Categories

These are the categories for the 2026 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Types of Categories

Sales
Sales Individuals
   Sales Team
   Sales Achievement
   Sales Distinction

Customer Service & Contact Center
   Customer Service & Contact Center Individual
   Customer Service & Contact Center Team
   Customer Service & Contact Center Achievement
   Customer Service Department
   Customer Service Success

AI & Digital Transformation Categories (new for 2026)
   Customer Service
   Sales

Business Development
Solutions & Implementations
Solution Provider
Thought Leadership

You may submit any number of entries to any of the following categories. Make sure you get an Entry Kit containing instructions on how to write and submit your entries.

SALES INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

The sales individual categories recognize individual sales professionals. Entry fees have been eliminated for many of these categories, but the $55/entry late fee will still apply to them after December 4, 2025.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

These categories are sponsored by

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

1. Senior Sales Executive of the Year
Recognizing senior sales executives with titles such as Chief Sales Officer. This category may also be used to recognize senior corporate executives for their role in driving sales achievements.

2. Worldwide Sales Executive of the Year
Recognizing sales executives with responsibility for sales performance on a global level.

3. National Sales Executive of the Year
There is no entry fee for this category.
Recognizing sales executives with responsibility for sales performance on a national level.

4. Rising Star in Sales (Under 30) - new category for 2026
There is no entry fee for this category.
Recognizing emerging sales professionals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated exceptional talent, initiative, and results since July 1 2023.

5. Sales Director of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of sales directors at organizations of any size, of any type.

6. Sales Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of sales managers and sales professionals with a managerial role at organizations of any size, of any type.

7. Sales Operations Professional of the Year
Recognizing sales executives and sales professionals with a managerial role for their achievements in managing sales organizations that run effectively, efficiently and in support of business strategies and objectives.

8. Sales Training or Education Professional of the Year
Recognizing sales executives and sales professionals with a managerial role who manage, design, or deliver sales training or education in any aspect of work life.

9. Sales Representative of the Year
There are no entry fees for these categories.
Recognizing individual sales representatives for their personal contributions to organizations’ sales results. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales representatives in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales representatives in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales representatives in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales representatives in all industries not covered by the other Sales Representative of the Year categories.

10. Sales Engineer of the Year
There is no entry fee for this category.
This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2023 of individual professionals who prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to existing and prospective customers; talk with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements; and plan and modify products to meet customer needs.

11. Sales Support Professional of the Year
This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2023 of individual professionals who provide administrative, logistical, or resource support to sales organizations.

12. Virtual and Pre-Sales Professional of the Year
There is no entry fee for this category.
This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2023 of individual professionals who offer remote sales and technology expertise to accelerate and enable sales with a global or national scope, or who work closely with sales, service, engineering, and technical support resources prior to a sale to ensure proposed deals include technical solutions that address customer needs.

13. Woman of the Year in Sales
Recognizing women in sales, at any level, for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023.

SALES TEAM CATEGORIES

The sales team categories recognize the members of individual teams within your overall sales department. For example, the team may service a particular customer segment or a single client, or may work in a particular sales territory.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated team's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated team: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the team's achievements since July 1 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the team's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

18. Account Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the sales management team of a specific client account for their achievements.

19. Cross-Functional Sales Collaboration Team of the Year - new category for 2026
For teams that exemplify excellence in collaboration across departments (e.g., sales with product, marketing, or finance) to deliver outstanding sales outcomes.

20. Global Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose industry, client, or other focus has a global scope.

21. National Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose industry, client, or other focus has a national scope.

22. Government Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose charge is selling to government clients.

23. Field Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business out of the office at face-to-face meetings with clients.

24. Inside or Telesales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business by telephone.

25. Online Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business via online or social media.

26. Sales Support Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide administrative, logistical, or resource support to sales organizations. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales support teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales support teams in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales support teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales support teams in all industries not covered by the other Sales Support Team of the Year categories.

27. Sales Operations Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that help sales organizations to run effectively, efficiently and in support of business strategies and objectives.

28. Virtual Technology Sales Enablement and Pre-sales Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide remote sales and technology expertise to accelerate and enable sales with a global or national scope.

29. Sales Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the leadership teams of sales organizations for their achievements.

SALES ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of July 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination. (up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges. These might be planning documents, press clippings, work samples, photographs, video clips, etc.

