2026 CORE Awards
Thursday, April 30th | The Umstead - Cary, NC
Celebrating 10 years of excellence in corporate real estate!
The 2026 CORE Awards is our 10th annual celebration of our collective achievements and a tribute to the outstanding contributions within our community. It offers a meaningful opportunity to come together, honor the hard work and dedication of our peers, and highlight what makes CoreNet Carolinas truly exceptional.
Become a CORE Awards 2026 Sponsor - Please review our 2026 CORE Awards Sponsorship Package.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IS NOW OPEN!
The deadline for nomination submissions is February 6th, 2026 at 5:00pm.
We are excited to review your nominations for the 2026 CORE Awards.
Below you will find the nomination forms and eligibility information - For additional information, please refer to our CORE Awards FAQ .
AWARD CATEGORIES
Innovative Project of the Year Over 50k sqft: Recognizes innovation in workplace design or construction, evaluated by square footage of the build-out.
Key Considerations:
- Advances the company’s core business strategy.
- Improves productivity, engagement, and wellness.
- Enhances brand identity and talent attraction/retention.
- Demonstrates financial, cultural, or community impact.
- Incorporates adaptive reuse, sustainability, or innovative strategies.
Judging Criteria:
- 35% Thoughtful and unique approaches to meet client objectives
- 30% Demonstrated measurable outcomes
- 25% Design excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable practices
- 10% Effective team collaboration
Eligibility:
- Project is located within the Carolinas
- One member of the submission team must be a CoreNet Carolinas member
- Completed between January 1 – December 31, 2025
Innovative Project of the Year Under 50k sqft: Recognizes innovation in workplace design or construction, evaluated by square footage of the build-out.
Key Considerations:
- Advances the company’s core business strategy.
- Improves productivity, engagement, and wellness.
- Enhances brand identity and talent attraction/retention.
- Demonstrates financial, cultural, or community impact.
- Incorporates adaptive reuse, sustainability, or innovative strategies.
Judging Criteria:
- 35% Thoughtful and unique approaches to meet client objectives
- 30% Demonstrated measurable outcomes
- 25% Design excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable practices
- 10% Effective team collaboration
Eligibility:
- Project is located within the Carolinas
- One member of the submission team must be a CoreNet Carolinas member
- Completed between January 1 – December 31, 2025

Carolinas Chapter Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year: Recognizes the Corporate Real Estate Executive that made outstanding and distinguished contributions to their company and to the profession. This executive is dedicated to ensuring a safe, productive, and engaging workspace. This award category is limited to end users.
Key Considerations:
- Demonstrated achievements and quantifiable results
- Leadership in innovative strategies that add value beyond cost control
- Elevation of CRE’s role across the enterprise
- Adoption of best practices and industry leadership
- Commitment to the CRE profession and CoreNet community
Judging Criteria:
- 35% Leadership in new models and practices
- 35% Contributions to company success
- 30% Commitment to the CRE profession and CoreNet Carolinas
Eligibility:
- Must be a CoreNet member as of December 15, 2025
- CoreNet Carolinas Chapter is the member’s primary chapter

Carolinas Chapter Service Provider of the Year: Recognizes an individual whose performance and client interactions provide a uniquely valued experience to those with whom they work and whose actions that transcend experience
Key Considerations:
- Significant and measurable contributions to clients
- Leadership in innovative services and strategies
- Creative problem-solving and collaboration
- Strong reputation for ethical practices and professional relationships
Judging Criteria:
- 35% Excellence in client service and results
- 25% Commitment to CRE profession and CoreNet community
- 20% Innovative solutions and practices
- 20% Contributions to client success
Eligibility:
- Must be a CoreNet member as of December 15, 2025
- CoreNet Carolinas Chapter is the member’s primary chapter

Carolinas Chapter Young Leader of the Year: Recognizes the Young Leader who showed dedication and enthusiasm for their work, contributed to their profession, and recognized by their employer for achieving substantial and lasting influence. This individual exemplifies excellence and should be considered “one to watch” in the field of corporate real estate. The nominee must be age 36 or younger by December 2025.
Key Considerations:
- Leadership, achievements, and industry contributions
- Active engagement in professional development and volunteerism
- Recognition as a role model among peers
- Strong knowledge of industry trends and practices
Judging Criteria:
- 35% Commitment to CRE career growth and participation
- 25% Technical expertise and professional progression
- 25% Contributions to company and workplace success
- 15% Recognition by supervisors, peers, or company
Eligibility:
- Must be a CoreNet member as of December 15, 2025
- Must be 36 years old or younger by December 2025
- Must currently hold the nominated role
- CoreNet Carolinas Chapter is the member’s primary chapter

NOMINATION GUIDELINES:
To be eligible, nominations must include one CoreNet Member in good standing at the time of the nomination. Eligibility requirements vary by category:
- Corporate Executive, Service Provider, and Young Leader of the Year: CoreNet Carolinas Chapter is the member’s primary chapter; membership in good standing as of December 15, 2025. Nominees must currently hold the role for which they are nominated. For example, individuals who have relocated out of state or are no longer employed by the company are not eligible.
- Non-members are eligible to be nominated for the Team Award categories, but at least one member of the team must be a CoreNet Global member.
- Young Leader of the Year nominees must be 36 years of age or younger by December 2025.
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- At least one project team member must be a CoreNet member of the CoreNet Carolinas Chapter.
- The project must be located within the Carolinas. Innovative Project of the Year:
- The project must have been completed and occupied between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.
Thank you to our confirmed sponsors!
Engagement:

Supporting:
Barringer Construction
DIRTT
Mohawk Group
For questions, please email carolinas@corenetglobal.org
Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the many exciting ways our members are ushering in a new era of corporate real estate in the Carolinas! To learn more about the CORE Awards and to view our past winners and event photos, please follow these links: