ADCE opens awards to all eligible entrants

The awards continue to serve as a platform for showcasing outstanding work in creativity

The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) has opened entries for the 35th edition of the ADCE Awards, introducing significant changes that broaden access to the competition and expand its category structure. The updates are designed to bring more creative work from across Europe into consideration for recognition at a continental level.

The awards continue to serve as a platform for showcasing outstanding work in creativity, design and advertising, connecting projects from national and regional competitions with a European audience.

Competition expands eligibility across Europe

For the first time, the ADCE Awards are open to all entrants of eligible regional and national competitions across Europe, rather than only awarding-winning work. The organisation said the change aims to increase participation and provide more opportunities for creative professionals to compete on a European stage.

Eligibility extends to participants from competitions organised by ADCE's 25 member clubs, as well as selected competitions run by non-member organisations across Europe.

The final deadline for submissions is 25 September 2026.

Industry-focused discipline added

ADCE has also introduced a discipline titled Creativity by Industry Sectors, which evaluates projects within the context of the industries they serve.

The discipline includes 40 categories spanning Consumer Goods, Health Care, Automotive & Mobility, Finance, Insurance & Retail, Technology & Media, Travel, Leisure, HORECA & Education, Entertainment & Culture, and Sports.

According to ADCE, the addition is intended to recognise both creative excellence and the strategic and cultural challenges specific to different sectors.

New categories reflect changing creative landscape

Several categories have been added across the awards programme to reflect developments in creative practice and industry requirements.

A Local Insight category has also been introduced across all existing disciplines. The category recognises work that demonstrates a strong connection to local cultures, communities and regional relevance.

Full category information and submission details are available through the ADCE Awards platform.

Judging process to conclude in Barcelona

The ADCE Awards jury will conduct the first two rounds of judging online in October. The final round will take place in person at the Disseny Hub Barcelona during ADCE Creative Week in November.

The final judging session will once again be open to the public, allowing attendees to observe the selection process for the Special Awards and Grand Prix.

Winners of the ADCE Awards 2026 will be announced during the ADCE Awards Gala on 20 November 2026, which concludes ADCE Creative Week. The programme will also include talks, exhibitions, workshops, networking events and the ADCE Student Awards ceremony.

Winners contribute to global rankings

As part of The One Club for Creativity, ADCE Award winners contribute points to The One Club Global Creative Rankings.

The rankings combine results from major international competitions, including The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, ONE Asia Creative Awards, Type Directors Club competitions and the ADCE Awards.

ADCE said its partnership with The One Club for Creativity supports its objective of increasing the international visibility of European agencies, brands, creatives and campaigns.

www.adceurope.org

Follow Marketing Report on LinkedIn