30. Achievement in the Use of Data & Analytics in Sales
Recognizing sales organizations for their successful use of data and analytics tools to better identify, understand, communicate with, and respond to customers and prospects since the beginning of July 2023.

31. Achievement in the Digital Transformation of Sales Operations
Recognizing sales organizations for the successful digital transformation of their operations since the beginning of July 2023, to better meet their goals and the needs of their customers.

32. Achievement in Sales Automation
Recognizing sales organizations for their successful use of sales automation tools, since the beginning of July 2023, to enable their sales professionals to focus their time and energies on fewer mundane and repetitive tasks and more on relationship building and customer closing.

33. Achievement in Sales Documentation
Recognizing sales organizations for their development and use since the beginning of July 2023 of creative, innovative, eye-catching and attention grabbing tools such as pitch scripts, product decks, customer and case studies, battle cards, graphics, and white papers/research reports. With your nomination to this category be sure to include plenty of examples of the nominated work.

34. Achievement in Self-Service Sales
Recognizing sales organizations for successfully creating and running contactless or self-service buying processes.

35. Achievement in Value-based Selling Techniques
Recognizing sales organizations for their successful implementation of value-based selling techniques since the beginning of July 2023. In your nomination be sure to describe your organization's journey to your use of value-based sales processes and the before-and-after results of your transition.

36. Award for Innovation in Sales
Recognizing new ideas and developments within sales that enabled organizations to implement creative selling and business development strategies, since the beginning of July 2023, to win new customers and grow revenue. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in all industries not covered by the other Award for Innovation in Sales categories.

37. Best Use of Technology in Sales
Honoring sales organizations for their innovative use of technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve sales operations, drive sales growth, and/or improve customer satisfaction since the beginning of July 2023.

38. Demand Generation Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations (and their colleagues in marketing) for their demand generation programs.

39. Inbound Marketing Program of the Year
Recognizing marketing programs that rely on content generation, lead development, and prospect cultivation.

40. Outbound Marketing Program of the Year
Recognizing marketing programs that use advertising, promotions, public relations and sales.

41. Remote Sales Innovation of the Year
This category will recognize innovations in sales spurred by the need to sell remotely.

42. Sales Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their work to make their sales forces more diverse and inclusive.

43. Sales Employer of the Year
This category will recognize how organizations have provided a supportive and rewarding work environment for sales professionals since the beginning of July 2023.

44. Sales Enablement Program of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their development and effective use of sales enablement information, content, and tools.

45. Sales Growth Achievement of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their improvements in sales growth - in revenue and/or units - since the beginning of July 2023, over the prior year.

46. Sales Incentive Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for the design and effectiveness of their sales incentive programs.

47. Sales Meeting of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for creativity and effectiveness in their sales meetings - live, hybrid, and virtual.

48. Sales Process of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their development and use of sales process methodologies.

49. Sales Recruitment Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their programs and initiatives to recruit new sales staff.

50. Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their development and use of sales training and coaching programs. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales training of coaching programs in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in all industries not covered by the other Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year categories.

51. Sales Turnaround of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for improvements since July 1, 2023, over the prior year. Improvements in revenue, operations, and training will be considered in this category.

52. Social Selling Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their effective strategies to employ social media to enhance or increase sales.

53. Sustainable Sales Practice Achievement - new category for 2026
Honoring initiatives that embed sustainability metrics or climate-conscious approaches into the sales process — including product positioning, client onboarding, or eco-partnership models.

SALES DISTINCTION CATEGORIES

There are no entry fees for these categories. The $55/entry late fee will apply for submissions made after December 4, however.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Rather than focus on the performance of a named sales department, these categories recognize sales-related achievements across your entire company or organization. You choose the successes you wish to highlight. They can be related to revenue growth, customer acquisition, lead development, training, enculturation of product knowledge, etc.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the organization's achievements since July 1 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), Add supporting materials to your nomination. Provide any number of weblinks, and/or upload any number of files, that you believe will support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

54a. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Hardware
54b. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Services
54c. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Software
54d. Sales Distinction of the Year - Consumer Products & Services
54e. Sales Distinction of the Year – Distribution & Transportation
54f. Sales Distinction of the Year - Financial Services
54g. Sales Distinction of the Year – Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Related Industries
54h. Sales Distinction of the Year – Hospitality & Tourism
54i. Sales Distinction of the Year - Industrial & Manufacturing
54j. Sales Distinction of the Year - Media & Entertainment
54k. Sales Distinction of the Year – Public Services & Education
54l. Sales Distinction of the Year - Services
54m. Sales Distinction of the Year - Startups & Scaleups - new category for 2026. Startups (since July 1 2023) and scaleups in any industry may participate in this category.
54n. Sales Distinction of the Year - Telecommunications
54o. Sales Distinction of the Year – All Other Industries

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

The customer service and contact center individual categories recognize individual contact center and customer service professionals.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

55. Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who directly engage customers. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

56. Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who work behind the front lines of customer service organizations for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

57. Young Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who at some point since July 1 2023 were under the age of 30. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Young Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

58. Contact Center Leader of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of senior contact or call center executives for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023.

