Founded in 1985, the Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards is the foremost program recognizing the achievements of audio professionals. Presented annually by the TEC Foundation for Excellence in Audio, the TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, and other media.

TEC Awards nominations are made by a panel of industry professionals and voted upon by members of various professional organizations and audio industry websites. The awards are divided into two categories: Technical Achievement and Creative Achievement. Through its Hall of Fame, the TEC Awards honors the pioneers of audio technology and the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. The Les Paul Award pays tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology.

The TEC Awards is supported by numerous sponsors in all areas of the professional audio industry. Their generosity has enabled the TEC Foundation to fund scholarships for students of the audio arts and sciences, and support organizations working to educate both professionals and consumers about hearing health and conservation.