The entry portal for the CX Awards 2026 is now live. With the nine-week submission window officially open, the countdown has started.
But before drafting your application, it is critical to know exactly what makes a winning entry.
Far too often, exceptional CX platforms miss out on recognition because their submissions lack specific data. Highlighting features without proving their impact is a missed opportunity. The entries that capture the judges’ attention are those built on clear metrics and verifiable outcomes.
“The entry form is not an obstacle. It is an opportunity to tell the panel something true about your organization. Most entries don’t take that seriously enough.”
Rob Scott, Executive Chair of Judges, CX Awards 2026
The Standard for Excellence
Winning requires a relentless focus on results. Led by myself and Rob Wilkinson, our judging panel evaluates submissions against four strictly weighted criteria: Demonstrable Impact (30%), Innovation Depth (30%), Market Differentiation (20%), and Future Relevance (20%). You must align your narrative directly with these pillars.
Judges should not have to dig for proof. Put your metrics front and center. Proving that your platform “reduced average handle time by 35% for a 500-seat contact center” carries far more weight than pages of qualitative praise. Quantify your success at every opportunity.
Key Dates & Recommended Timeline
Maximize this nine week period to construct a compelling, data backed submission.
| Date | Milestone | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2026 | Applications open today | Begin at awards.cxtoday.com. Starting in September is a mistake. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Evidence gathering | Gather customer metrics, secure case study permissions, and compile ROI data. |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | First draft | Draft the narrative. Step away for two days, then review it with fresh eyes. |
| Weeks 5 to 6 | Internal review | Secure approvals from legal and leadership. Leave a buffer for mandatory edits. |
| Weeks 7 to 8 | Final polish | Ensure the narrative is clear. Inject more hard data. Refine every sentence. |
| Sept 30, 2026 | Applications close | File your entry well ahead of the deadline. Rushed submissions rarely succeed. |
Who is Judging Your Entry?
Our awards are only as credible as the people scoring them. We intentionally stack our panel with enterprise buyers, seasoned practitioners, and sharp industry analysts. These are the decision makers who authorize budgets, oversee complex contact center rollouts, and deal with the real world consequences of CX technology.
Every submission faces a strictly neutral evaluation. Our panel performs blind, independent scoring and is required to disclose any commercial conflicts. They are instructed to judge solely on verifiable facts and proven outcomes.
About the CX Awards 2026
The CX Awards stand as the ultimate measure of excellence in the customer experience sector. This programme highlights the software, strategies, and leaders actively redefining how brands interact with consumers.
For 2026, we are rolling out 25 unique categories. Whether you are a vendor engineering the platforms or an in-house team driving the adoption, there is a specific space to showcase your achievements.
You can view the complete list of all 25 categories here: https://awards.cxtoday.com/categories
Begin your application today. Do not wait until next month. Start right now.
A Note to PR and Comms Teams
This is where you prove your value. The hard evidence lives within your client’s operations. Your responsibility is to uncover those metrics and present them clearly. Help your clients submit an evidence backed application rather than a standard sales deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and many of the strongest organizations do. Each entry should be tailored to the specific category, however.
Yes. Entries are visible only to the judging panel and the CX Awards team. Customer references, NDA bound material and commercial figures stay behind the panel. We will only ever publish what you have explicitly cleared for the shortlist and ceremony.
Entries close at 23:59 BST on September 30, 2026. Make sure your applications are drafted and ready-to-go. Can I enter the same product in multiple categories?
Are entries confidential?
When is the deadline for applications?
