TSNN Announces the Inaugural EXHIEs™ Award Winners from Connect Marketplace
Best in Show Medium Booth winner Visit Detroit featured a walkthrough skyline arch, custom graffiti bracelets and a Detroit mural.
Most Engaging in Large Booth winner MatchPoint hosted twice-daily sessions with industry editors at Connect Marketplace. The education-first approach created meaningful engagement without a sales pitch.
Best Design in Medium Booth winner Visit Albuquerque debuted a hot air balloon overhead banner and artwork celebrating the city's arts scene and Route 66 Centennial. The team wore matching ABQ-branded shoes reading "Get your kicks ABQ."
Visit Milwaukee earned the Exhie for Best Tech in Large Booth with a massive curved LED wall as part of the speaker showcase stage. The Visit Milwaukee booth staff gave more than 2,000 meeting planners a taste of Milwaukee's flavor with local beverages an
Interactive Entertainment Group won the Exhie for Best Engagement in Large Booth with a pickleball simulator, experiential vending machine and crack-the-code game. Mascot Iggy welcomed attendees while booth staff demonstrated activation concepts for event
12 awards for exhibitor excellence were presented to small, medium and large booth categories
Informa (LSE:INF)
Presented by TSNN, the awards recognize exhibitor excellence, evaluating experiences across key areas including booth design, attendee engagement, technology and best in show. These prestigious awards celebrate the innovation, creativity, and dedication that exhibitors bring to the events industry.
"Launching the EXHIEs at Connect Marketplace allowed us to recognize exhibitor excellence where it happens—on the show floor," said Danica Tormohlen, TSNN VP of Content. "The response from winners and attendees confirmed what we believed: exhibitors deserve recognition for the innovation and effort they bring to trade shows. This program shines a spotlight on the teams who make events successful for everyone."
How it worked: Judging took place on Day 1 of the trade show on Aug. 24. Winners were presented with certificates to display in their booths on Day 2 of the trade show on Aug. 25. Each booth was evaluated across multiple dimensions of excellence:
Creativity & Design - Visual appeal, functionality, and innovative booth architecture
Technology & Innovation - Cutting-edge solutions that enhanced our presence
Attendee Engagement - Interactive experiences that captivated visitors
Alignment with Event Themes - Strategic integration with show objectives
Overall Excellence - The complete package that set the booth experience and design apart
Why it matters: This recognition from TSNN, the industry's most trusted media brand with over 30 years of authority, validates the organizer’s commitment to creating exceptional trade show experiences. The independent judging panel of industry experts evaluated exhibitors through a transparent, meticulous process to identify true excellence.
What they’re saying: "A heartfelt thank you to Connect for recognizing the vital importance of the organizer-exhibitor relationship and for supporting this groundbreaking awards program,” said TSNN Strategic Director Kim Collie. “A huge congratulations to all the exhibit managers who brought their creative visions to life on the show floor!”
Deeper dive: In partnership with TSNN, The Exhibitor Advocate will provide complimentary membership and education access to EXHIEs Award Winners (Value of $1200). Winners receive 1:1 direct consultation with Advocates to address any challenges or concerns on the show floor. Access to over 150 resources and tools with actionable templates and insights for budgeting, measurement, AI in event planning and much more. Winners also receive the group’s exclusive research including the Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates and the Exhibitor Sentiment Report.
Finalists & Winners of the EXHIEs at Connect Marketplace 2026
SMALL BOOTHS (10x10s)
Best Booth Design
Winner: Wicked
Finalists: SPL, Wabii Branding
Most Engaging Experience
Winner: WITS Experiential
Finalists: Wabii Branding, Brand Makers
Best Use of Technology
Winner: SpotMyPhotos
Finalists: SPL, EventCreate LTD
Best in Show
Wabii Branding
MEDIUM BOOTHS (10x20 to 20x20)
Best Booth Design
Winner: Visit Albuquerque
Finalists: Turning Stone Enterprises, Arkansas Tourism
Most Engaging Experience
Winner: Interactive Entertainment Group
Finalists: Visit Fort Worth, Visit Wichita
Best Use of Technology
Winner: SmartSource
Finalists: TLC Worldwide, PlayTech Interactive
Best in Show
Winner: Visit Detroit
LARGE BOOTHS (30x30 and larger)
Best Booth Design
Winner: Experience Scottsdale
Most Engaging Experience
Winner: MatchPoint
Best Use of Technology
Winner: Visit Milwaukee
Best in Show
Winner: Visit Tampa Bay
What’s next: TSNN will present the EXHIE Awards at LongevityFest, which will be held Dec. 11-13 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. The trade show is organized by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). For more information on the EXHIE Awards, contact Kim Collie.
Kim Collie
Trade Show News Network (TSNN)
kimberly.collie@informa.com
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