TSNN launches inaugural EXHIE Awards at Connect Marketplace
Exhibitor excellence took center stage at Connect Marketplace 2026 as Trade Show News Network (TSNN) introduced the EXHIE Awards, a new industry-wide program designed to recognize standout exhibiting experiences across trade shows and sectors. The awards debuted during the event, held August 24-26 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, highlighting exhibitors that excelled in areas including design, technology, attendee engagement and overall booth experience.
Created by TSNN, the awards aim to celebrate the creativity, innovation and dedication exhibitors bring to the trade show floor. Judging took place on the opening day of Connect Marketplace, with winners receiving certificates to display at their booths the following day. Exhibits were assessed on creativity and design, technology and innovation, attendee engagement, alignment with event themes and overall excellence.
“Launching the EXHIEs at Connect Marketplace allowed us to recognize exhibitor excellence where it happens, on the show floor,” said Danica Tormohlen, VP of Content at TSNN. She added that the positive response from exhibitors and attendees reinforced the need for a dedicated awards program celebrating the work exhibitors invest in creating engaging trade show experiences.
Among the winners in the large booth category, Visit Tampa Bay claimed Best in Show with one of the event’s largest exhibits. The destination showcase featured local coffee and popcorn vendors, branded latte art and a variety of activations designed to encourage visitors to spend more time at the booth. Experience Scottsdale won Best Booth Design for its wellness-focused exhibit, which included chair massages, acupressure treatments, ear seeding and relaxation areas that engaged attendees through multiple senses. Visit Milwaukee took home Best Use of Technology thanks to its curved LED wall and speaker showcase stage, while MatchPoint earned recognition for the Most Engaging Experience through editor-led educational sessions that prioritized learning over sales pitches.
In the medium booth category, Visit Detroit secured Best in Show with a booth featuring a skyline archway walkthrough, custom graffiti bracelets and a mural celebrating the city. Visit Albuquerque won Best Booth Design, drawing attention with a hot air balloon overhead banner and artwork showcasing the city’s arts culture and Route 66 Centennial celebrations. SmartSource was recognized for Best Use of Technology, using LED displays to create impact without overwhelming visitors, while Interactive Entertainment Group won Most Engaging Experience with interactive attractions including a pickleball simulator and gamified activities.
The small booth awards highlighted the impact that compact exhibits can make. Wicked won Best Booth Design, WITS Experiential was recognized for Most Engaging Experience, and SpotMyPhotos earned Best Use of Technology with its selfie headshot station, which delivered professional photos directly to attendees via text message. Wabii Branding took the top Best in Show honor for its live, on-site branding demonstrations and personalized merchandise activations.
Looking ahead, TSNN plans to continue the awards program at future events. The next EXHIE Awards will be presented at Longevity Fest, taking place December 11-13 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. By recognizing innovative exhibits of all sizes, the organizers hope to shine a spotlight on the ideas and experiences that help make trade shows more engaging and effective for exhibitors and attendees alike.
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