LLEAP Awards 2026 Open for Entries Across Lifting Equipment Categories

Entries for the 2026 LLEAP Awards from Lift&Access magazine are now open.

The Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms (LLEAP) Awards recognize innovative equipment, support products and services introduced over the past year in the lifting and access industry. The annual program highlights new technologies and solutions currently available in the North American market.

The entry deadline is July 3, 2026.

The 2026 awards will recognize products introduced into the North American market between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, that are currently available for purchase.

Eligible products and services include:

• Brand new models or services
• Products or services that existed in other markets but are new to North America
• Existing products or services that have been redesigned or modified extensively and reintroduced

LLEAP entry categories:

• MEWPs: Self-propelled boom lifts; manually or self-propelled scissor, mast or other vertical lifts; compact lifts; specialty lifts
• Vehicle-mounted aerial lifts: Trailer- or truck-mounted elevating devices or work platforms
• Material handlers: Rough-terrain vertical-mast forklifts and telescopic-boom handlers (fixed and rotating)
• Features and components: Features developed by an OEM or supplier that are integral to a new or existing MEWP, vehicle-mounted lift or material handler
• Aftermarket support products or services: Products and services developed and sold specifically for equipment users

Judging criteria and process:

The LLEAP judging panel is made up of industry experts involved in the operation, rental, sale and servicing of aerial platforms and lifting equipment. Entries are evaluated based on innovative features and technology, perceived value, productivity for owners and users and overall benefit to the industry.

In each category, the top-scoring entry will receive a Gold Award, while the second-highest-scoring entry will receive a Silver Award.

Gold and Silver Award winners will be recognized in the November-December 2026 issue of Lift&Access magazine and will receive a glass trophy. All finalist products will also be listed on LiftandAccess.com.

How to enter:

• Submit entries using the official online form (up to three entries per form)
• Select a payment method (credit card, check or invoice)
• Entry cost is $475 for the first product or service and $275 for each additional entry
• Submit all materials and payment by July 3, 2026

Materials required for each entry:

• A high-resolution (300 dpi) photo or diagram of the product
• A high-resolution (300 dpi) photo or scalable file of the company logo
• A product description (maximum 600 words) including model name, list price at introduction, key specifications such as capacity or platform/hook height, and core features, along with how it differs from other products and addresses judging criteria

Optional materials include product literature, videos and other visual aids to support the submission.

Enter your product(s) and service(s) in the 2026 LLEAP Awards before July 3 using the online form at: https://hcgi.wufoo.com/forms/z3kv56b18ofkk8/

Misrepresentation of product details or specifications may result in disqualification.