Knowledge Centre Evaluate has launched a refreshed model of its Excellence Awards for 2026, introducing streamlined classes, clearer judging standards, and a brand new on-line entry portal.
The awards, which celebrates the info centre sector throughout the UK and Europe, have been reorganised into three tracks: Initiatives, Merchandise & Options, and Folks & Organisations. The intention, based on the organisers, is to make it simpler for entrants to establish the place their submissions match and what every class is meant to recognise.
Alongside the brand new construction, every class will now embrace its personal eligibility necessities, suggestions on what to incorporate in an entry, and revealed judging standards with weightings. Knowledge Centre Evaluate stated the adjustments are supposed to enhance transparency round how entries are assessed.
The publication can also be introducing a brand new ‘Awards Portal’ for 2026 submissions, which can enable customers to avoid wasting entries as drafts and return to finish them later. The portal will set out class standards and entry steering inside the submission course of.
Whereas award schemes are nothing new within the trade, Knowledge Centre Evaluate is positioning this refresh as a response to a well-known problem: entrants need recognition, however typically battle to know exactly how choices are made – or what separates a superb submission from a profitable one. Organisers are additionally eager to emphasize that profitable an Excellence Award ought to really feel like a way of accomplishment – somewhat than a ‘pay to win’ train.
In addition to adjustments to the awards themselves, Knowledge Centre Evaluate confirmed that the 2026 winners might be introduced at a brand new flagship dwell occasion, DCR Stay. Additional particulars on the occasion are anticipated within the coming weeks.
