Tech & Learning’s Best of Show Awards at ISTELive 2026 are back to celebrate the products, and businesses behind them, who are transforming education in schools around the world. The awards have been running for a number of years and have increased in popularity, proving to be a must-have for any companies looking to maximize their exposure at the show.
We’re welcoming entries from any company that has announced and/or launched an edtech product since ISTE 2025, or any company who has brought a significant new feature, upgrade, or variation to a product since the last show. Entrants are required to have a presence at ISTE, whether this is at the manufacturer’s booth, a partner booth, demo space, or a session.
The Best of Show accolade is awarded to those who show the greatest promise to the industry, judged by some of the U.S.’s most tech-savvy and knowledgeable educators, and awarded by one of the leading names in the education technology industry.
Read more about the awards HERE to begin your nominations today!
Benefits of entering:
- Winners will be announced during ISTE on techlearning.com. All award winners will be featured in a special digital issue distributed to the Tech & Learning audience, reaching 72,000 school district decision makers.
- Crystal glass trophies will be sent directly to winners after ISTE, so you can continue celebrating your success after the show.
- All winners will receive a winner’s marketing package. This will include a fully licensed winner’s badge for in-house promotion, a social graphic, and press release.
- NEW for 2026! Winners will receive a marketing toolkit, with tips and tricks on how to utilize your winner assets, as well as a template press release.
- NEW for 2026! Receive a testimonial from our judges for in-house marketing purposes!
Why should you nominate your product?
- Nominating a product is easy. No shipping of products or setting up guest user accounts. Just complete a simple form that includes your product’s name, image, and a brief description.
- Winning a Best of Show award signifies that your product has, or will have, an incredible impact on teaching and learning experiences. Our judges are looking for the best of the best in edtech innovation.
- Winners of the Best of Show award will be featured in Tech & Learning’s digital magazine, reaching industry professionals who will see your product showcased in a special section of educator-endorsed products.
FAQ
What are the ISTE Best of Show Awards?
The program recognizes products exhibited at ISTELive 26 which are believed to be changing the way we educate around the world. Winners are selected by a panel of professional users and editors based on product descriptions provided in the nomination form, as well as on judges’ inspection at the show.
Who can enter?
Entrants are required to have a presence at ISTE, whether this is at the manufacturer’s booth, a partner booth, demo space, or a session. You don’t need a product that’s already shipped — but it must be a product that’s been shown publicly either before or during June 2026. Previous entrants are welcome to enter this year’s program. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility please email beckie.sirs@futurenet.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
When are entries due?
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on June 12, 2026 and a single entry costs $625, with discounts available for multiple entries. We reserve the right to consider late applicants as circumstances dictate
What are the entry categories?
The categories are broken down into Primary (Tools for K-6 grade education), Secondary (7-12), and Higher Education. You may enter the same product into multiple categories.
May I enter more than one product?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of products you may nominate. Each requires a nomination form and entry fee(s).
How are the products evaluated?
All entries are reviewed by a panel of judges and editors – chosen in advance by the editors of our publications – who will review nominations and choose the winners on a points score against a range of criteria. Judges use a combination of on-site inspection and the online nomination information to build their scores.
What do I get if I win?
If selected as a winner, you’ll receive:
- A physical winner’s trophy shipped directly to you after ISTE
- A digital winner’s pack, including badges, graphics, and banners for your in-house promotion
- Features in online articles, social posts, and newsletters with Tech & Learning
Winning a Best of Show award is a great accomplishment for any organization, and the benefits go far beyond just an announcement at the conference. For more information, contact Beckie Sirs, beckie.sirs@futurenet.com.