The Street of Gold Foundation has announced that the 10th edition of its flagship Heroes Awards will take place on 13‑14 February 2026 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The announcement, made by Foundation CEO Majesty R. Panford, comes with an extended registration deadline of 27 January 2026, giving event professionals, brands, agencies, destinations and innovators an extra two weeks to submit their work for a chance to be celebrated on a world‑class stage.
Why the extension?
Panford explained that the surge in submissions – a record‑breaking number for the competition – prompted the decision. “The response has been overwhelming,” he said. “We received entries from over 28 countries, and we didn’t want to exclude any deserving project because of a tight deadline. Extending the deadline to 27 January ensures that everyone who wants to compete can do so on an even playing field.”
Heroes Awards: A decade of excellence
Since its inception in 2016, the Heroes Awards has grown into the most respected competition in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), tourism, events and creative sectors. With a reputation for integrity, transparency and innovation, the Awards have become a benchmark for creativity, strategic planning and impact. All scores and judges’ comments are made public after the ceremony, reinforcing the event’s credibility.
New categories for 2026
This year’s programme introduces several fresh categories, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry:
– Best Event Destination
– Best Venue Experience
– Outstanding Event Supplier
– Most Innovative Event Technology
– Best Festival Experience
– Best Sustainable Event
– Best Tourism Promotion Initiative
These additions join the existing lineup, offering participants more avenues to showcase their excellence.
What to expect at Heroes Awards 2026
The two‑day event will feature a Grand Award Ceremony, the Golden Experience Awards, high‑level networking sessions, showcases of cutting‑edge event technologies, and a red‑carpet gala with extensive media coverage and celebrity guests. The hybrid format is projected to attract more than 11,000 industry professionals from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Miss MICE Global 2026 Grand Finale
Running alongside the Awards, the Miss MICE Global 2026 Grand Finale will spotlight young women who are shaping the future of the MICE sector. The pageant’s theme, _“Inspiring Innovation: Shaping the Future of MICE,”_ will combine a glamorous cultural showcase with a professional forum, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.
How to enter
All interested parties are invited to submit their entries through the official Heroes Awards portal. The extended deadline of 27 January 2026 provides ample time for preparation and submission. Full details, entry guidelines and the official schedule are available on the Street of Gold Foundation website.
The Street of Gold Foundation, through initiatives like the Heroes Awards and Miss MICE Global, aims to drive creativity, sustainability and inclusive growth across the global events ecosystem. With the 2026 edition set to be the most international yet, the Foundation looks forward to celebrating the innovators who are shaping the future of MICE.
