The European events industry needs a new generation of creators who understand the power of live experiences and can think sustainably, inclusively, and boldly, with technology in mind. Planet Positive Event, the event partner, plays a key role in this award, encouraging a more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive future for the events industry.
The Rising Star Award does not reward a promising career, but above all the actual contribution of a young event organiser to the success of a project, team or agency. The nominations will showcase creative ideas, impact on event execution, client responses, team contributions, audience responses, and other tangible evidence that a young talent is co-creating extraordinary projects in the events industry. A key part of the nomination also includes endorsements and testimonials from senior agency representatives. Thus, the award also adds a mentorship dimension, encouraging agencies to recognise young talent and support them in their future career paths.
Recognising young talents
In the past fifteen years, the Unicorn Awards have evolved into a recognisable European platform for events that exceed expectations, create communities and leave a permanent imprint. Today, the competition not only recognises outstanding projects but also the people, ideas and values that push the envelope in the events industry. The Rising Star Award programme is creating opportunities for young experts to gain a foothold in the European events ecosystem. It demonstrates the creativity, responsibility and potential befitting the industry. The award is thus a clear signal for agencies: young talent must be recognised in due course, publicly supported, and enabled to take the next step in the international event community.
“I believe the greatest budgets will not shape the future of the industry, but the biggest talents. It is our responsibility to recognise them early, give them ample opportunities and connect them with the leading minds in our industry. The Rising Star Award is not only a new award, but an investment in the future of the European events industry and a generation that will set new quality standards,” said Gorazd Čad, the founder of the Unicorn Awards competition.
Agencies participating in the Unicorn Awards 2026 are invited to nominate young experts aged up to 30 who are already demonstrating that an emerging generation of creators is shaping the future of the events industry.
Among the nominated young talents, the organisers will select five individuals who will receive free admission to attend the Unicorn Awards 2026. They will thus have direct access to an international event community, jury, finalists, and the best projects within the European events industry.
The Rising Star Award finalists will be announced on 10 August 2026, with the winner presented during the Unicorn Awards 2026 in Ljubljana on 7 and 8 September 2026. This award combines mentorship with recognition, opening doors for young talent in the European events industry.
