Key Things You Should Know:
- The Digital Signage Federation launched the Pixel Awards, a new annual program honoring digital signage projects, people and innovations.
- The inaugural ceremony takes place Sept. 17, 2026, during the DSF Mix and Mingle at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California.
- The program features five project categories and one individual honor voted on by DSF members.
- The submission window runs June 1 through July 31, 2026, with finalists announced in August.
- Entry costs $275 for DSF members and $400 for non-members.
- Full details and entry guidelines are available at digitalsignagefederation.org/page/pixelawards.
What Are the Pixel Awards?
The Pixel Awards are a new annual program from the Digital Signage Federation (DSF) that celebrates the projects, people and innovations shaping the future of digital signage.
DSF, the independent nonprofit trade association serving the digital signage, interactive technology and digital out-of-home industries, built the program to spotlight excellence across the entire ecosystem.
The inaugural awards carry the theme “Where Innovation, Creativity, and Impact Take the Stage.”
Why Does This Matter for the Industry?
The Pixel Awards matter because they recognize the strategy, creativity and collaboration behind successful deployments, not just the technology itself. The program aims to elevate the strategic value of digital signage by highlighting real business outcomes, showcasing innovation and celebrating the people behind the work.
“Digital signage has become a driving force in how organizations transform customer experiences, achieve business outcomes and connect physical and digital environments,” says Frank Pisano, chairman of the Digital Signage Federation. “The Pixel Awards create a shared moment of recognition for our community; a stage where the industry’s best work, and the people behind it, get the acknowledgment they deserve.”
What Are the Award Categories?
The inaugural Pixel Awards feature five project-oriented categories and one individual honor.
Each category targets a distinct part of a digital signage deployment, from creative execution to large-scale rollout.
- Showstopper, Best Overall Digital Experience: Exceptional impact through the combination of strategy, technology, design and audience engagement.
- Pixel Perfect, Best Visual Design and Creative Execution: Outstanding visual design and creative storytelling that elevates the digital signage experience.
- Behind the Screens, Best Technical Innovation/Integration: Technical innovation or integration that pushes the boundaries of what digital signage can achieve.
- Engagement Engine, Best Audience Engagement/Measurable Impact: An initiative that drives meaningful audience engagement and delivers measurable results.
- Rollout Rockstar, Large-Scale Deployment/Execution Excellence: Excellence in the planning, coordination and execution of a large-scale digital signage deployment.
- Industry Illuminator, Individual Excellence/Industry Impact: An individual whose leadership, innovation and influence are lighting the way forward. Nominees for this community-driven honor are voted on directly by the full DSF membership.
Who Judges the Pixel Awards?
An independent panel of respected industry leaders will evaluate project submissions. The judges include:
- Paul Fleuranges
- Wayne Rasor
- Dominic Desieno
- Len Dudis
- Kim Sarubbi
Entrants tell the story of their work through a project description, the key challenge and innovation involved, and quantified results, supported by high-quality images and a short video.
Elaborate production isn’t required, and DSF encourages an authentic explanation from the team.
How Do You Enter?
Entries are submitted through the DSF Judgify platform, and the submission window runs June 1 through July 31, 2026.
Finalists will be announced in August, with winners revealed at the September ceremony.
Entry costs $275 for DSF members and $400 for non-members.
End users may apply for DSF membership at no cost, and all others may apply for pro-rated memberships for the remainder of 2026.
When and Where Is the Ceremony?
The awards ceremony takes place Sept. 17, 2026, during the DSF Mix and Mingle at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California.
The event is open to the public, though seating will be limited. Finalists receive reserved tickets, and the Mix and Mingle networking event is open to all attendees.
Complete submission guidelines, judging criteria and entry details are available at digitalsignagefederation.org/page/pixelawards.
