beam, the trade association for the business events, accommodation and meetings sector, has today announced the launch of its newly expanded beam Awards, with entries now open.
Since their inception, the awards have been centred around the Young Champion of Change Award, created in memory of Chris Peacock to honour emerging leaders who embody innovation, courage and a commitment to positive change. The success of this award, and the inspirational calibre of nominees year after year, has led beam to broaden its awards programme.
From 2026, the beam Awards will now feature five categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent across the industry:
- Agency Leader of the Year
- General Manager of the Year
- Collaboration of the Year
- Spirit of beam
- The Chris Peacock Young Champion of Change Award
The expansion marks a new chapter for beam’s recognition programme, enabling the association to honour both young changemakers and established leaders, collaborative projects, and individuals who embody the ethos of the association itself.
Entries are open from today 9th September 2025 and will close at 5pm on Thursday, 24 October 2025. Finalists will be announced in November, with winners revealed at beam’s annual Gala Dinner on 30th January 2026 in the Masters Suite at The Belfry. The awards are open to anyone within the industry, except the Spirit of beam category which is for beam members only.
beam Chair, Louisa Watson, commented: “The Chris Peacock Award has been a highlight of our Gala Dinner for the last few years, shining a light on incredible young people who inspire us all with their energy and vision. And over the years, beam has seen just how much excellence, leadership and innovation exists across every level of our industry. Expanding the awards is a natural next step, allowing us to recognise more of the people and teams who are setting standards, driving progress and really representing the spirit of beam. We look forward to celebrating their achievements together in the new year.”
Further details on how to enter, including eligibility criteria for each category, can be found on the beam website: https://beam-org.uk/2026-beam-awards
