What are the key dates for the 2023 ESA Awards?
2023 ESA Awards launch: Thursday 4 August 2022
Deadline for judge applications: 23:59 on Friday 2 September 2022
Early bird entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 30 September 2022
Standard entry deadline: 23:59 on Friday 21 October 2022
Shortlist announced: 12:00 on Thursday 15 December 2022
Early bird ceremony ticket deadline: 23:59 on 6 January 2023 (booking details TBA)
Winners announced at ESA Awards ceremony: 9 March 2023
What format will the 2023 ESA Awards take?
ESA changed the application and judging process in 2021, due to the unprecedented challenges facing the sponsorship, sports marketing and events industries,
For 2023 we are offering applicants a choice of entry format:
– a 250-word ‘elevator pitch’
– AND a pre-recorded 10-minute video presentation
– OR a written Word doc.
All entries will be judged by a panel of experts to be announced late September.
Will the judging process continue to be as rigorous as in previous years?
Yes. While entering remains easier than ever, the judging process is deisgned to ensure that the quality of submissions isn’t compromised. Entries will be judged according to strict criteria 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 judge application HERE.
The deadline is 23:59 on Friday 2 September 2022.
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 2023 ESA Awards?
The ESA Awards is the pinnacle of European sponsorship recognition, and winning one puts you in elite company. 2022 winners include An Post, Aviva Ireland, BLAST, Cadbury, Centra, Dettol, DHL, Dreams, Energia, FBD Insurance, Formula E, Lidl Slovenia, Nature Valley, OBOS, ParalympicsGB, Sir Robert McAlpine, Stark Suomi Oy, SuperValu, Team GB, The GAA, The O2, Toyota, TW Steel 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 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 in the last 18 months.
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 2023?
ESA is committed to providing a space to celebrate the best and brightest of the sponsorship industry and so the 2023 ESA Awards programme includes an in-person celebration in London on 9 March 2023.
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 2023 ESA Awards – what should I do?
Sponsorship packages for the 2023 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.
