New Categories for 2026
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 Recognizes creative work that actively promotes and strengthens Democratic and Human Rights values around the world. Honors communications and ideas that inspire people to care about human rights, free expression, fair representation, accountability and the essential freedoms that allow democracy to thrive and human rights to be protected. Rather than simply illustrating these principles, the work should motivate audiences to protect and advance them, whether it is at a local, national, continental or global level. This award has support, but no operational role from the European Parliament to amplify the promotion of human rights and democracy. No work for political parties or political candidates will be eligible for submission.
2026
Key Dates
with 35% Early Bird Discount
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
Key Dates
April thru November 2026
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
