall show in terms of show highlights; sets the standard in excellence for exhibitor/attendee satisfaction, service to the industry, leadership within the industry, innovative techniques and flawless logistics. Previous winners are ineligible to enter this category.

PART III: The Rationale for a Gold 100 Grand Award

Describe how your show exemplifies the Gold Standard in the category. Maximum word count is 1,400 words. You may attach additional supporting documentation such as samples, images, artwork, web links, etc.

Questions? gold100@tradeshowexecutive.com

Entry

File Uploads

PART IV: Verification

I hereby certify that all statistical information provided on this form is accurate.

Name

E-mail

Certification

I hereby certify that all statistical information provided on this form is accurate