59. Contact Center Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of contact or call center managers for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023.

60. Contact Center Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of non-executive professionals who work in a call or contact center.

61. Customer Empathy Advocate of the Year - new category for 2026
Honoring professionals who have implemented empathy-driven service strategies that resulted in improved customer sentiment, loyalty, and outcomes.

62. Customer Service Leader of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of senior customer service and call center executives.

63. Customer Service Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service managers and service professionals with a managerial role at organizations of any size, of any type.

64. Customer Service Training Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service or contact center center professionals for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023.

65. Woman of the Year in Customer Service
Recognizing women in customer service, at any level, for their achievements since the beginning of July 2023.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER TEAM CATEGORIES

The customer service team categories recognize the members of individual teams within your overall customer service department or contact center organization. For example, the team may service a particular customer segment or a single client, or may work in a particular call center.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated team's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

66. Customer Service Team of the Year – Recovery Situation
Recognizing service teams who have demonstrated exceptional skill in recovering either an individual case or in rebuilding an underperforming service department. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality& leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Team of the Year - Recovery Situation categories.

67. Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year
Recognizing service teams whose primary focus is to address and resolve customer complaints. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality& leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year categories.

68. Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year.
Recognizing service teams that directly engage customers. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year categories.

69. Back Office Customer Service Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide service functions that do not directly engage customers, such as billing, credit and collections, payments, security and support services. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Back-Office Customer Service Team of the Year categories.

70. Contact Center of the Year (Up to 100 Seats)
Recognizing call and contact centers that have no more than 100 seats. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of contact centers in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in all industries not covered by the other Contact Center of the Year (Up to 100 Seats) categories.

71. Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats)
Recognizing call and contact centers that have more than 100 seats. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of contact centers in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in all industries not covered by the other Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats) categories.

72. Customer Service Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the leadership teams of customer service organizations and contact centers for their achievements.

73. Customer Service Training Team of the Year - External
Recognizing teams that develop curricula and deliver training to external customer service organizations and contact center personnel (at organizations other than their own). This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of team in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training Team of the Year categories.

74. Customer Service Training Team of the Year - Internal
Recognizing teams that develop curricula and deliver training to internal customer service organizations and contact center personnel (within their own organizations). This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of team in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training Team of the Year categories.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

75. Achievement in Customer Experience
Recognizing organizations for their improvement of the overall customer experience in order to retain existing customers, gain more loyal ones, and mitigate churn. Approaches to improving customer experience might include the use of customer surveys, personalized product and service recommendations, dynamic website experiences, and segmented customer messaging, among other tools.

76. Achievement in Customer Service Automation
Recognizing customer service organizations for their successful development and implementation since the beginning of July 2023 of digital-first customer service experiences.

77. Achievement in Global Customer Service Excellence - new category for 2026
Recognizing organizations that successfully delivered seamless, culturally-aware, and efficient customer service across multiple global markets.

78. Achievement in the Use of Data & Analytics in Customer Service
Recognizing customer service organizations for their successful use of data and analytics tools to better predict, respond to, track, and satisfy customer needs since the beginning of July 2023.

79. Award for Innovation in Customer Service
Recognizing new ideas and developments within customer service that enabled organizations to meet the needs of their customers more effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Award for Innovation in Customer Service categories.

80. Best Customer Engagement Initiative
Recognizing customer engagement initiatives since July 1, 2023 that created a positive customer experience that has maintained or increased customer loyalty.

81. Best Customer Feedback Strategy
Recognizing customer feedback strategies that led to an improvement in customer satisfaction and performance since July 1 2023. Include in your nomination a discussion of how easy it is for customers to provide feedback and how you close the feedback loop.

