
After a record-breaking entry in 2021, the 2022 ESA Awards offers another chance to celebrate the best of the sponsorship industry in the face of adversity.
The prestigious #ESAawards will again be organised by the European Sponsorship Association, whose mission is to inspire, unite and grow a welcoming and diverse sponsorship industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to the sports, arts and entertainment sectors in the period covered by the 2022 Awards (March 2020 to September 2021), but the organisations and individuals who underpin sponsorship have proved to be highly adaptable and resilient.
In February 2021, the ESA Awards took place online for the first time and entries were up 14% on the previous year, with over 1,000 people from 25 countries attending.
In 2022 the Awards will be celebrated with a physical ceremony in London, and entry is now open with early bird offers available until 3 September 2021. The entry closing date is 8 October 2021.
ESA Chairman Andy Westlake said: “It has been another tough year for sponsorship but ESA members have risen to the challenge, reverting to a more digital approach during periods of lockdown and reacting with great agility during the complex ‘return to events’ phase.
“The year 2021 has already featured some unforgettable events across Europe, such as UEFA Euro 2020, and we now see more arts and cultural festivals returning in line with the resumption of spectator sport.
“I know that our international community will be very excited about the prospect of attending a physical ESA Awards ceremony in February 2022, and plans will be put in place to ensure all our members will be included even if the event is subject to restrictions on travel or physical gatherings.
“We are passionate about shining a light on best practice as part of our mission to inspire, unite and grow a welcoming and diverse sponsorship industry.
“I am certain that the 2022 ESA Awards will give us another opportunity to celebrate the versatility of our community and the talent that makes our industry stand out.”
Those entering the 2022 ESA Awards will be asked to submit an ‘elevator pitch’ and 10-minute presentation for their award submissions, reprising the format introduced in 2021.
There are some new, returning and amended categories in 2022, as follows:
New / Returning categories
Event of the Year: The best sponsored event (virtual or live) that delivered on all key objectives with a particular focus on audience engagement
Agency of the Year (pan-Europe): Recognising the very best agency or consultancy engaged in sponsorship (or related disciplines) work that spans MORE THAN ONE European country.
Agency of the Year (single nation): Recognising the very best agency or consultancy predominantly focused on delivering work in sponsorship (or related disciplines) in ONE European country.
Amended categories
Esports and Gaming Sponsorship: Focusing on outstanding campaigns and sponsorships in esports and gaming
Purpose-led Sponsorship: The best purpose-led partnership or sponsorship that inspires audiences by championing a cause and campaigning for positive change. The winning entry is likely to promote environmental, economic and/or social sustainability.
Rights Holder of the Year: Celebrating the Rights Holder that has had the best year in terms of growth (revenues, profits and/or audiences), employee initiatives, new business and delivering great value to its sponsors via facilitating creative and engaging campaigns. Can be any rights holder including any organisation or individual who sells their rights.
The credibility of the ESA Awards is firmly established, with a reputation for high-quality judging one of the strengths highlighted by regular entrants.
To coincide with today’s launch, ESA is calling for senior sponsorship and marketing professionals to apply to the 2022 ESA Awards judging panel. Applications for this rewarding and challenging experience are now open – click here to apply.
ESA Awards Committee Member Matthew Leopold said: “We were blown away by the quality of entries in 2021 and I think the 2022 ESA Awards could be an even bigger celebration of innovation within our industry.
“We’ve seen world-class sponsorship campaigns that have demonstrated the ability of agencies, brands and rights holders to overcome the adversity presented by COVID-19 and we’re looking forward to recognising this outstanding work in February.
“I would also encourage anyone who has extensive experience of sponsorship to apply to join the judging panel. Some of the best brains in the industry are involved but it’s really important we have fresh eyes and a diverse representation.”
-ENDS-

For media queries, please contact:
Jonathan Coates | ESA Marketing, Communications and Events Manager
jonathancoates@sponsorship.org | +44 7788 352219