The global events industry is getting its own dedicated moment in the spotlight, as the International Awards Associate (IAA) rolls out a new competition designed to honor the people, places, and productions that make modern experiences possible. With hundreds of categories and a worldwide call for entries now open, the program aims to set a new benchmark for how the sector celebrates excellence.
Now open worldwide, the inaugural competition recognizes outstanding events, experiences, and the professionals behind them across more than 350 categories.
I'm looking forward to seeing the MUSE Event Awards recognize the teams and ideas that are raising expectations for what events can achieve.”— Melissa Vilders, Global Events Leader at SAP
The Global Awards for Events and Experiences opens worldwide with more than 350 categories.
Also worth a look: Mitolyn, Built Around the Purple Peel Exploit, has been Launched, Designed to Enhance Mitochondrial Health & Manage Weight and Out Today: “My Favorite Things” by Award-winning Vocalist Nicole Henry.
The International Awards Associate (IAA) today launches the 2027 MUSE Event Awards, bringing a dedicated MUSE distinction to the global events industry and opening its inaugural Call for Entries. This marks the first time the MUSE brand, which has built a reputation in other creative fields, is turning its attention specifically to the events sector.
Established in 2016, MUSE has recognized achievement across creative communications, design, hospitality, and photography. Its expansion into events builds on that foundation and the experience of IAA, whose awards network has received more than 100,000 entries from participants across 124 countries. That track record gives the new competition a deep well of judging expertise and global reach from day one.
"Having worked across global events, I've seen how the most impactful experiences bring together strategic thinking, creativity, and a genuine understanding of their audiences. I'm looking forward to seeing the MUSE Event Awards recognize the teams and ideas that are raising expectations for what events can achieve." — Melissa Vilders, Global Events Leader at SAP
An event holds more than one achievement
This international event award gives entrants three ways to recognition:
• The complete experience: Events, brand experiences, and activations, including live, virtual, and hybrid formats.
• The expertise behind it: Production, design, marketing, technology, sustainability, and impact.
• The people and places that make it possible: Organizations, professionals, venues, and destinations, with further categories recognizing regional and industry excellence.
This structure allows an agency to enter the overall experience while a specialist partner presents its own contribution. Entrants select the category that reflects the achievement they want evaluated. Whether a team wants to highlight a full production or just one standout element, the framework is designed to accommodate both.
A MUSE distinction beyond the event
An international jury evaluates each eligible entry on its own merits within its selected category. Platinum, Gold, and Silver recognition depends on the score achieved; categories may have multiple winners or none. Exceptional Platinum entries may also receive MUSE Grand Distinctions, including Event of the Year and Event Agency of the Year. This scoring model means there is no quota to fill — only work that meets the bar earns the honor.
Winners receive an official title, digital certificate, winner badge, dedicated profile, and promotional resources to present their achievement in client proposals, professional credentials, and communications. The inaugural recipients will be the first to carry the MUSE Event Awards name, giving early winners a lasting place in the program's history.
Enter the inaugural competition
Eligibility: Achievements created, organized, produced, launched, delivered, or active on or after January 1, 2024.
Early Bird Deadline: November 19, 2026.
Final Extension Deadline: February 25, 2027.
Submission: Online, in English.
Explore the event award categories and begin an entry at https://museeventawards.com. The official 2027 Entry Kit (https://museeventawards.com/assets/downloads/2027-MUSE-Event-Awards-Entry-Kit-1.1.pdf) provides eligibility, fees, judging criteria, and submission requirements.
About the MUSE Event Awards
The MUSE Event Awards is an international awards program recognizing outstanding events, experiences, and the disciplines, organizations, professionals, venues, and destinations behind them. Presented by the International Awards Associate, the awards extend the MUSE legacy into the global events industry through independent evaluation and recognition based on achievement.
About IAA and MUSE
The International Awards Associate (IAA) organizes international awards recognizing professional achievement across industries. Its MUSE awards programs recognize excellence in creative communications, design, hospitality, photography, and now events and experiences.
Sean L.
International Awards Associate Inc
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X
Why it matters: With the events industry still evolving after the pandemic-era shift to hybrid and virtual formats, a dedicated global awards program gives professionals a standardized way to measure excellence and build credibility. The MUSE Event Awards could become a key reference point for agencies and venues looking to stand out in a crowded, competitive market.