82. Best Customer Satisfaction Strategy
Recognizing strategies that measurably improved customer satisfaction ratings since July 1 2023. Include in your nomination a discussion of your strategic plan designed to leave a legacy, after implementation, of a new relationship between your organization and its customers.

83. Best Return on Customer Service Investment
This category is open to any organization that made an investment in customer service and has realized a quantifiable return on investment since July 1 2023. Investment could be in process redesign, strategy, training, human resources, hardware or software. Include in your nomination evidence of measurable return applied specifically to the activity which the investment enabled, as well as secondary benefits (other than financial) which were a direct outcome of the investment.

84. Best Use of Customer Insight
Recogizing organizations for their successful use of customer insight to gain competitive advantage. Include in your nomination detail about the strategy that drove the customer insight as well as the expected outcomes and the actual results of your use of customer insight.

85. Best Use of Technology in Customer Service
Recognizing customer service and contact center organizations for their use of technology, such as artificial intelligence, that has directly improved customer service delivery, provided real business benefits, and shown system adoption across the entire customer service function. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Best Use of Technology in Customer Service categories.

86. Customer Service Employer of the Year
This category will recognize how organizations have provided a supportive and rewarding work environment for customer service professionals since the beginning of July 2023.

87. Customer Service Training or Coaching Program of the Year
Recognizing customer service organizations for their development and use of training and coaching programs. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes training of coaching programs in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training or Coaching Program of the Year categories.

88. Best Use of Omnichannel in Customer Service
Recognizing organizations for meeting customer expectations across multiple platforms. Successful nominees in this category have mastered the art of seamlessly connecting various touchpoints, both digital and physical, to provide a cohesive customer journey. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other e-Commerce Customer Service Award categories.

89. Customer Service Transformation Award
Recognizing organizations for their improvements in customer service performance since July 1, 2023, over prior periods. Include in your nomination detail to quantify the performance improvement, based on your KPIs and any other indicators you measure.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CATEGORIES

In addition to the possibility of receiving a peer-reviewed honor in these categories, all nominated customer service departments that are chosen Stevie winners also will be included in voting for the People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service. Online voting will open to the public worldwide from January 30 - February 20. We will provide winners in these categories with tools to help you encourage your fans, followers and customers to vote for you. The nominee with the most votes in each category will receive a special crystal People's Choice Stevie Award (100 votes minimum required to win.).

The customer service department categories recognize everyone who works formally in customer service in your organization, regardless of their role or location.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated department's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated department: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the department's achievements since July 1 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the department's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

90. Customer Service Department of the Year – Airlines, Distribution & Transportation
91. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Hardware
92. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software. This category is split into two separate categories:
   a. At Organizations With Up to 100 Employees
   b. At Organizations With 100 or More Employees
93. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Services
94. Customer Service Department of the Year - Consumer Products & Services
95. Customer Service Department of the Year – Digital-First Services - new category for 2026. Recognizing customer service operations that operate from a digital-first perspective.
96. Customer Service Department of the Year – Financial Services. This category is split into two separate categories:
   a. At Organizations With Up to 100 Employees
   b. At Organizations With 100 or More Employees
97. Customer Service Department of the Year – Global Operations - new category for 2026. Recognizing the achievements of organizational customer service operations with a global scale.
98. Customer Service Department of the Year – Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Related Industries
99. Customer Service Department of the Year – Leisure & Tourism
100. Customer Service Department of the Year – Public Services & Education
101. Customer Service Department of the Year – Retail
102. Customer Service Department of the Year – Telecommunications
103. Customer Service Department of the Year – All Other Industries

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCCESS CATEGORIES

If your organization doesn't have a formal customer service function - if "everyone here works in customer service" is your motto - then these are the categories for you. If your organization has a formal customer service function, don't enter these categories - enter the Customer Service Department categories instead.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Reaffirm here that your organization is qualified to enter these categories, by first stating: "Our organization does not have a formal customer service function." Then outline the organization's achievements since July 1, 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

200. Customer Service Success - Business Service Industries
201. Customer Service Success - Financial Service Industries
202. Customer Service Success - Other Service Industries
203. Customer Service Success - Technology Industries
204. Customer Service Success - All Other Industries

AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CATEGORIES
new for 2026

These new artifical intelligence (AI) and digital transformation categories will recognize the unavoidable impact that these burgeoning technologies and capabilities are having on the sales and service landscape.

Customer Service

Individual

210. Digital Transformation Leader in Customer Service. Successful nominations in this category will recognize individuals who have led or significantly contributed to digital transformation initiatives within a customer service function since July 1 2023. This includes the strategic implementation of digital tools, platforms, or technologies that have improved customer experience, streamlined operations, or elevated team performance.
211. AI & Tech Focused Customer Service Innovator of the Year. Successful nominations in this category will recognize individuals who have pioneered the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to transform customer service delivery since July 1 2023.
212. Customer Service AI Trainer or Specialist of the Year. This category honors individuals responsible for designing, training, or optimizing artificial intelligence systems used in customer service since July 1 2023.
213. Best Use of AI by a Customer Service Manager. Successful nominations in this category will highlight a customer service manager who has effectively deployed AI technologies to improve team performance or customer engagement since July 1 2023.

Team

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated team's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

215. AI & Tech Focused Digital Transformation Team of the Year. Successful nominations in this category will recognize teams that have led or played a critical role in driving digital transformation through the innovative use of AI and technology since July 1 2023.
216. AI & Tech Focused Customer Service Team of the Year. This category honors customer service teams that have successfully leveraged AI and advanced technologies to elevate service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction since July 1 2023.

Achievement

217. Customer Service Achievement in Automation. Successful nominations in this category will recognize outstanding achievements in automating customer service processes to improve speed, consistency, and overall efficiency since July 1 2023.
218. Best Use of AI In Customer Service. This category honors organizations or teams that have effectively applied artificial intelligence to enhance customer service delivery since July 1 2023.
219. Best Use of Chatbots or AI Assistants in Customer Service. This category recognizes excellence in the deployment and management of chatbots or virtual AI assistants to support customer interactions since July 1 2023.
220. Best Use of AI Integration in Contact Centers. Successful nominations in this category will showcase how AI has been strategically integrated into contact center operations, since July 1 2023, to enhance performance and customer service outcomes.
221. Best AI-Driven Customer Experience. This category honors the most effective and innovative uses of AI to deliver exceptional end-to-end customer experiences since July 1 2023.
222. Achievement in AI-Powered Self-Service. Successful nominations in this category will recognize organizations that have developed or implemented AI-powered self-service solutions, since July 1 2023, that significantly enhance the customer experience.
223. Best Predictive Customer Service Using AI. This category honors the most effective uses of AI-powered predictive technologies to anticipate customer needs, prevent issues, or proactively deliver support since July 1 2023.
224. Best Use of Generative AI in Customer Interactions. This category recognizes organizations that have successfully implemented generative AI technologies - such as large language models - since July 1 2023 to enhance or automate customer communications.
225. Customer Service Training Program of the Year – AI Readiness. Successful nominations in this category will showcase comprehensive training programs designed to prepare customer service teams for AI-enabled environments since July 1 2023.

Sales

Individual

230. Digital Transformation Leader in Sales. Successful nominations in this category will recognize individuals who have led or played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within a sales organization since July 1 1023.
231. AI & Tech Focused Sales Innovator of the Year. For individuals who led or significantly contributed to implementing AI, automation, or data-driven innovation within the sales process since July 1 2023.
232. Sales AI Trainer or Specialist of the Year. This category recognizes individuals who specialize in training or developing AI systems for sales applications for their achievements since July 1 2023.
233. Best Use of AI by a Sales Manager. Successful nominations in this category will highlight the achievements of sales managers who have effectively leveraged AI tools to enhance team productivity, improve sales outcomes, or refine sales processes since July 1 2023.

Team

235. AI-Driven Sales Enablement Team of the Year. Honoring teams that have implemented AI tools (such as predictive analytics, intelligent CRM, or automation platforms) to drive productivity and customer acquisition since July 1 2023.

Achievement

238. Sales Achievement in Automation. Successful nominations in this category will recognize organizations or individuals who have significantly improved sales performance through the implementation of automation technologies since July 1 2023.
239. Best Use of Chatbots or AI Assistants in Sales. This category honors the most effective deployment of chatbots or AI-powered virtual assistants to support sales activities since July 1 2023.
240. Achievement in AI-Driven Sales Automation. Successful nominations in this category will showcase outstanding results from the use of AI to automate complex or high-value components of the sales process since July 1 2023.
241. Ethical AI Use in Sales. This category recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated responsible, transparent, and ethical implementation of AI technologies in sales since July 1 2023.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES

These categories recognize the achievements of individual business development professionals, and singular business development achievements in a variety of industries. "Business development" incorporates the creation and mining of partnerships, alliances, deals and agreements that don't directly produce sales, but instead create platforms from which sales may be pursued.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated individual or organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the achievements since July 1 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

150. Business Development Executive of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of business development executives since July 1, 2023. (Professionals at the VP level or higher.)

