Your Questions, Answered: Everything You Need to Know About The CDN People Awards
The CDN People Awards are open to those working in the global automotive industry. Specific category criteria can be seen in category descriptions and throughout the questions in the application form.
There is no entry fee to make a submission to the CDN People Awards 2026.
Yes, but each entry should be specific to the category entered – no blanket submissions - it must be relevant and in accordance with the entry guide.
We have put together this step by step guide to help you complete your entry.
Each application is treated with the strictest confidence, the judging panel will be the only people to see your application. The only part of the application which will be shared publicly is the name of the nominee (team or individual), company and team/individual photo.
Using the judging criteria listed for each category the CDN team will carefully evaluate all entries to create a shortlist of contenders. The shortlist will be announced by CDN and those shortlisted will be contacted to let them know they are through to the final round of judging. The shortlist will then be judged by three groups of judges who will assess the entries, offer critique and then vote for their preferred winner over the course of an afternoon. Each judge gets one vote and will rely on the criteria laid out in the supporting document. Every effort will be made to formulate the judging groups to avoid conflicts of interest but where this is not possible the judge will recuse themselves from the process. In the unlikely event of a deadlock, Car Design News will cast the deciding vote. In the interests of transparency, the judges’ votes will also be published on CDN following the awards show itself.
The upcoming awards ceremony offers a valuable opportunity for community engagement and is open to all. Shortlisted nominees are strongly encouraged to attend the December celebration; presence ensures you won't miss your moment of recognition should you be announced as the winner. While attendance is not mandatory, joining us promises an enriching experience and valuable networking opportunities with industry peers.
Tables were SOLD OUT last year so early booking is recommended.
The shortlist and winners benefit from:
1. An enhanced reputation
2. Gain prestige and recognition from peers
3. Grow your network with CDN promotions across social media, in the CDN publications and at the awards ceremony
4. Boost existing client trust and loyalty
5. Benchmark your success and status against other competitors
Entries open: 10 February 2026
Entries close: 7 August 2026
Shortlist Announced: September 2026
Winners Announced: 3 December 2026 | Old Billingsgate London