Launched
April 20, 2026
Deadline
September 4, 2026
Cost per Submission
$795
Announcements
December 3, 2026 1:00 PM
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2026 Technology Program
Categories By Program Area
The categories link to the entry form. You may download our brochure for the full list of category descriptions and judging criteria. The entry form for this program is the same across all categories. Please submit one entry form per category.
The Excellence in Technology Awards Program is dedicated to entries from solution providers offering technologies for the future of work, learning and development, talent management, talent acquisition, human resources, sales enablement organizations, and technology organizations and departments. Both can enter alone or jointly with their client organizations.
Learning and Development
| Best Advance in Learning Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Learning Management Technology for External Training |
| Best Advance in Learning Management Technology for Compliance Training |
| Best Advance in Performance Support Technology |
| Best Advance in Content Authoring Technology |
| Best Advance in Content Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Technology for Testing or Learning Evaluation |
| Best Advance in Mobile Learning Technology |
| Best Advance in Social Learning Technology |
| Best Advance in Technology for Virtual-Classroom or Conferencing Technology |
| Best Advance in Gaming or Simulation Technology |
| Best Advance in AI and Machine Learning |
| Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality |
| Best Advance in Learning Management Measurement/Business Impact Tools |
| Best Advance in Software for a Training Company |
| Best Advance in Technology for Crisis Management |
| Best Advance in Performance Support Technology for Crisis Management |
| Best Advance in Learning Management Technology for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses |
| Best Advance in ILT Management and Delivery |
| Best Advance in Emerging Learning Technology |
| Best Advance in Unique Learning Technology |
| Best Advance in Video for Learning |
| Best Advance in Education Delivered Through Technology |
| Best Advance in Generative AI Learning Solution |
| Best Advance in Generative AI Solution |
| Best Skills Intelligence & Skills-Based Platforms *NEW* |
| Best Conversational AI for Employee Experience *NEW* |
| Best Extended Reality for Workplace Learning *NEW* |
Talent Management
| Best Advance in an Integrated Talent Management Platform |
| Best Advance in Social Talent Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Employee Engagement Technology |
| Best Advance in Talent Management Measurement/Business Impact Tools |
| Best Advance in Succession Management Technology and Tools |
| Best Advance in Leadership Simulation Tools |
| Best Advance in Performance Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Performance Management Technology for Crisis Management |
| Best Advance in Online Coaching Tools |
| Best Advance in Online Mentoring Tools |
| Best Advance in Career Management or Planning Technology |
| Best Advance in Technology for Crisis Management |
| Best Advance in Talent Management Technology for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses |
| Best Advance in Emerging Talent Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Unique Talent Management Technology |
| Best Generative AI Talent Management Technology |
| Best Use of Generative AI for Employee Development *NEW* |
| Best AI-Powered Talent Intelligence Platform *NEW* |
| Best Employee Experience Platforms (EXP) *NEW* |
| Best Internal Talent Marketplaces *NEW* |
| Best Talent Intelligence Platforms *NEW* |
| Best Skills Matching & Career Navigation *NEW* |
Talent Acquisition
| Best Advance in Talent Acquisition Technology |
| Best Advance in Candidate Experience Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Sourcing Technology |
| Best Advance in Candidate Assessments Technology |
| Best Advance in Onboarding Technology |
| Best Advance in Recruitment Marketing Technology |
| Best Advance in Social Talent Acquisition Technology |
| Best Advance in Mobile Talent Acquisition Technology |
| Best Advance in Employee Referral Technology |
| Best Advance in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Technology |
| Best Advance in Talent Acquisition Technology for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses |
| Best Advance in Emerging Talent Acquisition Technology |
| Best Advance in Unique Talent Acquisition Technology |
| Best Generative AI Talent Acquisition Technology |
Human Resources
| Best Advance in Time and Labor management (time and attendance, scheduling, absence and leave management, compliance, self-service) |
| Best Advance in Compensation and Benefits and/or Payroll Administration |
| Best Advance in HR Predictive Analytics Technology |
| Best Advance in Rewards and Recognition Technology |
| Best Advance in Assessment and Survey Technology |
| Best Advance in Technology for Readapting to the Workplace and Workplace Culture |
