Celebrating exceptional accomplishments in hosting, delivering and promoting major events
In 2024, we introduced the Host City Awards celebrating excellence in hosting, delivering, and promoting major sports, business, and cultural events worldwide. In 2025, the Host City Awards return to honour the outstanding achievements that continue to shape the future of global events. Building on the momentum of our inaugural year, the 2025 edition celebrates a new wave of pioneers - cities, organisers, and leaders who have raised the bar in creativity, governance, and long-term value. As the world of events evolves, the Host City Awards spotlight those who not only adapt but lead with purpose and innovation.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Event Engagement
Open to: Host Destinations
This award recognises events that achieved exceptional audience impact relative to their size or resources. Judges will look for creative strategies - such as campaigns, partnerships or tech - that drove strong media, digital or attendance results, with evidence of both immediate reach and lasting audience growth.
Most Sustainable Event
Open to: Host Destinations & Rights Holders
This award honours events that delivered measurable environmental and social impact. Judges will assess data on emissions, waste and sourcing, alongside community benefits like accessibility and local engagement, and lasting sustainability legacies or practices.
Outstanding Economic Impact
Open to: Host Destinations & Rights Holders
This award recognises events that delivered clear economic value through visitor spend, job creation, and business growth. Judges will consider how investment was used and the event’s lasting contribution to the host’s economy, tourism, and global profile.
Best Commercial Strategy for a Major Event
Open to: Rights Holders & Service Providers
This award celebrates outstanding commercial results achieved through a clear strategy. Entrants should highlight revenue from sources like sponsorship, ticketing or media rights, as well as innovative ways they maximised returns. Judges will also look for evidence of long-term brand growth or sustained income.
Strongest Fan Growth
Open to: Rights Holders & Service Providers
This category recognises exceptional growth in an event’s fan base. Entrants should show measurable audience increases and explain the strategies or innovations used to drive engagement. Judges will also consider how fan loyalty was built and monetised through repeat attendance, merchandise or community initiatives.
Innovation in Event Technology
Open to: Suppliers
This award honours the most impactful use of new technology to enhance event delivery or experience. Entrants should highlight how their innovation improved engagement, efficiency or outcomes, supported by results such as usage data, feedback or recognition.
Best Event Infrastructure Solution
Open to: Suppliers
This category rewards outstanding infrastructure solutions that met the specific needs of an event. Entrants should demonstrate how their project supported safety, efficiency and accessibility, while showcasing innovations or sustainable practices that added long-term value.
Excellence in Event Delivery
Open to: Suppliers
This award recognises exceptional contributions to delivering a world-class event experience. Entrants should highlight innovative or creative approaches across any area of delivery, and demonstrate lasting impact or legacy for the event owner or host.
Best Use of AI
Open to: Hosts, Rights Holders & Suppliers
This category celebrates the most effective and innovative use of AI in event strategy or operations. Entrants should show clear benefits - such as efficiency, engagement or personalisation - and demonstrate how their approach could inspire broader use across the events industry.
Eligibility
Conference attendance is an entry requirement. Any organisation registered to attend Host City conference can enter for free. If shortlisted a representative of the applicant will be required to attend the Civic Reception and Award Ceremony.
The event period for the award submission must have taken place within the last two years (from December 2023 to December 2025).
Process:
