Skift IDEA Awards 2026 Are Open: Find Your Category and Spotlight Your Innovation

As we begin 2026 with renewed energy and a focus on meaningful action, Skift IDEA Awards continue to recognize the ideas, teams, and organizations driving meaningful progress across design, creativity, and innovation.

Now in its eighth year, the awards celebrate work that solves real problems, rethinks existing models, and moves the industry forward, regardless of company size or stage.

Not Sure Which IDEA Awards Category Fits Your Idea? Start Here.

With 31 categories across seven criteria groups, choosing the right category can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve introduced a short quiz to help you identify the best-fit category for your work; whether you’re building a new product, reimagining an experience, or solving an operational challenge.

About the 2026 Categories

For 2026, finalists and winners will be selected across seven criteria groups, including Industry Innovators, Change Makers, Creative Thinkers, Problem Solvers, Short-Term Rentals, and Meetings & Events.

Why Enter the Skift IDEA Awards?

Benefits include:

• Recognition of your work by Skift’s editorial team and a panel of respected industry judges
• Coverage on Skift.com and across Skift’s marketing channels, plus visibility at Skift Global Forum 2026
• A complimentary ticket to Skift Global Forum, with 25% off additional tickets
• A personalized branding kit for finalists and winners to share their achievements with customers, partners, and the press
• A physical trophy for you to take home and celebrate with your team

Pro tip: Purchase your entries at the lowest price now and work on them in your own time. You will have until July 1 to edit and finalize all submissions.

All payments for 2026 entries will be processed through MySkift, Skift’s in-house system, allowing entrants to submit and manage multiple categories in one place. A 20% multi-entry discount is automatically applied at checkout.

Join the industry’s most forward-thinking voices in design, innovation, and purpose-driven creativity. Explore last year’s winners and take your place among the ideas shaping the future of travel.