Read the ESA Awards Rules of Entry
What are the key dates for the 2022 ESA Awards?
2022 ESA Awards launch: Thursday 29 July 2021
Deadline for judge applications: 23:59 on Friday 27 August 2021
Early bird entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 3 September 2021
Entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 8 October 2021
LATE entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 15 October 2021
FINAL LATE entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 22 October 2021 (no further entries will be received after this)
Shortlist announced: 12:00 midday Thursday 2 December 2021
Winner announcements and awards ceremony: First quarter of 2022
What format will the 2022 ESA Awards take?
Last year, ESA made some changes to the application and judging process, due to the unprecedented challenges facing the sponsorship, sports marketing and events industries,
For 2022 we will continue to invite applicants to submit entries in the form of a 250-word ‘elevator pitch’ and pre-recorded 10-minute video presentation. All entries will be judged by a panel of experts to be announced in September.
Will the judging process continue to be as rigorous as in previous years?
Yes. While entering remains as easy as ever, the judging process is deisgned to ensure that the quality of submissions isn’t compromised. Entries will be judged via a multi-step process involving dozens of senior industry leaders from across Europe and the globe, and a blind scoring process.
How do I become an ESA Awards judge?
ESA encourages all senior industry professionals and leading marketers to apply to the ESA Awards judging panel. We want to gather a group of diverse, representative, knowledgeable sponsorship practitioners to judge our Awards. Becoming an ESA Awards judge is a stimulating and rewarding experience which demonstrates your standing in the industry and allows you to take an inside look at some of the continent’s biggest sponsorship campaigns.
Find more information and submit your ESA Awards judging application HERE.
Please note that 2022 judge applications have now closed.
How much does it cost to enter the ESA Awards?
Anyone may enter the ESA Awards and early birds and ESA members benefit from discounted entry. Depending on your level of ESA membership, you may also be entitled to enter some campaigns free of charge – head here for full pricing details.
Why should I enter the 2022 ESA Awards?
The ESA Awards is the pinnacle of European sponsorship recognition, and winning one puts you in elite company. Organisations to win an ESA Award in 2021 included Cadbury, Electric Ireland, Energia, Generali, Häagen-Dazs, Jeep, NatWest, O2, Old El Paso (General Mills), Paris Saint-Germain, Ramboll, SuperValu, Transport for London, Virgin Money and West Ham United, to name a few.
While there are many awards focused on the disciplines of sports marketing and sponsorship in specific countries, the ESA Awards has the broadest geographical scope and the widest focus across all parts of the European sponsorship space, from arts and culture to esports and gaming, and everything in between.
By entering the ESA Awards you will gain visibility across ESA’s digital platforms, bulletins and widely-followed social channels. You also demonstrate a commitment to the sponsorship community, allowing you to be seen as an active and innovative member and showcase your work undertaken during the pandemic.
What counts as a European campaign?
All applicants must be based in, or have one of their principal offices located in Europe and all projects submitted must reflect sponsorship activity based within at least one European national market. However, given the global and predominately digital nature of some entries, please reach out to ESA or consult the ESA Awards rules of entry for further clarification.
How do I know which category to enter?
The 18 ESA Awards categories are divided into three areas of focus – discipline (such as branded content or PR), sector (such as music or arts and culture), and special awards. If you are unsure of which categories work best for your sponsorship or campaign, feel free to get in touch with ESA.
Will there be a ceremony in 2022?
We are hopeful that the 2022 ESA Awards programme will include an in-person celebration in London. ESA is committed to providing a space to celebrate the best and brightest of the sponsorship industry and will make an announcement regarding a ceremony as soon as is practical, keeping the health and wellbeing of the sponsorship community top of mind.
English isn’t my first language, am I at a disadvantage?
No. While entries must be submitted in English, ESA’s judging panel accommodates all those whose first language is not English. ESA receives entries from across Europe and sponsorship professionals from all nations are encouraged to take part.
I am interested in sponsoring the 2022 ESA Awards – what should I do?
Sponsorship packages for the 2022 ESA Awards are now available. To find out more about the sponsorship opportunities, please email opportunity@sponsorship.org to start a discussion.
If you still have questions that are not answered here, please contact the ESA Awards team at awards@sponsorship.org.
