ISPO Excellence Awards 2026 now open for entries

Entries are now open for the ISPO Excellence Awards 2026 - the newly reimagined awards programme recognising the products, services, technologies and businesses shaping the future of the global sports and outdoor industry.

Relaunched alongside the new era of ISPO in Amsterdam (3–5 November 2026), the awards offer independent recognition from one of the industry's most respected global platforms.

Entries are assessed by independent experts, with finalists and winners receiving global exposure, editorial coverage, official winner assets and year-round promotional support.

Why Enter

• Independent judging by industry experts

• Global exposure through ISPO's international platform

• Official award assets and marketing support

• Recognition that builds credibility with retailers, media and customers

What’s new for 2026? The awards have been completely refreshed to reflect today’s industry, with:

• New Service and B2B categories

• Expanded award categories across the active lifestyle sector

• Enhanced independent, conflict-free judging

• Greater focus on innovation, business excellence and measurable impact

Award Categories

Running & Trail Running • Hiking & Climbing • Camping & Outdoor Living • Cycling • Racket Sports • Snow Sports • Water Sports • Team Sports • Fitness & Wellness • NEW: Services & B2B

How Judging Works

Every entry goes through a rigorous two-stage judging process. Following online evaluation, the highest-scoring entries progress to live judging at ISPO in Amsterdam, where expert panels assess shortlisted products and select the winners.

main stage

Key Dates

• 1 July – Entries Open

• 1 August – Early-Bird Deadline

• 1 September – Final Entry Deadline

• Mid September – Remote Judging

• 3 November – Live Judging | RAI Amsterdam

• 4 November – ISPO Excellence Awards Ceremony

Awards Ceremony

Winners will be announced during the ISPO Excellence Awards Ceremony at the ISPO x IRX After Party in Amsterdam on 4 November 2026, bringing together finalists, retailers, media, exhibitors and industry leaders to celebrate the year's most outstanding achievements.

Entry Fees

• Early bird rates for entries made before 1st August 2026.

• Early Bird Standard

• ISPO & IRX Exhibitors €795 €995

• Non-Exhibitors €1,395 €1,495

All entries receive exactly the same independent judging process, with no additional charges if shortlisted or selected as a winner.

Entering is simple. Complete the online entry form, upload a three-minute presentation video and provide supporting documentation.

Entries close 1 September 2026.

There are 3 sets of ISPO Awards running in 2026:

• Recognising outstanding products, services and innovations across the sporting goods and outdoor industry.

• Celebrating emerging brands and start-ups exhibiting at ISPO with breakthrough products and business concepts.

• Showcasing innovations in performance textiles, materials and apparel for future sportswear and outdoor collections.

Together, the three programmes create a comprehensive awards ecosystem that recognises excellence from material innovation through to finished products, services and next-generation brands.

FIND OUT MORE