Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Applications for the 2026 CRN Best of the Channel Awards are closed. The official entry deadline was June 2, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. ET; finalists have been announced, and winners are scheduled to be revealed at the October 13 ceremony in Atlanta. The published ticket-purchase deadline has also passed, so contact the organizer directly before making plans to attend.
2026 entry and event status
- Entries: Closed. The official categories page and entry guide list June 2, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. ET as the deadline. Official categories and entry guide.
- Finalists: CRN reported that they were announced July 24. CRN finalist coverage.
- Winners: Scheduled to be announced in person at the October 13 ceremony. Official categories.
- Tickets: The published September 28 purchase deadline has passed. The FAQ says walk-ins are unavailable; ask the organizer whether any late attendance option exists. Official FAQ.
CRN’s original “Apply Now!” article gives May 19 as the application cutoff, but the official award pages agree on June 2 and provide the operative instructions. Original CRN article.
Who the awards recognize
The second annual program honors IT-channel leaders and organizations. It has nine company or team categories and six individual categories. The exact titles and criteria are listed on the official categories page.
Company and team awards
These categories cover solution providers and technology vendors, including AI- and security-focused awards, as well as channel and marketing teams. For example, Best AI Solution Provider is intended for an MSP, VAR, systems integrator, consultant, or similar provider delivering AI-focused solutions to end customers over the previous 12 months. Best Security Solution Provider recognizes providers delivering IT security-focused solutions.
#1 Best Overall
- Personalized 3D Laser Engraved Crystal Award -- Create a custom crystal award with your company logo, recipient name, award title, message, organization, and date. Your design is produced with 3D subsurface laser engraving inside the crystal, delivering a clean, professional look for corporate recognition. A thoughtful choice for ceremonies, milestone celebrations, and business gifting.
- 3D Subsurface Engraving -- The artwork is laser-engraved within the crystal, while the outside remains smooth and polished. This subsurface 3D engraving helps keep the design clear for display and avoids concerns like peeling, lifting, or surface wear from everyday handling. Ideal for office desks, shelves, and award displays.
- K9 Crystal Material & Premium Gift Packaging -- Made with K9 crystal known for its clarity and light refraction, paired with a polished, smooth exterior for an elevated presentation. The crystal catches light beautifully. Each crystal trophy is nestled in a premium gift box— fitted with shock-absorbing foam—then hand-wrapped by our team. Arrival is instant ceremony; unboxing becomes part of the honor.
- For Employee Recognition, Years of Service & Retirement -- Designed for professional occasions: Employee Appreciation, Years of Service, Work Anniversary, Outstanding Performance, Leadership, Teamwork, Sales Awards, and Retirement celebrations. Suitable for managers, coworkers, mentors, and business partners—personalized name&text makes the recognition more meaningful.
- Business Gifting & Bulk Order Friendly -- Suitable for corporate events, annual meetings, onboarding milestones, and long-term service recognition. This personalized award trophy supports individual orders or bulk purchasing for company programs. A practical solution for organizations seeking a consistent, professional recognition item that aligns with business environments and formal presentation needs.
Best AI Vendor and Best Security Vendor are for manufacturers bringing AI or security offerings to market through the indirect channel. Best Channel Marketing Team recognizes a team at a vendor, distributor, marketplace, or technology alliance that can quantify demand generated and awareness increased for its channel business and partners.
Individual leadership awards
Individual categories include awards for a solution-provider CEO, channel chief, channel visionary, channel achiever, and emerging leader. Leadership categories generally assess channel achievements over the previous 12 months. Best Solution Provider CEO is for a CEO of a North American-headquartered MSP, VAR, systems integrator, consultant, or other solution provider.
Rank #2
- 👔 Professional Corporate Recognition Award Designed for modern businesses and organizations, this custom crystal trophy is perfect for Employee of the Month programs, Employee of the Year honors, sales achievement awards, leadership recognition, work anniversaries, and executive appreciation. A refined way to celebrate dedication and performance
- 🏢 Fully Personalized with Logo & Award Details Add your company logo, recipient name, title, month, year, and achievement message. Whether it’s a monthly recognition award or a special milestone tribute, simply upload your logo or text and we ensure clean layout, accurate alignment, and professional UV printing
- 🎁 Meaningful Employee Appreciation More than a trophy — it is a symbol of gratitude. Ideal for thanking employees, honoring retiring colleagues, recognizing managers, celebrating team success, or expressing appreciation to a principal or school leader. A lasting keepsake that reflects respect and value
- 🏆 Versatile for Sports & Academic Recognition In addition to corporate ceremonies, this elegant crystal award is suitable for Champion trophies, 1st Place competitions, team achievements, school excellence awards, and principal appreciation events. A modern award design that fits business, sports, and educational settings
- 💎 Premium K9 Crystal with Executive Finish Crafted from high-clarity K9 crystal for exceptional brilliance and substantial weight. Compared to acrylic or ordinary glass awards, it delivers a more luxurious and executive appearance. Advanced HD UV printing ensures vibrant logos and long-lasting clarity without fading
Eligibility and choosing a category
The official FAQ says applicants may hold channel leadership roles at a vendor, solution provider, distributor, or another company prominently involved in the IT channel. Their responsibilities must focus on the U.S., North America, or global markets. Official FAQ.
- Choose an individual category when the entry concerns a person’s leadership or achievements, rather than a team’s or company’s work.
- Choose a company or team category when the entry is about an organization, its offering, or a group outcome such as channel demand generation.
