The ESA Awards will return in 2021 with new categories and a streamlined format to celebrate the best of the sponsorship industry despite unprecedented challenges.
The prestigious #ESAawards is organised by the European Sponsorship Association, whose mission is to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry.
With COVID-19 causing widespread disruption to the sports and entertainment sectors in recent months, the 2021 ESA Awards will adopt a new, simplified ‘elevator pitch’ presentation format for award submissions, as well as a virtual judging panel and discounted entry fees.
Award categories have also been streamlined, with the 16 categories covering all corners of the sponsorship landscape – from insights and PR, to talent, employee engagement, arts and culture and much more.
For the first time in 2021, ESA will award a ‘Best Ethical Response to COVID-19’ prize. This free-to-enter category will showcase the best of the sponsorship community during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how the industry has made a positive impact and contributed towards the common good.
To coincide with the launch of the 2021 ESA Awards, the European Sponsorship Association is also calling for senior sponsorship and marketing professionals to apply to the 2021 ESA Awards judging panel. Applications for this rewarding and challenging experience are now open – head here to apply.
Given the current uncertainty about live events, an announcement about the ESA Awards ceremony, either in-person or online, will be made in due course.
ESA Chairman, Andy Westlake, said:
“We’ve been living through a tough few months and the community of sponsorship professionals right across Europe has continued to adjust to the challenges we all face. However, we feel it is still important to stop and celebrate the amazing work that has been delivered, despite the challenging environment.
“Given our mission to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry, we are still passionate about shining a light on best practice, showcasing how the industry has embraced innovation and how our great leaders have been a steady hand on the tiller through exceptionally stormy waters. Most importantly we want to create another moment to gather as a community, perhaps in person, to reflect on quite a year. We’re looking forward to an updated ESA Awards format and to celebrating, like we always do, some of the best work our industry has to offer.”
ESA Awards Chair, Jackie Fast, said:
“Every year the ESA Awards celebrate world-class sponsorship campaigns, and 2021 will be no different. While our industry has been hit hard by COVID-19, we’ve seen agencies, brands and rights holders all rise to the challenges posed by lockdown with brilliant and creative work and unexpected new partnerships. The 2021 ESA Awards will recognise and honour the great companies behind these innovations.”
–ENDS–
For media queries, please contact:
Max Weber
Marketing Communications and Events Manager – ESA
Email: maxweber@sponsorship.org / Phone: +44 (0)20 8390 3311