New Categories for 2026

SPORTS  Recognizes work that celebrates original, impactful and culturally aware work inspired by sport.  Creativity that harnesses the power of sport and sportspeople to connect with audiences, work that harnesses the power of creativity, that captures the drama, emotion and unity of sports to drive both brand and cultural impact.

GAMING  The creative use of video games and gamified interactive media for desktop, mobile, web, virtual or web 3.0 platforms to create branded experiences. 

CULTURAL CATALYST  Recognizes creativity that sparks significant cultural impact.  Work that is relevant, sparks conversations, sets trends and integrates itself into the cultural conversation.  This new category is inextricably linked to culture and transforms marketing into unique content.  

ENTERTAINMENT & CONTENT  Honors storytelling that leverages entertainment to market a brand, product, or service. This category moves far beyond traditional marketing and into genuine engagement awarding work that captivates audiences in ways indistinguishable from entertainment alone. Leveraging ecosystems like film, television, gaming, mobile and live events.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION  Recognizes that creativity does not just live within campaigns.  It now plays an influential role in the enduring transformation of business including their operations, services, products, internal and customer experiences. This medium doesn't just recognize work that promotes solutions to customers. It recognizes the solutions themselves.

DEMOCRACY and HUMAN RIGHTS  "When the creative community turns its talents towards strengthening democratic participation, freedom  and rule of law, it can and will inspire conversations beyond our normal audience." - Christian Mangold, Director of Communications of the European Parliament
 
Developed with support from the European Parliament, this category recognizes work that promotes free expression, fair representation, accountability and essential freedoms that allow democracy to thrive and human rights to be protected.  Entries must demonstrate how creativity was a deciding factor in advancing these principles and driving meaningful impact at a local, national, continental or global level.  Work for political parties or political candidates is not eligible.

2026
Key Dates

Entry System Now Open
 

Enter Now

2026 Entry Kit

2026 LIA Deck

Eligibility:
Work released from 
1st July 2025 thru 31st August 2026

Creative LIAisons Virtual Coaching Program:
May thru November 2026

Onsite Judging:
25th September thru 3rd October 2026 at Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas 

Onsite Creative LIAisons:
27th September thru 1st October 2026 at Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas 

Winners & Finalists Announced:
28th September thru 5th October

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

 

2026
Key Dates

Virtual Creative LIAisons Coaching Sessions:
April thru November 2026
Onsite Creative LIAisons in Las Vegas:
27th September thru 1st October 2026

Creative LIAisons
Funded By Lia

Creative LIAisons was launched in 2012 and has developed and inspired over 2,000 young creatives through both onsite and virtual programs. Its goal is to give the next generation access to learn from the most experienced and awarded people in the industry and the opportunity to skill-up without a price tag, as LIA fully funds this initiative.

By providing direct access to industry trailblazers, this initiative inspires, mentors and elevates the next generation of creative visionaries, equipping them with the insights and connections needed to thrive in the ever-evolving industry.

LIA doesn’t directly select attendees. We offer global allocations to the creative community that supports us. Candidates are then put forward by these companies, agency networks, ad clubs and associations, as well as, collaborating with trade press on regional competitions. Annually, over 300 young creatives participate in the most comprehensive global training program in the industry. 

Those who have completed Creative LIAisons are now high-level creatives and company founders. An elite few have even been invited as a coach, a speaker or as a LIA juror.

Sponsors

 


Media Partners