Being shortlisted is winning.
At this level, the difference between entries for the WXO Awards is rarely clear-cut. It is subjective. Context matters. Taste matters. What resonates with one judge may not with another.
All this is true – unless, of course, you win 😉
This is the third year of the WXO World Experience Awards, the standard has risen markedly. The depth, rigour, and ambition of submissions this year signal a field coming of age.
Like the Oscars, these awards are decided by peers.
Just as the Oscars are voted for by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, so only members of the World Experience Organization – all leaders and practitioners shaping this industry – can vote. That is what gives these awards their unique weight.
We planned for six shortlisted entries for most categories. In several cases, ties made that impossible. It felt churlish to exclude people and work at this level.
For Experience of the Year, we managed to stay at 12 shortlisted entries, though the volume and quality made selection unusually difficult. (There are many exceptional experiences that are not on this list.
It’s been a real pleasure reading, watching, considering this list.
Click through for the individual shortlists.
- Experientialist of the Year
- Experience Team of the Year
- Experience of the Year (Small)
- Experience of the Year (Medium)
- Experience of the Year (Large)
- Experience Tech of the Year
- Experience Business of the Year
The WXO World Experience Awards 2026 take place on Tuesday 21 April at Ministry of Sound.
The ceremony marks the end of Day One of the World Experience Summit, a part of London Experience Week 2026.
We’re delighted to announce our friends at Immerse LDN will be sponsoring the Awards evening.
Winners come decided by votes by members of the World Experience Organization – all leaders and practitioners shaping this industry – can vote. That is what gives these awards their unique weight.
Tickets are still available – click here for more.