With less than a month to go until entries close for the 2026 blooloop Innovation Awards, presented with AREA15, our judges explain what they will be looking for this year and what makes these awards unique in the sector.
Winston Fisher, CEO of AREA15, returns as a judge for 2026:
"Every year I'm inspired by the creativity, ambition, and talent shaping the future of experiences around the world, and it's a privilege to help recognise the people and organisations pushing our industry forward.
"Thank you to the blooloop team for bringing the global attractions and entertainment community together to celebrate innovation."
Michael Casper, vice president of business development at AREA15, adds that the Awards are a great way for the company "to engage with the best and brightest in experiential entertainment," saying it "gives us a first look at new experiences to see who we can work with."
The winners of the blooloop Innovation Awards will be announced at the Festival of Innovation, 20 to 21 January 2027
2026 judge Mary Levinsky, visual merchandise designer at Universal Destinations and Experiences, says that "the Innovation Awards matter because, in the themed entertainment industry, it's truly impressive to stand out in such a highly creative field with fresh and unique ideas.
"Innovation and a willingness to push boundaries are what keep experiences exciting and memorable for guests."
While 2026 judge Bart Kresa, founder of BARTKRESA studio, says he will be looking for:
- Whether projection mapping is integrated into architecture rather than simply projected onto it
- If technology supports the narrative instead of becoming the attraction itself
- The sophistication of media synchronisation and spatial storytelling
- Whether creative ambition matches technical execution.
Why enter?
The Innovation Awards offer a powerful opportunity to be seen by leading thinkers in the sector and recognise the hardworking teams that make innovation possible.
Chris Lange, chief creative officer and owner of Creative Studio Berlin and 2026 judge, says: "It’s a privilege to once again serve on the blooloop Innovation Awards judging panel. The most exciting part isn’t just recognising outstanding projects—it’s seeing where our industry is heading.
"The entries reveal the trends, technologies, and creative breakthroughs that will define the next generation of attractions and experiences.
"If you're creating something that moves our industry forward, now is the time to share it."
This sentiment is echoed by Stephanie Morehead, senior program manager | global business strategy and integration at Disney Live Entertainment and 2026 judge, who says:
"As someone who is passionate about our industry, I am continually inspired by the creativity, achievements, and outstanding work being shared from around the world."
Previous winners highlight the value of winning an award.
Lagotronics Projects was awarded 1st Place in the Immersive Attractions category at the 2025 Innovation Awards for Ghostly Manor.
Kevin Hendrix, marketing and communications, says: "Winning this award really means a lot to us. It’s a great moment of recognition for the team and all the effort that goes into our projects behind the scenes.
"What makes it especially valuable is that the appreciation comes from within the industry; from people who know how much collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving it takes to bring an attraction to life."
Visitors to Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park learn about the exploits of famed ghost hunter Dr. Kinley
Alex Westerh, manager, business development at Electrosonic (1st Place Storytelling - Culture, Innovation Awards 2025), says: "The blooloop Innovation Awards set the benchmark for excellence across the global visitor attractions industry.
"It is the premier awards program in the industry and showcases the very best attractions around the globe. Seeing the National WWI Museum and Memorial recognised among this year's winners is a testament to their staff's commitment to innovation."
Alexa Fedynsky, manager, business development at National Geographic, which won 1st Place in the Exhibit - Animals category in the 2025 Innovation Awards for Photo Ark: Animals of Earth, adds: "Being recognised by experts in the museum and attractions industry adds so much value to an exhibition we are incredibly proud of."
To find out more about the categories and entry process, please click here.
Enter the blooloop Innovation Award 2026 here. Entries close on 28 September 2026.
We thank our sponsors for 2026: AREA15, Fuzzy Lightbulb, Holovis, Museum EXP, On The Stage, ProIO, Mance Communications, Blue Telescope, Openaire, BeWunder, and Forrec.
