These categories recognize innovation in the management and practice of customer service since July 1, 2023.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories include
a. An essay of up to 3,500 characters describing the nominee's innovative achievements since July 1, 2023.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.

J01. Award for Innovation in Crisis Response in Customer Service (New for 2026)
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

J02. Award for Innovation in Customer Retention Strategy (New for 2026)
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

J03. Award for Innovation in Customer Service Management, Planning & Practice
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

J04. Award for the Innovative Use of Technology in Customer Service
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

J05. Award for Most Innovative Contact Center of the Year
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

J06. Award for Most Innovative Customer Service Department / Team of the Year
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries