The Experiential Design Authority will host its second annual BOSS Awards (Best of Show Stand Awards) competition at the 2026 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This unofficial awards program highlights the most outstanding exhibits that elevate attendee engagement and push the boundaries of what is possible in exhibit design.

​

What We Recognize

Our BOSS Awards honor exhibits that demonstrate:

• Creative Excellence: Unique and imaginative concepts brought to life through exceptional design.

• Innovative Integration: Seamless incorporation of technology, storytelling, and interaction to captivate audiences.

• Impact: The ability to create memorable, immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression.

​

Why It Matters

CES represents the cutting edge of technology and innovation, and the BOSS Awards program showcases the experiential exhibits that match this spirit of progress. By spotlighting the best in the industry, we inspire designers, marketers, and brands to continue pushing the limits of experiential design.

​

Judging Process

This is a complimentary competition with no entry fees. As such, all exhibits will be evaluated onsite in Las Vegas, and a preliminary panel will select up to 30 finalists. Those finalists will then be scored by a panel of judges comprising members of our U.S. and international advisory boards. All finalists will be recognized at an event hosted by Exhibit City News in Orlando on February 18 (details TBA), with the 10 highest-scoring exhibits receiving custom trophies. A separate award, the People's Choice Award, will be decided via popular vote on the Exhibit City News website and The Experiential Design Authority social media channels. Voting for the People's Choice will run from January 10 - February 1, and finalists are invited to share the voting link with their friends, fans, and followers: https://exhibitcitynews.com/boss-awards/ 

 

To ensure fairness and transparency:

• Judges are not told which exhibit houses or agencies are behind the entries.

• The highest and lowest scores are removed to avoid the impact of individual bias.

• Cumulative scores will be shared with participants after the program.

​

Eligibility

To qualify, exhibits must be on the official CES show floor (including all LVCC exhibit halls and the Venetian Convention Center) and/or the LVCC Silver Lot. And at least 50 percent of the square footage and/or a substantial portion of the in-booth experience must be open to CES attendees. In other words, off-floor activations as well as invite-only or by-appointment-only exhibits are ineligible.

​

Recognition and Awards

Finalists will be notified at CES 2026 and announced via a press release that will be posted on The Experiential Design Authority and Exhibit City News channels by Friday, January 9.

​

The top 10 exhibits will receive free custom trophies at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas on February 18, hosted by Exhibit City News. Following the event, a press release will be distributed announcing the winners, which will receive coverage in an issue of Exhibit City News, as well as online at The Experiential Design Authority and Exhibit City News outlets and social channels. All finalists will be invited to order trophies to commemorate their achievement. To RSVP for the awards ceremony, please click the EVENT RSVP button at the top of this page.

​

Stay tuned as we unveil the finalists and winners who redefine the future of experiential design at CES 2026!