TEDA Reveals Finalists for 2026 ExSys Awards
The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) has officially announced the finalists for the 2026 ExSys Awards, setting the stage for one of the experiential design industry’s most anticipated celebrations. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Exhibit City News (ECN) on July 28, 2026, at Moss Inc. headquarters in Franklin Park, Illinois. The event will bring together leading exhibit designers, producers, manufacturers, students, and trade show professionals to celebrate innovation and excellence in system-based experiential design.
Record-Breaking Growth Highlights Industry Momentum
This year’s ExSys Awards program received more than 200 entries, representing a remarkable 54 percent increase compared to the inaugural 2025 edition. The sharp rise in submissions reflects growing global interest in modular, system-based, and experiential exhibit design solutions. The increased participation also highlights the expanding role of sustainable and flexible design systems in shaping the future of trade show exhibits and immersive brand experiences.
Industry Leaders Praise Program’s Success
Commenting on the overwhelming response, Travis Stanton, Executive Director of The Experiential Design Authority, said the level of enthusiasm surrounding the awards exceeded expectations. He noted that both the quantity and quality of submissions were exceptional and praised the creativity and craftsmanship displayed across all categories. Stanton emphasised that the finalists represent the very best of innovation currently driving the experiential design sector forward.
How Winners Are Selected
The ExSys Awards recognise trade show exhibits and experiential environments that have been designed, built, or both within the past three years using system-based components. Entries were reviewed by an expert panel of judges based on several key criteria, including concept and design innovation, graphics and messaging, lighting and multimedia integration, execution and fabrication quality, and overall impact.
The highest-scoring projects in each category will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, while the top overall entry across all categories will earn the prestigious 2026 ExSys Exhibit of the Year Award. The ceremony will also honour a distinguished industry leader with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Awards Ceremony to Take Place at Moss Headquarters
The official awards ceremony will take place on July 28 at Moss Inc. headquarters in Franklin Park, Illinois, and will be hosted by Exhibit City News Managing Editor Marlena Sullivan alongside TEDA Executive Director Travis Stanton. The evening will provide attendees with opportunities for professional networking, live award announcements, and industry-wide celebration.
Marlena Sullivan expressed excitement about this year’s event, stating that last year’s awards were a major success and that organisers are committed to making the 2026 ceremony even more impactful.
Tickets Available for Limited Attendance Event
Tickets for the 2026 ExSys Awards are currently on sale, with Early Bird pricing set at $45 per ticket from May 18 through June 18. Starting June 19, ticket prices will increase to $55 per ticket. Attendance is limited to just 125 guests, making it an exclusive event for experiential design professionals and industry stakeholders.
Organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities can also reserve tables and gain premium event visibility by contacting Exhibit City News directly. Early reservation is strongly encouraged due to limited capacity.
People’s Choice Voting Opens May 18
In addition to jury-selected honours, finalists will compete for the People’s Choice Award, allowing the wider exhibition community to vote for their favourite designs. Public voting opens May 18 and will remain active through June 8 on the official Exhibit City News website.
The top three public vote recipients will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze People’s Choice Awards, adding an additional layer of recognition for projects that resonate strongly with the industry. Categories such as Best Student Design and Best Design Proposal are excluded from public voting.
Student Designers Receive Special Recognition
Student participation remains an important part of TEDA’s mission to support emerging talent in experiential design. This year, students from Bemidji State University’s Exhibit & Experience Design undergraduate program and the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Exhibition & Experience Design master’s program received complimentary entries into the Best Student Design category.
Finalists in the student category will be announced later this month. To support their participation, each finalist will receive a $250 travel stipend to attend the awards ceremony in Chicago.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze student winners will also receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 respectively, funded by TEDA as part of its broader commitment to scholarships and professional development initiatives.
Wide Range of Award Categories
The 2026 ExSys Awards cover an extensive range of design categories, including Best Small and Large In-Line Exhibit, Island Exhibits, Rental Exhibits, Sustainable Design, Tech Integration, Experiential Design, Fabric Exhibit, Event Design, Graphics Excellence, Design Detail, Modular Design, International Design, and Overhead Element Design.
These categories showcase the full breadth of creativity and technical expertise shaping today’s exhibition and experiential marketing industry.
Celebrating the Future of Experiential Design
As anticipation builds for the July ceremony, the 2026 ExSys Awards continue to strengthen their reputation as a leading platform for recognising excellence in experiential exhibit design. With record-breaking participation, student engagement, and global industry attention, the awards highlight the creativity, innovation, and future-focused thinking driving the next generation of exhibition experiences.
