FAQs
About the CRN Best of the Channel Awards
Who is eligible to apply for the CRN Best of the Channel Awards?
CRN Best of the Channel individual awards are open to those in channel leadership roles at a vendor's channel organization, a solution provider, a distributor or a company that is otherwise prominently involved in the IT channel ecosystem. People whose duties focus on the U.S., North America or who have Global responsibilities, are eligible to apply.
What’s the difference between a vendor and a solution provider?
A vendor develops technology products or services and sells them under its own brand, either directly to end customers or indirectly through a network of solution provider partners. For the purposes of these awards, vendors should have a meaningful indirect channel strategy and sell their offerings through solution provider partners to be considered.
A solution provider recommends, sells and/or implements technology products or services to end users on behalf of a vendor. They often sell or recommend technology from multiple vendors and add their own services to create a full solution. They act as the trusted advisor to an end customer This category includes resellers, value-added resellers (VARs), managed service providers (MSPs), systems integrators, network integrators and technology consultants.
At a high level, vendors create the products, while solution providers bring those products to market—advising customers, integrating multiple technologies and delivering a technology solution that meets a business need.
Can I apply for multiple categories?
Absolutely!
Why should I apply for the CRN Best of the Channel Awards?
Winning a CRN Best of the Channel Awards is a huge accomplishment. As CRN is the most prestigious media brand in the IT Sales Channel, recognition by this esteemed organization elevates you & your company's profile in the channel. I applied, but now I've changed jobs. What should I do? If an applicant changes jobs after submitting an application, it is the applicant’s responsibility to update all relevant information within the online application system. Applicants must occupy their positions as of press time to be eligible. If you need help updating your application, please contact Amy Mullally.
I see that many categories require a case study. Will the information submitted be made public or published?
Anything entered in this section has the potential to be published, included in presentations, or mentioned during the awards ceremony. If needed, you may anonymize any sensitive information. There is also a designated section within each submission form where you can include information that will remain confidential and be used solely for judging purposes.
Event Questions
When is the Awards Ceremony?
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Champagne Reception begins at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner, entertainment & the Awards presentation. Event will conclude at 11:00 p.m. Guests can begin arriving at 7:00 p.m. for check-in.
Where is the Awards Ceremony?
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Is the Awards Ceremony co-located with XChange Best of Breed?
To make it easier for solution providers and vendors to attend both events, the CRN Best of the Channel Awards Ceremony is held in Atlanta on the last evening of Best of Breed. However, they are two separate events, at two different venues, requiring separate registrations, tickets and/or sponsorships.
What is the Dress Code?
The event dress code is black tie optional. Formal dresses and tuxedos are recommended but not required.
Ticketing Information
I am a finalist! Does that mean I get to attend for free?
All attendees (whether a finalist or not) must have an individual ticket to attend the Awards Ceremony.
How much is the ticket to attend?
Individual tickets are $1,095 each.
What is included in the ticket cost?
- Entry for one to the Awards Ceremony
- Access to the iconic Fox Theatre venue
- Assigned seat at a shared table with fellow industry leaders
- Networking cocktail reception
- Three course plated dinner including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Live entertainment and winner announcements
- Red carpet photo experience
When will I receive my ticket?
You will receive an email confirmation for your ticket purchased. Physical tickets are not distributed for the awards ceremony. Guest names are added to a check-in list for admission to the event.
When is the deadline to purchase tickets?
September 28, 2026
Are walk-ins available?
No, all tickets must be purchased in advance.
I am attending Best of Breed. Does that mean I have a seat to the Awards Ceremony?
No – these are two separate events and require individual tickets to each.
Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. We will ensure that all dietary restrictions are met and understood by the chef. Individual ticket purchasers will be able to specify their dietary restrictions during the online booking process. If you will be seated at a Group Table, the group contact will receive an email to enter names and dietary restrictions into our portal.
Questions If I Win
What happens if I (or my company) wins?
The winner will be called up to the stage to accept their award and take a photo. There will be no speeches, so need to prepare anything! If your company wins (for a company category), we invite everyone attending from your organization to come up on stage for the acceptance photo. At the end of the Awards ceremony, all winners will be asked to return to the stage for a group photo.
If I win, can my award be shipped home?
After awards are presented, winners will exit the stage. They will have the option to fill out a form with their shipping address or will be given the box for the award and can take it home that night.
Will the winners be published on CRN.com?
Yes. The winners will be published on CRN.com. Look for that coverage on Wednesday, October 14.
Will the winners receive any PR materials to promote the win?
Yes. All winners will receive a digital badge to add to their email signature and a PR template to use. Look for the PR & marketing material to come to you via email late in the evening on Wednesday, October 14.
Sponsorships
How much is a table sponsorship including tickets?
Tables of 10 are $10,000 and Half Tables of 5 are $5,500 (please note - half tables will be shared with another company).
Are other sponsorships available?
Yes! We have many sponsorships available from sponsoring individual categories to sponsoring the red-carpet experience! To purchase a table or sponsorship, please Contact Us
How do I let you know who is sitting at our sponsored table?
With the purchase of a half or full table, your company will designate who you would like to sit at your table. The designated main contact at your company, will receive an email link to enter names and dietary needs in a portal. If you have purchased a half table, you will be seated with another company who also purchased a half table.
Additional Questions
I’m a finalist. Will I find out in advance if I won?
No. Winners will not be notified in advance and will find out live during the ceremony.
Is there an opportunity to have a speaking slot at this event?
No. This is not an event with speaking opportunities.
Contact Us
General Questions, Sponsorship & Table Bookings?
Alex Czerwinski Amy Mullally
Event Director Event Program Specialist
aczerwinski@thechannelcompany.com amullally@thechannelcompany.com
Logistics Questions?
Robin Smith
Event Operations Specialist