The EACA Besties

OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY 2026

Established in 2024, the newly branded Besties awards (formerly known as EACA Best Practice Awards) are our way of recognising excellence among our member organisations. These awards are designed to shine a spotlight on outstanding initiatives from the previous year led by members, leaving a positive impact on both the industry and society. 

From January 2026, these awards are extended beyond the National Associations and will be open to entry by all our member organisations. We invite members of all our councils, including the Media Agency Council (MAC), Creative Agency Council (CAC), Health Communications Council (HCC), National Association Council (NAC), edcom and IMPACT to submit their entries.

Download the Entry Form
2024 Winners 
2025 Winners

Criteria

We are interested in projects that stand out, create impact, and redefine what’s possible for driving change from within our industry.  EACA members are invited to nominate programmes and activities they have led/are leading that have made a real difference to their members, their teams and the industry in 2025. 

Submissions must meet the following criteria: 

  • Context/Industry relevance: The initiative needs to address a significant challenge and align with best practices, clearly explaining the need 
  • Innovation & creativity: The initiative needs to present an innovative, original solution with potential to set new standards within the industry.  
  • Execution & efficiency: The initiative needs to demonstrate strong project management, resource efficiency, and effective collaboration 
  • Impact & replicability: The initiative needs to achieve measurable results, create a meaningful impact, and be adaptable to other markets, agencies or associations 

To give you an idea of the themes you might consider, here are some suggestions. However, your submission does not need to be confined to this list only: 

  • Social Responsibility 
  • Advocacy in the Public Sector 
  • Talent 
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Attracting and retraining
  • Culture
  • Professional Development
  • Education
  • Improving Creative Output
  • Reputation Building
  • AI Initiatives
  • Promoting your Value Proposition
  • Transformation
  • Wild card… can be anything! 

Timeline
  • Call for Entries – 22 Jan to 25 Feb 2026
  • Judging – March 2026
  • Winner Announcement and Celebration – 26 March 2026
    During the EACA Spring Summit in Lisbon

Eligibility – Can Your Organisation Enter?

Deadline and Fees

The Call for Entries is open from 22 January until 25 February (EOD)

Participation is free of charge, and members are encouraged to send more than one entry.

How To Enter

We have prepared a Word file of the entry form to help you craft your entry: download the entry form here. Once it’s done, please send your entry and any additional material (video, pictures, webpage, voucher, etc.) to elva.decastro@eaca.eu and lina@eaca.eu with the subject Submission – The EACA Besties 2026.

The awards will be open for submissions until 25 February 2026. The winners’ celebration will take place on 26 March 2026 during EACA’s Spring Summit in Lisbon.

Jury

The 2026 Jury Panel will be revealed very soon. Stay tuned!

Submissions will be evaluated following the criteria below:

1. Context (25%)  
Does the initiative address a clear and significant industry challenge, demonstrate relevance to best practices, and explain the need effectively?  

2. Ideation (25%)  
How creative and innovative is the approach, showcasing originality and potential as a standout best practice in the industry?  

3. Execution (25%)  
Was the initiative executed with excellence in project management, optimal use of resources, and effective collaboration?  

4. Results (25%)  
Did the initiative achieve measurable and satisfactory results, create a significant impact, and demonstrate replicability for other markets and associations?  

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to lina@eaca.eu