Celebrating the Success of Marketing in Further Education

The FE First Awards celebrates the achievements of marketing teams and individuals in colleges and sixth forms from across the country. The prestigious event, highly regarded in the sector, is the only awards to solely celebrate marketing in the further education arena.

When? Monday 1 February 2026, 6.45 – 11pm – DATE TBC
Where? Eastside Rooms, Birmingham City Centre

Take a look at the 2026 Awards evening…

Check out all the photos from the FE First Awards 2026

FE First Awards 2027 categories:

  • Best Use of AI in Marketing Award (*NEW*)
  • Collaborative Impact Award (*NEW*)
  • School Engagement Award (*NEW*)
  • Brand & Creative Excellence Award (*NEW*)
  • B2B Marketing Award (*NEW*)
  • High Impact Low Budget Award
  • Internal Impact Award 
  • Events Management (Student Recruitment) Award (*NEW*)
  • Events Management Award 
  • Digital Marketing Award 
  • Website Development Award 
  • Innovation & Creativity Award
  • Communications Campaign Award
  • Targeted Recruitment Campaign Award 
  • Prospectus Award 
  • Sustainability Impact Green Marketing Award 
  • Marketing Apprentice Star Award*
  • CMN & Activate Marketing Apprentice Award* (*NEW*)
  • Marketing Rising Star Award*
  • Marketing Superstar Award*
  • Marketing Team of the Year (Small Team – 1-7 FTE)*
  • Marketing Team of the Year (Large Team – 8+ FTE)*
  • Best of the Best*

* These categories are only open to colleges in current membership of the CMN at the time of the awards.
** Judged from the winners in each category.

How to Enter

Entry forms will be available in June 2027.

FE First Awards Gala Dinner 

The gala dinner is a formal event, starting with a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal, and then the awards presentation. Dress code is formal, black tie optional but encouraged.

Tickets

CMN members – £100 pp
Non-CMN Members – £165 pp

Prices are +VAT. Payment can be by PO or online.

BOOKING WILL OPEN IN JUNE 2026

Travel & Parking

Travelling by train: Birmingham New Street Grand Central Station is only 0.9 miles from the venue. Check it out on Google Maps

Travelling by car: Millennium Car Park is the nearest car park – Howe Street, B4 7AP.
Open every day, 6am to midnight. (Car park is locked at midnight but vehicles may be left overnight – charges still apply. Total cost will be calculated at time of exit). Pay on exit – cash, debit or credit card.
Up to 12 hrs – £8. Up to 24 hrs – £11.50.

Please be aware of Birmingham’s clean air zone. 

Accommodation

The Aloft Hotel is joined to the Eastside Rooms. We have secured special rates for the event:

Single Occupancy – £121 per person per night, B&B (+VAT)
Double Occupancy (twin room) – £135 for two people per night, B&B (+VAT)

These rates are only available through the CMN. Please select the option when booking your event ticket(s). 

Alternatively, there are other hotels nearby, which you can book direct:
Clayton Hotel – 0.5 miles from Eastside Rooms
Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Exchange Square – 0.5 miles from Eastside Rooms

Header Image: Showcase Your Business. Support Marketing Excellence in Further Education

Award Sponsorship

The FE First Awards celebrates the very best of marketing in the further education sector. Sponsoring an award provides your business the opportunity to be seen by, and engage with, marketing professionals from colleges and sixth forms from across the UK.

The FE First Awards is held on the same day as our conference where there is also opportunity to network with delegates by exhibiting and/or hosting a workshop.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please email: emma@m-network.org