Putting People First: JET Wins Customer Experience Award at the Confex Supplier Awards

The events industry is home to some of the most creative, tenacious, and resourceful people you’ll ever meet. And nowhere is that more evident than in the world of independent event organisers – the small teams who conceive, build, and deliver remarkable events without the backing of large corporate structures behind them.

At JET, we’ve always believed that outstanding delivery deserves recognition. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the AEO Excellence Awards 2026, taking place on Friday, 12th June, at the iconic Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London.

This year, our Managing Director, Sarah Cox, has also been invited to join the judging panel – and we couldn’t be more delighted to be involved.

The Awards That Celebrate the Best in Events

The AEO Excellence Awards represent the very best that the events industry has to offer. Every year, this prestigious ceremony recognises and celebrates the achievements of organisers, venues, suppliers, and contractors who have raised the bar over the past twelve months.

Behind the awards themselves, the AEO plays a vital role in the exhibition industry year-round. The Association brings organisers together, helps raise professional standards, and creates a platform for sharing best practice across the sector. Sponsoring the Excellence Awards isn’t just about being visible – it’s about actively supporting the long-term strength, professionalism, and sustainability of the industry.

The 2026 awards cover an impressive range of categories, including:

✔ Outstanding Contribution to the Industry
✔ Marketing Campaign of the Year (UK Trade Show, International, and Consumer)
✔ Best Event Launch
✔ Best UK Conference and Best International Conference
✔ Best UK Tradeshow (across multiple size categories)
✔ Best International Show (Europe, Americas, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific)
✔ Best Consumer Show
✔ ESG Award of the Year
✔ Organiser Team of the Year
✔ Service Supplier of the Year
✔ Venue of the Year
✔ Unsung Hero
✔ Independent Organiser of the Year (less than 20 employees and more than 20 employees)

You can find a full list of categories and how to enter here.

The Category We’re Proud to Sponsor: Independent Organiser of the Year (Less Than 20 Employees)

Of all the categories at this year’s awards, the Independent Organiser of the Year (Less Than 20 Employees) feels closest to home for us.

Independent organisers are often the most entrepreneurial, commercially focused, and hands-on leaders in events. They operate without the safety net of large corporate infrastructures, where every decision carries weight – every exhibitor matters, every rebook counts. With lean teams and limited resources, they take on enormous responsibility, shaping events that matter deeply to their sectors and communities.

At JET, a significant part of the work we do is with exactly these kinds of organisers. We see first-hand what they achieve – and how much goes into achieving it – which made supporting a category that shines a light on their contribution an easy decision.

We also work closely with independent organisers at the most demanding stage of all: launch and early growth. New events come with a different kind of pressure. There’s no historic data to lean on, no guaranteed audience, and no established rebooking rate. Everything depends on getting it right first time – from registration and data capture to exhibitor experience and follow-up. We’ve supported launch events such as Affilifest and Facilities & Estates Management Live, and understand just how much is riding on those early decisions.

Our MD, Sarah Cox, will be joining the judging panel, and she’s looking forward to it for exactly that reason.

“Independent organisers are some of the most impressive people in our industry. They build events that matter deeply to their communities, often with small teams and limited resources, and they do it with creativity and passion that’s hard to match. I’m honoured to be involved in recognising that work – and genuinely excited to see what this year’s entries bring.” – Sarah Cox, Managing Director, JET

Supporting the Industry That Supports Us

At JET, we work alongside event organisers of all sizes – whether that’s a large international trade show, a consumer event, or an intimate independent conference – to deliver seamless registration and check-in experiences. We understand the detail, the pressure, and the dedication it takes to pull off a great event.

Being part of the AEO Excellence Awards – both as a sponsor and through Sarah’s role on the judging panel – is our way of actively contributing to an industry that continually challenges us, supports us, and sets the bar higher every year.

Good luck to everyone entering this year. Whether you’re a first-time entrant or a returning finalist, these awards are an opportunity to share your story, celebrate your team, and be recognised for the extraordinary work you do.

Entries are open now. The deadline is 1st April 2026. Enter here.

We look forward to celebrating with you on 12th June!