The initiative expands IAEE’s services for exhibition organisers and exhibitors following its acquisition of Exhibitor Group.
IAEE represents professionals involved in planning, producing and supporting exhibitions worldwide. Through the acquisition, the association is incorporating Exhibitor Group’s 40 years of independent exhibit evaluation and industry experience into IAEE member events.
Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE, said: “For 40 years, EXHIBITOR magazine has identified, documented and celebrated the trade show exhibits that raise the bar for our industry,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “The EXHIBITOR Design Awards offer organizers a meaningful, independent way to recognize their exhibitors and giving exhibitors the kind of credible, industry-trusted recognition they aspire to earn. This is exactly the kind of ecosystem-building we committed to with the Exhibitor Group acquisition.”
For its 2026 event, CONEXPO-CON/AGG partnered with EXHIBITOR to deliver its Best of Show Awards programme.
Nicole Hallada, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Marketing at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, added: “The program drove excitement on the show floor and pride among exhibitors, with overwhelmingly positive feedback on the recognition they received,” added Nicole Hallada, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Marketing for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Independent judging and onsite evaluation
The EXHIBITOR Design Awards use independent judging, transparent scoring and formal evaluation criteria developed by editorial specialists with experience in the exhibition industry.
Every exhibit at a participating event is automatically considered for recognition. Exhibitors are not required to submit applications, complete entry forms or pay participation fees.
EXHIBITOR manages most operational elements of the awards programme for participating events.
These services include the development of award categories and programme structure, recruitment and management of independent judges, and preparation of promotional copy and communication materials.
EXHIBITOR also manages finalist selection and notification, customised plaques and trophies, award branding, onsite judging and event coordination.
The programme includes photography of finalists, video production for winners, a professionally produced awards presentation, editorial coverage and formal recognition of recipients.
Participating exhibition organisers provide strategic input, access to the event and space for the awards presentation, while EXHIBITOR manages the remaining programme requirements.
Thousands of exhibits are evaluated annually through the programme. Up to 40 finalists may be recognised at each participating event, while awards presentations typically attract between 200 and 300 attendees.
Tags: Marsha Flanagan, IAEE
