MAPIC AWARDS 2026 CATEGORIES
Whatever your retail or real estate project, there is a MAPIC Awards category that is right for you!
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS AND SELECTED BY THE JURY
These categories are open for submissions. The jury will thoughtfully evaluate and select the most inspiring concepts and projects in the industry to highlight as finalists and winners.
BEST NEW STORE CONCEPT
This award celebrates innovative retail store concepts that set new standards in customer experience. It recognises brands that have created original, immersive, and engaging in-store environments — combining design, technology, and service to strengthen their connection with customers and stand out in a competitive market.
The Jury will reward concepts that not only showcase creativity but also deliver measurable impact through footfall, engagement, and brand loyalty.
This category is open to retailers from all sectors, architect and designers for initiatives launched between January 2024 and May 2026.
BEST REFURBISHMENT PROJECT
This category recognises the most outstanding refurbishment or expansion of a retail destination — including shopping centres, retail parks, outlet centres, or other retail sites. It rewards projects that have significantly improved or repurposed an existing space, creating new economic value and enhancing its use.
The Jury will evaluate the quality of the redevelopment, including its integration into the surrounding environment, its contribution to the local community, appeal to urban shoppers, enriched retail mix, and the collaboration between developers, local authorities, and stakeholders.
This category is open to developers, local authorities and architects with projects opened between January 2024 and May 2026.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
This category celebrates outstanding new developments in the retail real estate market — including shopping centres, outlet villages, retail parks, and other retail formats. It highlights projects that stand out through innovation, architectural quality, and a strong commitment to environmental and community impact.
The Jury will evaluate how the project leverages new technologies, enhances the retail mix, and creates a unique customer experience — all contributing to increased footfall, customer satisfaction, and sales performance in a newly established shopping destination.
This category is open to developers, local authorities and architects with projects opened between January 2024 and May 2026.
BEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT
This category recognises the most impactful regeneration of an urban area where retail has played a central role in revitalisation. The award celebrates projects that successfully transform their surroundings while fostering social, economic, and environmental value.
The Jury will assess how well the project integrates into its urban context, supports the local community, attracts city shoppers, enhances the retail offer, and exemplifies strong collaboration between developers, local authorities, and stakeholders.
This category is open to developers, local authorities and architects with projects opened between January 2024 and May 2026.
CURATED AND SELECTED BY THE JURY
These categories are not open for submissions. The jury will carefully curate and select the most inspiring brands and leisure concepts in the industry to highlight as finalists.
MOST EXCITING – RETAIL
This category is open to retailers from all sectors.
MOST EXCITING – FOOD & BEVERAGE
This award celebrates and amplifies the success of emerging restaurant chains and food & beverage brands that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past 12 months.
It recognizes innovative players that are gaining strong market traction and expanding their footprint across borders.
This category is open to restaurant chains and food & beverage brands.
MOST EXCITING – LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
This award celebrates and amplifies the success of emerging leisure brands & entertainment concepts that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past 12 months.
It recognizes innovative players that are gaining strong market traction and expanding their footprint across borders.
This category is open to leisure operators and to developers/ property managers willing to apply for a leisure concept operated at one of their sites.
3-4 Nov 2026
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