- Choose an AI or security category when the work specifically involves delivering those solutions to end customers or bringing those offerings to market through the indirect channel.
The FAQ defines a vendor as a technology maker selling under its own brand with a meaningful indirect-channel strategy. A solution provider recommends, sells, or implements technology for end users; examples include resellers, VARs, MSPs, systems integrators, network integrators, and technology consultants.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- CUSTOM AWARD PLAQUE- NANFUNCF trophies are available in a variety of designs and can be customized down to the smallest detail, including engravings of text,name,logo and photo. Choose from high-definition UV printing for bold colors or precision laser engraving for a timeless finish. Both processes ensure clarity and durability, making them a lasting keepsake.
- PREMIUM CRYSTAL MATERIAL-NANFUNCF custom trophy with text is crafted with crystal, Custom plaque shines brighter than ordinary glass or acrylic trophies, and customizable trophy is paired with a matching crystal base. The octagonal design perfectly captures the light, creating a luxurious texture and celebrating achievement with unparalleled elegance.
- EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION GIFTS - NANFUNCF custom plaques come in many different designs. Perfect for employee appreciation gifts, thank-you gifts, colleague appreciation gifts, pastor appreciation gifts, coworker farewell gifts, staff team gifts, office gifts, boss gifts, work anniversary gifts, social worker gifts, memorial gifts and farewell gifts.
- IDEAL FOR BUSINESS -- NANFUNCF specialize in corporate customization and accept large-volume orders from companies and organizations. NANFUNCF also offer spherical awards and trophies designs for various sports, such as fantasy football trophies, soccer trophies, goat trophies, golf trophies, soccer trophies, and basketball trophies. Our convenient customization and professional service make it easy to motivate employees or impress partners.
- PROFESSIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT-NANFUNCF provide thoughtful services throughout the entire process from design consultation to after-sales support. If you have any questions, please contact us and our responsive customer support team will promptly address your inquiries and work towards a resolution.
How applications worked
The 2026 cycle is closed, but the entry guide describes the process applicants used. Entries had to be submitted electronically through the portal; email submissions were not accepted. Applicants could select one or more categories, answer required questions, optionally attach supporting documents or a video link, provide personal details, and pay by credit card. Multiple documents had to be combined into a ZIP file. Entries could be edited until the June 2 deadline, and incomplete or insufficient answers could be disqualified. Entry guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Ceremony location and published ticket details
The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. The official FAQ lists a 7:00 p.m. reception, followed by dinner, entertainment, and award presentations; the event is scheduled to end at 11:00 p.m. Dress is black tie optional. Official FAQ.
Rank #4
- Customizable Crystal Trophy Awards: Our premium crystal trophies can be customized with every detail - engraved with a name, date, logo or heartfelt message. Each trophy is carefully crafted to be unique, perfect for corporate rewards, retirement gifts, employee milestones, employee recognition programs and years of service awards. Easily upload your design to create a keepsake that's just for them.
- Outstanding Employee Recognition Trophy: Our crystal trophies are perfect for monthly/annual awards, milestone commemorations, value recognition, executive retirement custom trophies, colleague farewell gifts, sales breakthrough incentives, and charity and community awards. Recognize the hard work and dedication of employees, colleagues, executives, and leaders. They can be proudly displayed on the desk or at home.
- Corporate and Bulk Order Friendly: Ideal for enterprises! Whether it is team incentives, annual awards or customer gifts. Convenient customization and our professional service make it easy for you to motivate employees or impress partners. We focus on corporate customization.
- Luxury K9 Crystal: Made of K9 crystal, it shines brighter than ordinary glass or acrylic trophies, and is paired with a matching crystal base. The octagonal design perfectly captures the light, creating a luxurious texture and celebrating achievement with unparalleled elegance. You can choose between HD UV printing for bold colors or precision laser engraving for classic sophistication. Both methods ensure a clear, durable design that will last for years, making your trophy a lasting keepsake.
- More Than an Award—A Legacy: Celebrate dedication with a trophy that speaks volumes. Designed for retirement parties, sales accolades, or coworker farewells, it’s a tangible symbol of appreciation that boosts morale and pride. We’re here from design to delivery.
The FAQ lists individual admission at $1,095, including one ceremony admission, an assigned seat at a shared table, reception, three-course dinner and beverages, entertainment, winner announcements, and a red-carpet photo experience. That published ticket price and package do not establish that tickets remain available now that the September 28 cutoff has passed. Attendance at XChange Best of Breed does not include a seat at the separate awards ceremony.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic 1st Place Trophy Design This trophy award features a bright gold cup, decorative side handles, and a black base for a traditional winner look that stands out at ceremonies, prize tables, and celebration events.
- Lightweight Gold Plastic Trophy Made of lightweight plastic, this plastic trophy is easy to carry, hand out, and display on desks, shelves, or classroom tables while still delivering a bold and eye-catching presentation.
- Adhesive First Place Plate Included The base comes with a first place plate attached to the front, adding a clear winner message and a finished award look that works well for sports games, contests, and recognition events.
- Approx. 8.27 Inches Tall At approximately 8.27 inches in height, this 1st place trophy is easy to notice without taking up too much space, making it a practical size for event setups, photos, and take-home keepsakes.
- Great for Many Award Occasions Use this trophy for sports events, school contests, classroom rewards, office competitions, party games, team recognition, and community activities where first place winners deserve to be celebrated.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
