About the ESA Awards – FAQ & Dates – European Sponsorship Association

When will the ESA Awards next take place?

The ESA Awards will next be held in March 2027. Watch this space for the launch in late July 2026.

Why should I enter the ESA Awards?

The ESA Awards is the pinnacle of European sponsorship recognition, and winning one puts you in elite company. Brand winners in 2026 included Canon, Tommy Hilfiger, Cairn, Centra, Electric Ireland, Guinness, Deep Heat & Deep Freeze, EDF, Gjensidige, Pfizer, Pringles, Samsung, Sky, SpareBank, Team Vitality, Three, Very and Vhi.

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 past 18 months.

How do I know which category/s to enter?

There are almost 20 main categories in the ESA Awards – if you are unsure of which categories work best for your sponsorship or campaign, feel free to contact us.

What counts as European?

All entries submitted must reflect sponsorship activity based within at least one European 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.

English is not 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.

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. Pricing information for 2027 will be made available in July 2026.

What format will the 2027 entries take?

Entry format details will be made available in July 2026.

All entries will be judged by a panel of experts announced by ESA in September 2026.

Will the judging process continue to be as rigorous as in previous years?

Yes. While entering remains easier than ever, the judging process is designed 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.

The application period for judging the 2027 ESA Awards will be July-September 2026.

Will the ESA Fellowship be part of the ESA Awards ceremony?

Yes, the ESA Fellowship was introduced in 2023 and ESA Fellows can be inducted each year at our ESA Awards ceremony. Nominations are always open. Please nominate for 2027 by 31 December 2026.

Why must I pay UK VAT on my ceremony ticket/ table if I am not resident in the UK?

All UK hospitality is subject to VAT: because our ESA Awards ceremony comprises dinner and services and takes place in the UK, it is a legal requirement that all attendees are charged 20% VAT. Download more about VAT HERE.

I am interested in being a partner of the 2026 ESA Awards – what should I do?

2026 ESA Awards partnerships are available, please email us to kickstart a conversation. Existing partners are credited HERE.

If you still have questions that have not been answered here, please contact us.