2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala

Registration is Open: https://cvent.me/OaY3m8

Overnight Room Accommodations: Room block closes: 1/27/2026
https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/CHIRO/G-LB5O

The Engineering Excellence Awards recognize the year's most outstanding engineering achievements and celebrate the amazing work you provide your clients and promote your understanding efforts. 

MERIT AWARD
Merit awards are given for projects worthy of recognition of the engineer and the owner/client for achieving engineering excellence.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Special Achievement awards are given for projects worthy of special recognition of the engineer and the owner/client for achieving engineering excellence.

HONOR AWARD
Honor awards are given for projects which are recognized for exceptional engineering that meet the needs of the client and benefit the public welfare.

JUDGES CHOICE AWARD
One project from each category is selected from the panel of judges as the best in category.

OUTSTANDING GRAPHIC AWARD
One overall graphics winner is selected from the panel of judges from reviewing the project submittals.

ENGINEERING WORKS AWARD
This award is chosen by the ACEC Illinois members and public through online voting of the honor project award winners.

LINCOLN GRAND CONCEPTOR AWARD
This award recognizes an engineering achievement which demonstrates a high degree of merit, is original and innovative, adds future value to the engineering profession & public perception, has economic & sustainable design considerations, demonstrates complexity and exceeds owner/client needs.

FIRM OF THE YEAR
The Firm of the Year Awards recognizes member firms for their demonstrated leadership in promoting engineering through their activities with ACEC Illinois and in their communities.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Started in 2022, ACEC Illinois created an award that focused on highlighting mentors across the industry. This award is created through nominations, submitted to a judging panel, and then highlighted at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala. We value those individuals that take time to invest in others, inside and outside their own firm, with the goal of enhancing the engineering industry. 

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
The Emerging Professional of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of our emerging professionals who have contributed to the engineering profession, ACEC Illinois and impacted society.