Nominate Inspiring Stories

The 2026 Brightside Review and Speaker Recognition Program recognizes authors, speakers, veterans, founders, entrepreneurs, experts, educators, professionals, creators and community leaders who participate with Discover Brightside.

There are two ways to participate:

OPTION 1 — FREE: Must Be On the Brightside Stage/Based on Youtube Video Engagment (No Registration Required) Jurors will contact the Winner

OPTION 2 — SPONSORED: Brightside 12-Point Ecosystem Score Recognition

The Brightside 12-Point Scoring System is our qualification framework based on your participation. Nominees work toward completing:

1. The Brightside Interview — Discovery Qualifier
2. Brightside Review — Book, Product or Service
3. Keynote or Featured Speaker on the Brightside Stage
4. Fireside Chat Panel Participation
5. Brightside Spotlight, Pitch or Networking Participation
6. YouTube Premiere / Video Podcast Participation
7. Social Media Engagement and Participation
8. Wrote a Review for Brightside — Google, LinkedIn, Facebook or Other Platform
9. Brightside Blog / Magazine Mention or Feature
10. Discover Brightside Website Mention or Feature
11. Brightside Marketplace / Promotional Participation
12. Nominated and Accepted by the Brightside Jurors — Professional Impact, Community Contribution & Brightside Engagement

A 12/12 score is required to qualify for final award consideration.

The Award Ceremonty Will be held over two days.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2026

7:00 PM ET

BWSTUDIOZ ON ZOOM

JIM BRITT
Author • Speaker • Entrepreneur

ROBERT BUTWIN
Master Networker • Author • Speaker

Additional nominees, speakers and award announcements will be announced as the program continues.

FREE: No application or registration. Anyone who participated in an eligible 2026 Brightside Stage is automatically considered. Jurors notify selected recipients. Based on Youtube Video engagment

SPONSORED: Registration required. $599/month × 3 months = $1,797, with the 12-Point Ecosystem and juror review.

If you meet the qualification requirements, your nomination is accepted by the Brightside Jurors, and you are selected to receive a 2026 Brightside Review and Speaker Award, you will receive at no cost:

✓ Official 2026 Brightside Virtual Award Badge — Generic / Without Your Name

✓ Official 2026 Brightside Virtual Award Certificate — Generic / Without Your Name

✓ Recognition during the Annual Brightside Awards Ceremony

The generic Virtual Award Badge and Virtual Certificate are included as part of your award recognition.

Yes. The personalized physical award is optional.

Award recipients who would like an actual commemorative award engraved with their name and mailed to them may order one separately.

The cost of the physical award, engraving/personalization, packaging, shipping and any applicable delivery charges will be provided before an order is placed.

Purchasing a physical award is NOT required to qualify for, win or receive a Brightside Award.

Payment for a physical award does not influence your nomination, qualification score, juror review or final award decision.

You do not need to earn all 12 points to qualify.

Your participation is evaluated through the Brightside 12-Point Scoring System:

• 0–5 Points — Not Yet Qualified
• 6–7 Points — Developing Nominee: Additional participation required
• 8–9 Points — Qualified Nominee
• 10–11 Points — Highly Qualified Nominee
• 12 Points — Brightside 12-Point Distinction

FREE TO APPLY

8/12 MINIMUM BRIGHTSIDE SCORE TO QUALIFY

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COMPLETE ALL 12 POINTS

JUROR ACCEPTANCE & FINAL AWARD DECISION REQUIRED

GENERIC VIRTUAL AWARD BADGE + VIRTUAL CERTIFICATE INCLUDED FOR AWARD RECIPIENTS

PERSONALIZED PHYSICAL AWARD WITH YOUR NAME — OPTIONAL PURCHASE

Achieving the minimum qualifying score does not automatically guarantee an award. Your recognition is based on participation, qualification and the Brightside Jurors' final award decision—not the purchase of an award.

By submitting a nomination and participating in the Brightside Awards process, you acknowledge and agree to the applicable Brightside Awards requirements, Brightside 12-Point Scoring System, participation requirements, disclaimers and Discover Brightside Terms & Conditions.

Learn More • Review the 12-Point Scoring System • Submit a Nomination

www.discoverbrightside.com/awards

Terms & Conditions:
https://discoverbrightside.com/terms-and-conditions