151. Business Development Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of non-executive business development professionals since July 1, 2023. (Professionals at a Director level or lower.)

152. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Digital Commerce Enablement - new category for 2026
Recognizing initiatives since July 1, 2023 that expanded e-commerce reach, enabled new digital channels.

153. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Financial Services Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the financial services industries since July 1, 2023.

154. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Hospitality & Leisure Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the hospitality and leisure industries since July 1, 2023.

155. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Media & Entertainment Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the media and entertainment industries since July 1, 2023.

156. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Services Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the services industries (business or consumer) since July 1, 2023.

157. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Technology Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the technology industries since July 1, 2023.

158. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Transportation Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the transportation industries since July 1, 2023.

159. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Sustainability - new category for 2026
Honoring initiatives since July 1, 2023 that combined commercial growth with environmental or social responsibility (e.g., ESG-aligned partnerships, sustainable sourcing deals, or purpose-driven market expansions).

160. Business Development Achievement of the Year - All Other Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - since July 1, 2023 in any industry not addressed by categories 152 - 159.

SOLUTIONS & IMPLEMENTATIONS CATEGORIES

These categories recognize sales, business development, contact center, and customer service-related products, services, and implementations since July 1 2023.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

The first in each pair of categories is for product or service solutions issued since the beginning of July 2023. Both new and new-version solutions may be nominated. The second in each pair of categories is for implementations of those solutions or of custom solutions.
If you are the producer of a new or new-version solution, you'll want to nominate it in the first category of the pair. If you're the end user of a solution and want to nominate your implementation of it, you'll want to nominate in the second category of the pair.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated solution or implementation since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. If you are nominating a brand-new product, state the date on which it was released. If you are nominating a new version of an existing product, state the date on which the update was released. If you are nominating an implementation, state the date on which the implementation was completed. Required
b. Describe the features, functions, and benefits of the nominated product, service, or implementation (up to 350 words). Required
c. For the nomination of a product or service, outline the market performance, critical reception, and customer satisfaction with the product or service to date. State monetary or unit sales figures to date, if possible, and how they compare to expectations or past performance. Provide links to laudatory product or service reviews. Include some customer testimonials, if applicable. (up to 350 words). Required
For the nomination of an implementation, outline the need or problem that was identified, why the solution was chosen, how the solution was implemented, and the results of your implementation to date (up to 350 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination(up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, or images, for example.

105. AI-Powered Sales or Service Solution – New or New Version - new category for 2026. Recognizing software, introduced since July 1 2023, that leverages artificial intelligence or machine learning to enhance decision-making, personalization, or efficiency in sales or customer service.
106. AI-Powered Sales or Service Solution – Implementation - new category for 2026
107. Business Intelligence Solution – New or New Version
108. Business Intelligence Solution – Implementation
109. Collaboration Solution – New or New Version
110. Collaboration Solution– Implementation
111. Contact Center Solution – New or New Version
112. Contact Center Solution – Implementation
113. CRM Suite - New or New Version. For integrated CRM suites.
114. CRM Suite - Implementation. For integrated CRM suites.
115. Customer Experience Management Solution - New or New Version
116. Customer Experience Management Solution - Implementationn
117. Customer Support Solution - New or New Version
118. Customer Support Solution - Implementation
119. Incentive Management Solution – New or New Version
120. Incentive Management Solution – Implementation
121. IVR or Web Service Solution – New or New Version
122. IVR or Web Service Solution – Implementation
123. Marketing Solution – New or New Version
124. Marketing Solution – Implementation
125. Relationship Management Solution – New or New Version
126. Relationship Management Solution – Implementation
127. Sales Automation Solution – New or New Version
128. Sales Automation Solution – Implementation
129. Sales Enablement Solution – New or New Version
130. Sales Enablement Solution – Implementation
131. Sales Force Automation Solution - New or New Version
132. Sales Force Automation Solution - Implementation
133. Sales & Marketing Mobile Application – New or New Version
134. Sales & Marketing Mobile Application – Implementation
135. Sales Management Solution - New or New Version
136. Sales Management Solution - Implementation
137. Sales Performance Management Solution - New or New Version
138. Sales Performance Management Solution - Implementation
139. Sales Proposal Management Solution - New or New Version
140. Sales Proposal Management Solution - Implementation
141. Sustainable Tech Solution for Sales & Service – New or New Version - new category for 2026. Honoring new or improved solutions designed to reduce environmental impact in sales and customer service processes, such as energy-saving, paperless, or ethical sourcing features.
142. Sustainable Tech Solution for Sales & Service – Implementation - new category for 2026
143. Best Advance in Product Innovation - new category for 2026. Successful nominations in this category will recognize organizations or individuals that have developed, since July 1 2023, a groundbreaking new product or significantly enhanced an existing one through innovative features, design, technology, or functionality.
144. Product Feature of the Year - new category for 2026. This category recognizes a single, standout feature, introduced since July 1 2023, that significantly enhances the functionality, performance, or user experience of a product.
145. Customer Service or Sales Book of the Year
   Attach an electronic version of your book to your online entry using the attachment/link uploading tool.
146. Customer Service Training Product of the Year
  Eligible products include DVDs, videos, courseware and workbooks, among others.
147. Sales Training Product of the Year
  Eligible products include DVDs, videos, courseware and workbooks, among others.

SOLUTION PROVIDER CATEGORIES

These categories recognize the achievements of solution providers for sales, contact center, and customer service professionals.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

166. Sales Consulting Practice of the Year
167. Sales Training Practice of the Year
168. Sales Outsourcing Provider of the Year
169. Digital Enablement Provider of the Year - new category for 2026. Recognizing firms that provide tools, strategies, or systems to digitize customer or sales operations, enabling agility, automation, and omnichannel engagement.
170. Incentive, Rewards, or Recognition Provider of the Year
171. Customer Service or Call Center Consulting Practice of the Year
172. Customer Service or Call Center Training Practice of the Year
173. Sales or Customer Service Solutions Technology Partner of the Year
174. Contact Center or Customer Service Outsourcing Provider of the Year
175. Leadership or Management Training Practice of the Year
176. Sales & Service Ecosystem Enabler of the Year - new category for 2026. Recognizing providers that integrate or manage multiple platforms and services, creating cohesive and scalable customer engagement ecosystems for their clients.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CATEGORIES

These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2023 of organizations that have taken active measures to develop themselves and their executives as thought leaders and promote their thought leadership to audiences inside and outside the organization.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's thought leadership achievements since July 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the organization's thought leadership achievements since the beginning of July 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination. (up to 250 words). Optional

177. Best Use of Thought Leadership in Digital Transformation - new category for 2026. Recognizing individuals or organizations whose insights and content have influenced or guided strategic digital change in sales or customer service since July 1 2023..
178. Thought Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sales or Service - new category for 2026. Honoring thought leadership since July 1 2023 that shaped discourse or best practices around DEI in customer engagement or workforce strategy.
179. Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year – Multi-Channel Strategy - new category for 2026. Recognizing the most effective multi-platform campaigns (blogs, webinars, social media, podcasts, etc.) since July 1 2023 used to position an individual or organization as a trusted authority in sales, service, or business development.
180. Best Use of Thought Leadership in Sales
181. Best Use of Thought Leadership in Complex Sales
182. Best Integration of Thought Leadership into the Sales Process. Describe in this nomination how your organization is using thought leadership to accelerate sales.
183. Best Use of Thought Leadership in Business Development
184. Best Use of Thought Leadership in Customer Service

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SALES INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

SALES TEAM CATEGORIES

SALES ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

SALES DISTINCTION CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER TEAM CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCCESS CATEGORIES

AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CATEGORIES
new for 2026

Customer Service

Individual

Team

Achievement

Sales

Individual

Team

Achievement

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES

SOLUTIONS & IMPLEMENTATIONS CATEGORIES

SOLUTION PROVIDER CATEGORIES

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CATEGORIES

Enter Now

Categories

SALES INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

SALES TEAM CATEGORIES

SALES ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

SALES DISTINCTION CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER TEAM CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CATEGORIES

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCCESS CATEGORIES

AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CATEGORIESnew for 2026

Customer Service

Individual

Team

Achievement

Sales

Individual

Team

Achievement

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES

SOLUTIONS & IMPLEMENTATIONS CATEGORIES

SOLUTION PROVIDER CATEGORIES

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CATEGORIES

AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CATEGORIES
new for 2026