In 2026, the ISPO Awards step onto the world stage with renewed ambition. More than a traditional product award, the expanded programme is positioning itself alongside the most prestigious global accolades — celebrating not just excellence in sporting goods and outdoor, but the ideas, materials and businesses shaping the industry’s future. Winners will be celebrated at a flagship ceremony at ISPO 2026 Amsterdam on 4 November. Three distinct programmes. One stage. Here’s what you need to know.
ISPO Excellence Awards — the industry’s leading benchmark
The ISPO Excellence Awards are the primary recognition for outstanding products and services across sport, outdoor and winter sports. The 2026 programme spans the full breadth of the industry: from cutting-edge product innovation to bold storytelling, next-generation retail concepts and standout marketing campaigns.
What sets the Excellence Awards apart is genuine independence: 120+ conflict-free judges — athletes, buyers, influencers and sports industry professionals — assess entries hands-on. Recognition spans six tiers from Commended through to Grand Prix, each carrying an ISPO digital badge for packaging, retail sell-in and press materials. With ispo.com reaching buyers, retailers and media across 120+ countries, your listing goes live from day one — and winners receive editorial coverage and social amplification.
New for 2026, the programme has been completely refreshed with a renewed focus on integrity, transparency and meaningful innovation. Updates include strengthened independent judging, new Service and B2B categories that extend recognition beyond products, and category structures that better reflect today’s sports and outdoor ecosystem. The awards are open to all brands, with preferential entry rates available for ISPO exhibitors.
10 award categories
- Running & Trail Running
- Hiking & Climbing
- Camping and Outdoor Living
- Cycling
- Racket Sports
- Snow Sports
- Water Sports
- Team Sports
- Fitness & Wellness
- Services & B2B (organisations delivering meaningful impact through technology, retail, manufacturing, sustainability, logistics, digital platforms, consulting, events, marketing and other business services that support the sport and outdoor sector)
Key Dates
| Dates | |
| 1 July 2026 | Entries open |
| 14 August 2026 | 14 August 2026 | Early bird entry deadline (extended for SGI and Outdoor Compass readers) |
| 1 September 2026 | Final entry deadline |
| September 2026 | Remote judging takes place |
| 3 November 2026 (daytime) | Live judging at RAI Amsterdam |
| 4 November 2026 (evening) | ISPO Excellence Award Ceremony |
Exclusive offer for SGIE readers
As a valued reader of SGIE, we’re extending the Early Bird deadline for the ISPO Excellence Awards 2026 to Friday 14 August.
To secure the discounted rate, simply start your submission by 14 August. You can return to complete and finalise your entry any time before the final submission deadline of 1 September. Use code ISPOEARLYEDM when you enter.
Start your entry today.
Enter the ISPO Excellence Awards
ISPO BrandNew — the launchpad for the industry’s next generation
For emerging brands and startups, ISPO BrandNew is the world’s leading recognition platform in the sports and outdoor space — presented by YKK and curated by BORN Accelerators. Following online applications and expert pre-judging, shortlisted startups pitch live on the BrandNew Launchpad Stage in front of retailers, investors and media. Selected participants also gain access to an optional Investor Layer, connecting them with strategic partners and growth-focused stakeholders.
ISPO Textrends — where material innovation gets recognised
ISPO Textrends identifies and presents the material trends of the future — award-winning fabrics, membranes, trims and insulations used in premium sportswear and outdoor collections. The regular trend reports are a valued reference for designers and product managers worldwide. The 2026 cycle covers the Autumn/Winter 2028/29 season. Entry details will be released shortly.
Register your interest for Textrends
Entries for the ISPO Excellence Awards and ISPO BrandNew are open now. The awards ceremony takes place on 4 November 2026 at ISPO Amsterdam.
