An applause meter was set up at Koktebel Jazz Party 2016. The device was used to determine the Audience Award. At the close of the second day, the winning performers received a special prize from Smolensk Diamonds, a festival sponsor.
In a very tight contest, the Georgy Garanyan Big Band edged out Mambo-party who was second and a Chinese guest band who took third place. This was the first appearance for a Chinese band at the Koktebel Jazz Party, and the musicians left a very favorable impression.