Host City - The Greatest Meeting of Cities and Sports, Business and Cultural Events

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Celebrating exceptional accomplishments in hosting, delivering and promoting major events

In 2024, we introduced the Host City Awards celebrating excellence in hosting, delivering, and promoting major sports, business, and cultural events worldwide. In 2025, the Host City Awards return to honour the outstanding achievements that continue to shape the future of global events. Building on the momentum of our inaugural year, the 2025 edition celebrates a new wave of pioneers - cities, organisers, and leaders who have raised the bar in creativity, governance, and long-term value. As the world of events evolves, the Host City Awards spotlight those who not only adapt but lead with purpose and innovation.

PROCESS & ELIGIBILITY   START YOUR ENTRY

 

 

 

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Event Engagement & Fan Growth

Open to: Any Organisation

This award recognises events that achieved exceptional audience impact relative to their size or resources. Judges will look for creative strategies - such as campaigns, partnerships or tech - that drove strong media, digital or attendance results, with evidence of both immediate reach and lasting audience growth.

 

Most Sustainable Event

Open to: Host Destinations & Rights Holders

This award honours events that delivered measurable environmental and social impact. Judges will assess data on emissions, waste and sourcing, alongside community benefits like accessibility and local engagement, and lasting sustainability legacies or practices.

 

 

Outstanding Economic Impact

Open to: Host Destinations & Rights Holders

This award recognises events that delivered clear economic value through visitor spend, job creation, and business growth. Judges will consider how investment was used and the event’s lasting contribution to the host’s economy, tourism, and global profile.

 

 

 

Best Commercial Strategy

Open to: Any Organisation

This award celebrates outstanding commercial results achieved through a clear strategy. Entrants should highlight revenue from sources like sponsorship, ticketing or media rights, as well as innovative ways they maximised returns. Judges will also look for evidence of long-term brand growth or sustained income.



 

Innovation in AI & Event Technology

Open to: Any Organisation

This award honours the most impactful use of new technology to enhance event delivery or experience. Entrants should highlight how their innovation improved engagement, efficiency or outcomes, supported by results such as usage data, feedback or recognition.
 

 

Excellence in Infrastructure & Delivery

Open to: Any Organisation

This category rewards outstanding infrastructure solutions that met the specific needs of an event. Entrants should demonstrate how their project supported safety, efficiency and accessibility, while showcasing innovations or sustainable practices that added long-term value.



 


Eligibility

Conference attendance is an entry requirement. Any organisation registered to attend Host City conference can enter for free. If shortlisted a representative of the applicant will be required to attend the Civic Reception and Award Ceremony.
The event period for the award submission must have taken place within the last two years (from December 2023 to December 2025).

Process:

  • Each award category has three criteria against entrants will be judged.
  • Entering organisations will write a submission (max 1500 words) explaining why they meet these criteria. Supporting materials (videos, photos) can also be submitted. 
  • The judging panel will be made up of a fixed number of diverse experts. Each of the judges will give marks out of ten for each of the criteria.
  • DEADLINE for submitting application is midnight 31st October
  • Submit your application
  • Start your submission today and edit or complete before deadline.

 

Host City Awards Judging Panel

Meet the judges for the Host City Awards, who collectively offer a wealth of expertise across our three categories. They provide valuable insights from global event management, public sector leadership, and innovation, ensuring a fair and well-rounded evaluation of all entries.

Jennifer Arnold

Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation

Iain Edmondson

Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH

Sarah Lewis OBE OLY

Global Sports Leader, Sustainable Mountain Alliance

Brian Lewis

Immediate Past President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee

Céline Payelle

Vice-president and General Manager, Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil

Allegra Roccato

Head of Events, World Physiotherapy

Paul Bush OBE

Director of Events, VisitScotland

Maria Teresa Squillaci

Head of Web and Social Media, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

Shanaz Gulzar

Chair, Bradford 2025

Nuno Moura

Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, Formerly Nike, UEFA, MTV, Portugal Football Federation