IAG Opens Public Call for 2026 Academy IR Awards
IAG Opens Public Call for 2026 Academy IR Awards
Inside Asian Gaming has confirmed the categories for the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards and opened the public call for candidates. The ceremony will take place on 15 September at the Manila Ballroom, Manila Marriott, as part of the wider IAG EXPO at Newport World Resorts.
Nominations opened on 8 June and close at midnight Manila time on 14 August 2026. Official nominees will be revealed on 17 August, after which shortlisted entrants will have 15 days to provide supporting documentation.
Online Gaming Gains Formal Recognition
The 2026 programme includes 26 award categories, three more than last year. The biggest update is a new Online Gaming Offerings division, presented by Complete iGaming, which adds five categories focused on digital products, suppliers and operators.
This change matters because it reflects how online gaming now sits alongside the integrated resort model rather than outside it. For suppliers and operators, that creates a clearer benchmark for product quality, innovation and commercial execution across both channels.
How the Awards Are Structured
The awards are split into five divisions: Non-Gaming Operator Offerings, Gaming Offerings, Online Gaming Offerings, Corporate Awards and Industry Awards. Three Hall of Fame honours will also recognise standout individuals through Rising Stars, Industry Icons and Industry Legends.
The non-gaming division covers areas such as hotels, food and beverage, retail and resort attractions. Gaming categories focus on slot solutions, electronic table games, table game solutions, systems and gaming floors, giving land-based suppliers and resorts a broad platform for recognition.
The online division covers live dealer, electronic slot offerings, iGaming innovation, iGaming supplier and iGaming operator. Corporate awards recognise CSR initiatives, workplace quality and marketing, while industry awards assess broader supplier and integrated resort excellence across Asia-Pacific.
Why This Matters for the Industry
Awards programmes do more than celebrate brands. They help buyers, partners and investors identify which products and operations are gaining traction in the market. In a competitive region such as Asia-Pacific, that visibility can influence supplier conversations, partnership opportunities and brand perception.
The addition of online categories is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where digital activity and land-based entertainment increasingly intersect. For B2B companies, this signals stronger demand for systems, content and service models that work across retail and remote channels.
Nomination Process and Governance
Nominations can be submitted publicly, and self-nomination is allowed. Inside Asian Gaming states that judges will be recused from voting in any category where they hold a vested interest, an important control for maintaining confidence in the process.
The full awards process, nomination portal and category descriptions are available through the event website. The IAG Academy IR Awards will form part of a wider September programme that also includes Manila After Dark, the CiG iDEA Summit, the IAG Academy Summit and The Regulators Forum.
Source: IAG EXPO
