ELIGIBILITY AND CATEGORIES

Who can enter?

Any organisation, of any size, from anywhere in the world – whether you're exhibiting at an ISPO/IRX or not.

If you have a breakthrough product innovation, an outstanding service, a pioneering business model or an exceptional creative campaign, you should enter. 

What are the categories?

There are 14 categories:

Product Categories
Running / Trail Running
Hiking / Climbing
Camping / Outdoor
Bike
Racket
Snow & Ski
Water
Team Sports
Fitness & Wellness
Other – sports and subjects not covered by the categories above

B2B / Service Categories
Innovation & Technology
Manufacturing
Retail
Content Creation

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes - each entry is treated as its own separate submission with its own entry fee.
You can enter multiple categories and submit multiple innovative products, services and solutions.

ENTRY PROCESS

How do I enter?

Submit your entry online through the official entry portal at excellence.ispoawards.com/entries.
All entries and supporting materials must be in English.

What do I need to submit my entry?

• A fully completed entry form (Product Category or B2B/Service Category)
• Full contact details for whoever's responsible for the entry
• Complete company and brand information
• A logo
• At least one high-resolution product or service image
• A short supporting video (max 3 minutes) showing off your key features, innovation or outcomes - this is mandatory for every entry

We can’t accept entries sent any other way or received after the deadline.

Can I amend my entry after submitting?
You can update, edit and amend your entry up to the final closing date.

Are physical product samples required at the entry stage?
No - we only ask for physical samples once your entry has been shortlisted, ahead of live judging. Finalists will be announced in September and we will communicate requirements and clear instructions then.

 KEY DATES

When do entries open and close?

Entries opened on 1 July 2026 and close on 1 September 2026.

When will I find out if I've been shortlisted?

Remote judging takes place in September 2026 and shortlisted finalists will be announced in September too.
If your entry doesn't progress, we’ll confirm this by email.

When does live judging take place?

Live judging is on 4 November 2026. 

ENTRY FEES

Preferential rates are available to ISPO and IRX exhibitors.
All entries benefit from the same judging process whether you are an exhibitor or not.

How much does it cost to enter?

• Early entry fee: 1-31 July 2026
  ISPO & IRX exhibitors €795 / Non-exhibitors €1,395
• Standard entry fee: 1 August - 1 September 2026
  ISPO & IRX exhibitors €995 / Non-exhibitors €1,495

Is VAT included in the entry fee?

Fees are quoted net of VAT. VAT is then applied as follows:

• UK: 20% VAT
• Netherlands: 0% VAT
• Rest of the world: 0% VAT

Is my entry fee refundable?

Entry fees are non-refundable, including entries that are judged but don't progress to the shortlist.

JUDGING

Every submission is assessed through a rigorous, conflict-free judging process.
Two stages of judging

• Remote judging (September 2026): every valid entry is scored by the relevant category panel against the published criteria.
• Live judging (4 November 2026): Finalists are assessed in person before final scores are confirmed.

Who judges the entries?
A panel of independent experts including athletes, coaches, retailers, buyers, technical specialists, journalists and industry professionals. Their combined expertise ensures every entry is evaluated fairly, consistently and on its own merits.

What are the judging criteria?
The judging process looks at how effectively a product delivers real value to its intended user against 5 core criteria:

Innovation
Has the product introduced a meaningful new idea or improvement? Innovation may be revolutionary or evolutionary but it must deliver a clear benefit.

Design
Judges consider more than appearance alone, evaluating how successfully the design enhances usability, user experience and overall product appeal.

Functionality
Does the product perform as intended? Assessment is made within the context of its intended use, target customer and price point, ensuring fair comparison across each category.

Eco-responsibility
Sustainability is assessed using evidence rather than marketing claims. Judges consider materials, manufacturing, repairability and end-of-life considerations to understand a product's environmental impact.

Quality
Construction, materials, durability and finish are all assessed to determine whether the product delivers the level of quality expected for its purpose.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

What are the recognition tiers?

Recognition is entirely score-driven based on the judging panel's final scores from live judging. There's no fixed quota for most tiers - except Grand Prix where only one is awarded per category.

• Grand Prix - the highest-scoring entry in the category
• Gold - outstanding performance across all judging criteria
• Silver - excellent innovation, design and market relevance
• Bronze - a high-quality entry meeting the published benchmark
• Finalist - selected following remote judging
• Commended - didn't reach finalist stage but caught the judges' eye
• Entrant - every valid entry that completes the programme

What do winners receive?

• Grand Prix: award badge, trophy, certificate, filmed interview, ispo.com editorial feature, social announcement, press release, ceremony attendance and recognition, ceremony content, hangtag/sticker layout
• Gold: award badge, trophy, ispo.com editorial feature, social announcement, press release, ceremony attendance and recognition, ceremony content, hangtag/sticker layout
• Silver/Bronze: award badge, ispo.com editorial feature, social announcement, ceremony attendance and recognition, ceremony content, hangtag/sticker layout
• Finalist: award badge, certificate, ceremony attendance and recognition, ceremony content
• Commended/Entrant: award badge, ispo.com editorial feature, social announcement

PRODUCT SAMPLES AND LOGISTICS

Do I need to send a physical product sample?

Only if you've entered a Product Category and your entry advances to Finalist stage.
We'll email you full shipping instructions if a sample is needed.

Will my product sample be returned to me?
Product samples can be collected on 4 or 5 November 2026. Full collection details will be provided to finalists in advance of the event.
Samples not collected will not be returned.

THE CEREMONY AND EVENT

Where and when is the ceremony taking place?

The winners will be revealed at the ISPO Excellence Awards Ceremony held as part of the ISPO x IRX After Party in Amsterdam on the evening of 4 November 2026.

Who attends the ceremony?
Winners will receive complimentary access.
Further details about the ceremony will be provided closer to the time.

RIGHTS AND PRIVACY

Who owns the materials I submit as part of my entry?

You do - entering doesn't change your ownership of anything.
By entering, you agree that we can use your name, logo and submitted materials to promote and report on your participation in the awards programme.