TSNN launches new exhibitor awards program

Trade Show News Network is rolling out The EXHIEs, a new awards program meant to recognize exhibitor excellence across trade shows and industries. The first events are set for Connect Marketplace in Tampa in August and LongevityFest in Las Vegas in December.

Why it matters: - The EXHIEs is positioned as the first industry-wide awards program focused on exhibitor performance, filling what TSNN calls a gap in recognition across a market that generates more than $15 billion annually in North America. - Exhibitors often spend $30,000 to $500,000 or more per show, making booth execution, engagement and sustainability a major business investment.

What happened: - Trade Show News Network announced The EXHIEs on July 13, 2026. - The inaugural program will debut at Connect Marketplace in Tampa, Florida, in August. - A second event is scheduled for LongevityFest in Las Vegas in December. - Additional EXHIEs events are expected to be announced later this year.

The details: - The program includes five award categories: Best Booth Design, Most Engaging Experience, Best Use of Technology, Sustainability Champion and Best in Show. - Best Booth Design is split into three size tiers: small under 400 square feet, medium at 400 to 999 square feet, and large at 1,000 square feet and above. - Best Booth Design will consider creativity, visual appeal, functionality and comfort. - Best in Show will go to the strongest overall booth across all categories. - TSNN said all exhibitors are automatically entered at no cost. - The company will host pre-event webinars to explain expectations and answer questions. - Exhibitors can submit floor plans, sustainability plans and other materials in advance to support judging. - Winners will receive awards for display, media coverage across TSNN platforms, social media recognition and possible inclusion in case studies and content.

Between the lines: - The program gives TSNN a new way to extend its editorial reach into live event floors, where exhibitor spend and brand competition are highly visible. - TSNN Strategic Director Kim Collie said exhibitors have been overlooked in industry-wide recognition and that The EXHIEs aims to set new benchmarks for excellence. - The judging process is designed to look independent and structured, with outside experts, onsite evaluations during build-out, judging on day one and awards on day two. - Winners at individual shows can advance to Best in Category recognition at the annual TSNN Awards Gala, creating a broader yearlong pipeline of recognition. - The EXHIEs also creates partnership and sponsorship inventory for brands that want visibility tied to exhibitor innovation. - Show organizers may use the program to offer added value to exhibitors and deepen those relationships.

What's next: - TSNN will begin with the Tampa debut in August and then move to Las Vegas in December. - The company plans to add more event partnerships throughout the year. - Organizers, sponsors and exhibitors can contact Kim Collie at Kimberly.Collie@informa.com for partnership, sponsorship or collaboration inquiries. - TSNN's social channels include LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

The bottom line: - TSNN is trying to turn exhibitor execution into a formalized awards circuit, with live judging, year-round recognition and new commercial opportunities for show organizers and sponsors.