What are the key dates for the 2021 ESA Awards?
2021 ESA Awards launch: Thursday 30 July, 2020
Deadline for judge applications: Friday 28 August, 2020
Deadline for submissions: Friday 30 October, 2020
Late entry deadline: Friday 6 November, 2020
Entries announcement: Thursday 10 December, 2020
Winner announcements and awards ceremony: Date TBC
How is the 2021 ESA Awards different from previous years?
Due to the unprecedented challenges currently facing the sponsorship, sports marketing and events industries, ESA has made some changes to the application and judging process for the 2021 ESA Awards.
The most immediate change is to the way ESA Awards entries are submitted. For 2021 we have implemented a two-stage entry process, starting with a 250-word ‘elevator pitch’. Stage two sees applicants invited to record (via a Zoom invitation from the ESA Office) a ten-minute video presentation, going into more depth about the sponsorship campaign or activation. Both stages of the process will be judged by a panel of experts to be announced in August.
Will the judging process be just as rigorous as previous years?
Yes. While entering is easier than ever, we have designed the new process 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. 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.
All ESA Awards judges will be required to take part in a brief webinar masterclass with ESA Board Director Matthew Leopold. You can find out more information and submit your ESA Awards judging application HERE.
How much does it cost to enter the ESA Awards?
In light of the difficult circumstances that many organisations in the sport and entertainment world currently face, ESA has changed its process and admin to allow it to significantly reduce the cost of entering the 2021 ESA Awards. ESA members can enter one category for £100, two categories for £150 and three categories for £200. Depending on your level of ESA membership, you may also be entitled to enter some campaigns free of charge – head here for more information.
For non-members, the cost of one entry is £150, two entries cost £225 and three entries £300.
Why should I enter the 2021 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 2020 included All Points East, Arsenal, Cadbury, DHL, Manchester United, Marriott International, Paddy Power and Vodafone, 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 everything in between.
By entering the ESA Awards you will also 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 lockdown.
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 what category to enter?
The 16 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 2021?
While we are hopeful that the 2021 ESA Awards programme will include an in-person celebration, given current events it is impossible to know whether we will be able to gather for a ceremony. ESA continues to monitor developments closely and will make an announcement regarding a ceremony as soon as is practical, with the health and wellbeing of the sponsorship community top of mind. Regardless of what may happen, ESA is committed to providing a space to celebrate the best and brightest of the sponsorship industry, whether that is an in-person celebration or a virtual one.
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 2021 ESA Awards – what should I do?
Sponsorship packages for the 2021 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.
