Shortlist revealed for The Scottish Event Awards 2026

The Scottish Event Awards is delighted to reveal the official shortlist for 2026, celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation across the nation’s thriving events industry.

From large-scale festivals to association events, charity events, conferences, and sporting events, The Scottish Event Awards celebrate the people and projects that make the industry truly world-class, with nominees hailing from across Scotland.

The finalists are:

Best B2B Event

The Public Communication of Science and Technology

SITE Scotland Summer Showcase 2025

The UK Offshore Wind Supply Chain Spotlight

Best Brand Activation

The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 – Twelve01 Events Ltd

Northern Trains: Ticket to Joy

Best Charity Event

Cancer Card Health & Wellbeing Event

Checkout Scotland

Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation Ladies Lunch

Best Community Event

EH32 Live

Menopausal! What’s Your Superpower?

The Sibling Cafe

Best Event Planner (Individual)

Danielle Semple

Emma Paden

Fiona Lynn

Jordan Gorman

Best Events Team

Newsquest Events Scotland & Northern Ireland

Maximillion Events Ltd

University of Aberdeen CPD & Events Services Team

University of Edinburgh Catering and Events Operational Team

Best Large Festival (5000+ attendees)

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

EPIC Comic Con 2025

Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival

Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025

The Scotland Card Show 2025

Best Outdoor Supplier

AeroAVA

Field and Lawn

Qdos Event Hire

Best Scottish Event Venue

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

The Boardwalk

Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC), University of Strathclyde

Best Small Festival (<5000 attendees)

Live in Loch Goil

Tiree Music Festival

WILDHOOD Festival

Best Sporting Event

2025 scottishathletics EAP Indoor International

Edinburgh Rugby – The 1872 Cup

Lloyds Tour of Britain Woman 2025 – Glasgow

Orkney 2025 International Island Games

Best Student-Led Event or Festival

A Century of Youth: 100 Years of Youth Fashion Show

Six Nations Charity Ball

Best Sustainable Event

1599 at the Royal College

Party at the Palace

Tall Ships Race Aberdeen 2025

Impact Award

Edinburgh Rugby Community and Engagement Team

OSCE Clinical Assessment Programme

Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025

Welcome Brain Consulting, Seren Events and EICC

Rising Star

Alistair Stewart

Caitlin Watt

Emma Paden

Isla Simpson

Judith Wilson, Events Director at EVENTIT, commented: “The response to the 2026 Scottish Event Awards has been incredible. The calibre of entries highlights the depth of talent and creativity within our industry, and we are proud to recognise those who help position Scotland as leading global destination for events. These awards celebrate the innovation, commitment, and passion that continue to propel the industry forward, ensuring every achievement is acknowledged, fairly assessed, and genuinely celebrated.”

The Scottish Event Awards take place on 30 April 2026 at Glasgow Science Centre, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sarah McMullan. The inspired format enables guests to catch up with all their industry friends, not just those at their table, enjoying delicious food & drink and live entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased at https://scottisheventawards.evessiocloud.com/live/en/page/home