| Best Advance in HR or Workforce Management Technology for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses |
| Best Advance in Emerging Workforce Management Technology |
| Best Advance in Unique HR or Workforce Management Technology |
| Best Generative AI Human Resource Technology |
| Best Workforce Intelligence & People Analytics *NEW* |
| Best Innovation in AI-Human Collaboration Tools *NEW* |
| Best Use of AI for Workplace Wellness & Mental Health *NEW* |
| Best AI for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion *NEW* |
| Best AI for Employee Sentiment Analysis *NEW* |
| Best AI for Workforce Planning & Optimization *NEW* |
| Best Use of Generative AI for Employee Development |
| Best AI Powered Talent Intelligence Platform |
| Best Employee Experience Platforms (EXP) |
| Best Internal Talent Marketplaces |
| Best Talent Intelligence Platforms |
| Best Skills Matching and Career Navigation |
Sales Enablement
| Best Advance in Sales Enablement and Performance Tools |
| Best Advance in Mobile Sales Enablement and Performance Tools |
| Best Advance in Client Relationship Management Automation |
| Best Advance in Sales Training Online Application |
| Best Advance in Client Acquisition and Retention Technology |
| Best Advance in Sales Enablement Technology for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses |
| Best Advance in Emerging Sales Enablement Technology |
| Best Advance in Unique Sales Enablement Technology |
| Best Generative AI Sales Enablement Technology |
Future of Work
| Best Advance in Business Automation |
| Best Advance in Business Strategy and Technology Innovation |
| Best Advance in AI for Business Impact |
| Best Advance in Technology Innovation for the Remote Workforce |
| Best Advance for Leading Under a Crisis |
| Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology |
| Best Advance in Social Impact Innovation |
| Best Advance in Diversity and Inclusion Innovation |
| Best Advance in Generative AI for Business Impact |
| Best AI Ethics & Governance Solution *NEW* |
| Best Digital Adoption Platforms *NEW* |
| Best Ethical AI & Responsible Technology *NEW* |
2026 Technology
Program Information
If you are new to this program, you will need to create a profile before submitting an entry. Your profile will track entries year after year. If you are returning, please sign into your existing profile. If you do not remember your password, simply click the forgot password link to reset.
The Technology portal opened April 20, 2026. To access the Technology portal, please click here.
Pro tip: create a profile using a distribution email, such as [email protected] so that your team retains access in the event that the original submitter is no longer with the company or has transitioned roles.
You may download the submission form associated with each category below AND within the submission portal.
Once your profile is created, you may begin a new application and follow the instructions for submitting both a single application and/or multiple applications.
Awards are judged on the following criteria: Overview of the technology, innovation, design and creativity, demo component, and measurable benefits.
Each element is worth 6 points, for a total of 30 points. Awards are based on total points.
That means some categories may have more awards than others. Some categories many not have any award winners if the entries don’t earn enough points.
Notifications will be sent to the primary email on your submission portal profile. (Please note that you no longer need to create a new login year after year. You may now create a profile to track submissions year after year, in this program)
- Award badge(s), plaque ordering and event discount information will be provided in your notification emails.
- One (1) complimentary digital certificate.
- If you/your team attends the HCM Excellence Conference, one (1) complimentary commemorative plaque is provided per winning organization and presented on stage during the Awards Ceremony.
- If you have granted publishing permission on your application, we will publish your entry in our Member Center – an extensive and exclusive research database available only to members.
- Select award-winning teams may be selected to participate on speaking panels at our HCM Excellence Conference, as appropriate and when in alignment with our program.
Winning Organizations receive:
- Opportunity for recognition and/or speaking on a panel at our HCM Excellence Conference
- Discounted HCM Excellence Conference pass rates
- A digital award badge for unlimited use
- Inclusion in a Brandon Hall Group issued press release announcing the winners
- Recognition on Brandon Hall Group’s website and social media communities – LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
- Entries may be included in Brandon Hall Group blogs, research assets and other presentations
- For solution providers that have submitted with client organizations: published case study entries with approval and opportunities for webinar sponsorship to share best practices
Participating Organizations receive:
- A certificate of participation in PDF format
- Discounted HCM Excellence Conference pass rates