Get ready, because we’re not just back—we’re going DIGITAL and taking the entire industry with us!
The future of partnership marketing has arrived! In the wake of technology’s rapid, transformative surge and AI reshaping our world, we’ve seized this pivotal moment to launch a dynamic new digital presence.
This year’s awards are a direct reflection of this thrilling, technological evolution! We’ve meticulously crafted our categories to celebrate innovation:
Hosted by Hello Partner, these aren’t just awards; they are a global movement. They serve as the definitive platform to challenge norms, ignite industry-wide inspiration, forge powerful collaborations, and exponentially deepen client relationships.
Don’t just watch the future happen—Define it!
Inside this guide, you’ll find:
We wish you every success with your submissions! For any questions about the process, confidentiality, or anything else, our Awards team is here to help.
P.S. Don’t forget to download and import our entry deadline calendar so you don’t miss a thing!
Matthew Wood
Founder, USPA & Hello Partner
The Partnership Awards, now in its 5th year, celebrates the advertisers, agencies, publishers, affiliate networks and technologies pushing partnership marketing forward across North America. Rebuilt as a digital-first awards programme, everything is designed to give you value that lasts far longer than a single night in a room.
Simply entering puts your work in front of our editorial team and an expert judging panel. If you’re shortlisted, you get immediate visibility across Hello Partner, our social channels and email network. You’ll feature in the official shortlist announcement, receive dedicated social promotion, and join a private finalists community for open conversation, connections and knowledge-sharing.
But the real impact comes with a win.
Winners benefit from year-round visibility through permanent listings, digital amplification, certification tools and a professionally created case study published on both the USPA website and Hello Partner. It’s evergreen proof of excellence — something you can use in pitches, client conversations, recruitment and internal recognition.
Although the programme is now digital-first, winners still receive the same physical trophies and certificates as before. The difference is that your recognition now also travels further, lasts longer and reaches more people – with global visibility the moment results go live.
Your win starts working for you immediately… and keeps working all year.
Judging and shortlist
After submission, the hard work is done and it’s over to our judges. You can find details about the judging process on the website and in this entry kit if you wish to explore the ‘hows’. When judging is complete we come away with a full shortlist and (secretly contained within) our winners.
If you’re shortlisted…
Get ready for the ‘Winners Reveal’ on the 11th June 2026, to be launched at 5pm (EST) Make sure you’re in the office with your colleagues and get ready to toast your winning campaigns!
We think we have covered the basics, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through the contact form.
We have 29 Categories this year which includes 9 NEW categories.
To be eligible for entry in each category, the work must have first been implemented between January 1, 2025, and March 3, 2026.
The winners will be revealed by a virtual launch on our website, mailer and socials at 5pm EST on the 11th June 2026.
Earlybird Entry Deadline
22nd Jan
To get the most competitive prices – enter by this date.
Regular Entry Deadline
12th Feb
Have you submitted your entry yet? Our Regular Entry price ends today.
Late Entry Deadline
19th Feb
Not long now, only one week left!
Last Chance Entry Deadline
3rd Mar
Don’t miss out, this is your extension!
Shortlist Announced
30th Apr
The shortlisted entries are announced.
Winners reveal
11th Jun
Get your bubbly chilled and crack it open as soon as the winners are revealed at 5pm EST!
