Inside Asian Gaming Reveals Award Categories for 2026 IR Academy Event in Manila

The announcement from Inside Asian Gaming details the full lineup of 26 award categories for the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards, set to take place on September 15, 2026 at the Manila Marriott as part of the broader IAG EXPO running from September 14 through 17 across the city; this timeline places the call for nominations squarely in June 2026 when the public submission window opened on June 8 and will remain active until August 14, 2026, after which official nominees receive their confirmation on August 17. Observers note the addition of a dedicated “Online Gaming Offerings” division that brings five fresh categories into the program, a direct response to expanding iGaming activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region alongside established land-based integrated resort operations. The structure keeps the overall count at 26 categories while integrating this new segment to capture developments in digital platforms that operate parallel to traditional casino floors.

Nomination Timeline and Submission Process

The public call for nominations opened on June 8, 2026 and runs through August 14, 2026, giving operators, suppliers and industry professionals several weeks to prepare entries across all categories before the August 17 announcement of official nominees; this window allows participants to gather supporting materials and complete required documentation without rushing the process.

Industry participants submit nominations through established channels outlined in the announcement, with the schedule ensuring that shortlisted candidates receive notice well ahead of the September ceremony at the Manila Marriott; the dates align with the IAG EXPO dates so that attendees can combine award activities with other exhibition programming scheduled between September 14 and 17.

New Online Gaming Offerings Division

The introduction of the “Online Gaming Offerings” division accounts for five of the total 26 categories, focusing specifically on digital products and services that complement land-based integrated resorts; this addition reflects documented growth in iGaming participation across multiple Asia-Pacific markets where regulatory frameworks now support both physical and virtual gaming environments.

According to the published details the new division sits within the existing award framework rather than replacing prior categories, which means the remaining 21 categories continue to recognize achievements in land-based operations, marketing initiatives, operational excellence and supplier contributions; the balance allows the program to address both segments of the regional industry in a single ceremony.

Event Location and Broader Context

The Manila Marriott serves as the primary venue for the September 15 award presentation, situated within the larger IAG EXPO footprint that runs from September 14 to 17; this location choice positions the ceremony in a major Asia-Pacific hub where both land-based resorts and online gaming operators maintain significant presence.

The full schedule integrates the awards with exhibition activities, enabling nominees and attendees to participate in multiple sessions during the four-day period; event organizers have coordinated logistics so that the September 15 ceremony occurs midway through the expo, giving participants time to network before and after the formal recognition segment.

Category Structure Overview

The 26 categories encompass a range of operational, marketing and innovation areas that cover both traditional integrated resort functions and the newly added online offerings; the division into land-based and digital segments provides clear pathways for entries while maintaining a unified recognition event at the end of the nomination cycle.

Official nominees announced on August 17 will proceed through final judging stages ahead of the live ceremony, with the process designed to highlight measurable achievements across the Asia-Pacific gaming sector; the timeline from June 8 submission opening through the September 15 event creates a structured progression that industry participants can follow with predictable milestones.

Conclusion

The 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards program now incorporates the new online division within its established 26-category format, with the public nomination period running from June 8 to August 14, 2026 and the ceremony fixed for September 15 at the Manila Marriott during the IAG EXPO; this structure provides a defined pathway for recognition of both land-based and digital gaming accomplishments in the region. The full announcement supplies additional category specifics for those preparing submissions ahead of the August deadlines.