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: 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*

* Platform opens week of 10 August 2025

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).