Introducing the IWSC Emerging Talent Awards 2026

Spotlighting the next generation of drinks industry leaders – including a brandnew No & Low category 

As the global drinks landscape continues to evolve at pace, the IWSC remains committed to shining a light on the people who are shaping its future. For 2026, the Emerging Talent Awards return with a renewed focus on celebrating achievement, creativity, and ambition across every corner of the industry - from mixology and communication to hospitality, business, and beyond.

This year also marks an exciting milestone: the introduction of a brand-new award dedicated to one of the fastest growing areas of the drink's world - No & Low. As the category continues to gain momentum and quality rising year on year, now is the perfect moment to recognise the rising stars who are redefining what’s possible in this space.

The awards are open to individuals at the early stages of their career who are already making a meaningful impact on the drinks sector. Whether you work behind the bar, behind the scenes, or behind the pen, these awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your achievements and accelerate your future.

As part of our continued investment in the next generation, each category winner will receive a £2,500 bursary, supporting them as they take the next step in their professional journey.

Entries open 26 January and close 23 February, giving entrants plenty of time to gather their work, tell their story, and put themselves forward for recognition on an international stage.

What does ‘Emerging Talent’ mean?

The IWSC’s Emerging Talent Awards recognise individuals who are at the early stages of their drinks industry career and already making a meaningful impact. These awards celebrate people who are still building their reputation, bringing fresh ideas, showing ambition, and helping to shape the future of their field. It’s not about how old you are, but how new you are to the industry - whether you’ve recently begun your journey or joined the sector after a career change, if you’re contributing energy, innovation, and positive change, you are eligible for our Emerging Talent awards.

Introducing the Emerging Talent in No & Low award

With consumer interest in low alcohol- and alcohol-free products stronger than ever, this brand-new award celebrates those helping shape a movement that’s redefining social drinking around the world. From pioneering product creators and hospitality professionals to educators, writers, retailers, and advocates, this category champions those pushing boundaries and elevating the standards of No & Low.  The winner of this award will receive a £2,500 bursary, alongside a complimentary ticket to the Club Soda UK Summit in October, generously provided by our partners at Club Soda.

The 2026 Emerging Talent Awards Categories

Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication

This award celebrates rising voices in spirits communication, from writers and journalists to broadcasters, content creators, and educators, who use innovative approaches to engage and inspire.

Criteria include:

• Creativity and originality in communication

• Growing influence and audience reach

• Commitment to shaping the future of spirits communication

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in Wine Communication

This award recognises new communicators in wine, those using storytelling, digital media, education, and community building to make wine more accessible and engaging.

Criteria include:

• Creativity and originality in communication
• Growing influence and audience reach
• Commitment to shaping the future of wine communication

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in Spirits Business

For exceptional early career professionals working behind the scenes in the spirits industry, across Marketing, Buying, Sales, Finance, Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Advocacy, Education, and more.

Criteria include:

• Dedication and passion for spirits that extends beyond core responsibilities
• Active involvement in wider industry initiatives, including events, education, or community building
• Commitment to innovation and progress, through new ideas, sustainability, or improved practices

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in Wine Business

Whether you work in Marketing, Buying, Sales, Finance, Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Education, Viticulture, Winemaking Support, Advocacy, or any other area beyond the on‑trade and communications, this award is for you if you consistently go above and beyond.

Criteria include:

• Dedication and passion for wine that extends beyond their core role
• Active involvement in wider industry initiatives, such as events, education, sustainability projects, or community building
• Commitment to innovation and progress, whether through new ideas, improved practices, or contributions to the advancement of the wine industry

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in Bartending

This award recognises bartenders redefining drinks culture through creativity, craftsmanship, hospitality, and leadership, across all styles, including No & Low.

Criteria include:

• Creativity and innovation shaping the future of bartending
• Positive contribution to the on-trade community, including mentorship and culture building
• Being seen as a natural ambassador for their craft and profession

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality

Recognising individuals elevating guest experience and driving hospitality excellence in wine led environments, from restaurants and tasting rooms to wineries and hotels.

Criteria include:

• Creativity and originality in hospitality
• Commitment to improving customer experience
• Growing influence within their venue and wider hospitality community

Prize: £2,500 bursary

Emerging Talent in No & Low (New for 2026)

Celebrating contributors shaping the future of No & Low through education, content creation, advocacy, events, community engagement, and innovative product development.

Criteria include:

• Brand building and marketing campaigns
• Product development and innovation
• Social and digital content creation
• Education and advocacy within No & Low
• Event hosting and consumer engagement
• Community building and thought leadership

Prize: £2,500 bursary + Club Soda Summit Ticket

Key Dates

Entries Open: 26 January 2026

Entries Close: 23 February 2026

Awards Announced: Spring 2026

Ready to Enter?

If you're an emerging professional, or know someone whose work deserves recognition, this is your chance to join those shaping the future of drinks. Full entry details will be available on the IWSC website & social channels from 26 January.