Allow me to introduce Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in the hospitality industry with a deep-rooted passion for travel, tourism, and business events. With years of experience under her belt, Katarina has become a prominent voice in entertainment, expos, and conferences, offering invaluable insights into the trends and initiatives shaping the sector. Today, we’re diving into a conversation about the newly expanded beam Awards, a recognition program by the trade association for business events, accommodation, and meetings. Our discussion touches on the inspiration behind broadening the awards, the significance of the new categories, the legacy of the original young leader award, and what industry professionals can expect from the nomination process and gala event.
What inspired beam to take the step of expanding the awards program beyond the original focus on young leaders?
I think it’s fair to say that the original Chris Peacock Young Champion of Change Award struck a chord with so many in our industry. Year after year, we saw nominees who brought incredible energy, fresh ideas, and a real drive for positive impact. It became clear that while celebrating emerging talent was vital, there was so much more excellence to recognize across all levels of the sector. We started hearing stories of seasoned leaders, collaborative efforts, and individuals whose work embodied our core values. That groundswell of inspiration made us realize it was time to broaden the scope and shine a light on the diverse talent shaping our field.
How did beam settle on the five new categories for the awards, and what do they represent?
We wanted the new categories to reflect the full spectrum of contributions in our industry. Agency Leader of the Year and General Manager of the Year, for instance, honor those at the helm who set benchmarks for leadership and operational excellence. Collaboration of the Year celebrates partnerships that break new ground, showing how teamwork can drive innovation. Spirit of beam, on the other hand, is deeply tied to our association’s ethos—it’s about recognizing those who live our values every day. Each category was carefully chosen through conversations with members and stakeholders to ensure we’re capturing the breadth of impact across the sector.
Can you dive deeper into what the Collaboration of the Year category aims to highlight?
Absolutely. Collaboration of the Year is all about recognizing projects or partnerships that demonstrate the power of working together. We’re looking for entries that showcase how different teams, organizations, or even sectors have joined forces to create something exceptional—whether it’s an event, a campaign, or a solution to a shared challenge. The winning entry will likely show measurable impact, creativity, and a clear sense of mutual benefit. It’s about celebrating the idea that we’re stronger together, which is a cornerstone of our industry’s success.
Why does the Chris Peacock Young Champion of Change Award hold such a special place for beam and its community?
This award is at the heart of who we are as an association. Created in memory of an inspiring figure, it’s dedicated to honoring young leaders who show innovation, courage, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. It’s not just about talent—it’s about vision and the guts to challenge the status quo. Over the years, we’ve seen recipients of this award go on to inspire others, proving that age is no barrier to impact. It’s a reminder of the fresh perspectives that keep our industry moving forward, and it continues to be a highlight of our annual celebrations.
How can industry professionals get involved in the beam Awards, and are there unique considerations for certain categories?
The beam Awards are open to anyone in the business events, accommodation, and meetings sector, which means there’s a wide pool of potential nominees. The only exception is the Spirit of beam category, which is reserved exclusively for our members as a way to honor those who actively embody our mission. My advice for anyone considering an entry is to review the eligibility details on our website and think about how their work aligns with the category’s focus. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions—whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, there’s likely a spot for you to be recognized.
Can you walk us through what the submission process looks like for someone interested in entering the awards?
It’s a straightforward process, designed to be accessible. Entries opened on September 9, 2025, and will close at 5 p.m. on October 24, 2025, so there’s a window to prepare. First, visit our website at beam-org.uk/2026-beam-awards for the full guidelines and category criteria. You’ll need to fill out an application form detailing your achievements or those of your nominee, often including supporting materials like testimonials, project summaries, or data on impact. Make sure everything is polished and submitted on time. We’re happy to guide applicants if they need clarity on what makes a strong entry.
What goes into selecting the winners, and what can people look forward to at the Gala Dinner?
The selection process is rigorous but fair. We have a panel of industry experts who evaluate entries based on specific criteria for each category—think innovation, leadership, impact, and alignment with our values. Finalists are announced in November, giving everyone time to prepare for the big reveal. As for the Gala Dinner on January 30, 2026, at The Belfry’s Masters Suite, it’s truly a night to remember. It’s not just about announcing winners; it’s a celebration of our community’s achievements, complete with networking, inspiration, and a shared sense of pride. The setting itself adds a touch of prestige, making it the perfect backdrop for honoring excellence.
What’s your forecast for the impact of the expanded beam Awards on the industry in the coming years?
I believe this expansion will be a game-changer. By recognizing a wider range of contributions—from young innovators to seasoned leaders and collaborative efforts—we’re setting a new standard for what excellence looks like in our sector. I expect we’ll see more people inspired to push boundaries, knowing their work could be celebrated on this platform. Over time, the beam Awards could become a catalyst for innovation and connection, fostering a stronger, more united community. I’m excited to see how the stories of our winners will shape the future of business events and hospitality.
