European Association Awards
Celebrating excellence in the Association community
About
The European Association Awards reward projects that can inspire the whole Community. They highlight Association knowledge and team members who usually stay out of the spotlight. The goal is to learn from best practices and share knowledge. The ceremony was held in Brussels during the European Association Summit on 10 April 2025.​​​
Winners
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
Women in ESSKA (WiE)
ESSKA - European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy
The Women in ESSKA (WiE) initiative promotes inclusion and professional advancement in orthopaedics. It addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership, professional growth, and access to opportunities. Key elements: Mentorship, Webinars, Scholarships, Round Tables and Community Space. WiE strengthens collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
EVENT INNOVATION
Cultivating Community: Making large events feel cozy & small, with everyone's needs met
EARMA - European Association of Research Managers & Administrators
Transforming a rapidly growing conference (from <1000 to 1500+ attendees, soon 2000) into a welcoming hub! Networking is key, diverse voices are vital, well-being is paramount & we retain a "small family" feel. Unconferencing, recharge spaces, thematic groups, meeting points, & digital badges enhance connection & combat feeling "lost." Newcomers are embraced! It's all about personalised experiences.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
Dear Future Member of the European Parliament
Three videos to address the future Members of the European Parliament to:
1. Inform and influence during the 2024 EU election campaign to integrate bioenergy topics in the policy debate.
2. Educate about the role of Bioenergy in delivering on EU energy and climate objectives.
3. Prepare the ground to facilitate Bioenergy Europe's access to newly elected decision-makers
4. Present our Manifesto
IMPACT
Blue Boat Horizon
EBI - European Boating Industry
The project ist the biggest project in EBI's history and the most ambitious industry collaboration. For the first time, it brings together key players to develop a common approach to improving environmental performance. It has galvanised the sector with the same mission: Making Life Cycle Assessment the building block to improve environmental performance and transform the boating industry.
4 Categories
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Rewards projects built around the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, either within the Association, or externally, with regard to its members, stakeholders, or the general public. The Award will also consider the concrete impact of the presented projects.
Digital Communication
Rewards the use of innovative digital tools in the optimisation of an Association's outreach or of its ability to represent the interests of its members towards institutions and the general public.
Event Innovation
Rewards innovation in the rethinking of an Association's meetings and events. It can pertain to the design and format of an event, or to the use of new technologies to make it more inclusive, efficient, sustainable, or able to reach more stakeholders.
Impact
Rewards projects focusing on the overarching vision and values of an Association rather than on its day-to-day operations. This can include a legacy project, a charity initiative, a mentoring or educational programme, or a policy impact.
Finalists
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Embracing Inclusivity at the SEFI 2024 Conference
​SEFI - European Society for Engineering Education
The goal was to be more inclusive of the diverse membership, including individuals with caring duties, linguistic and auditory needs, newcomers, and those from low-income countries. SEFI achieved this through funding, technology, training, and communication, working closely with the SEFI DEI group. This initiative aligns with SEFI’s core values of inclusiveness and respect for diversity, equality, and different cultures.
IGLTA Accredited: Elevating Global Standards in
LGBTQ+ Travel
IGLTA - International LGBTQ+ Travel Association
The IGLTA Accredited™ process sets a global standard for hotels to genuinely welcome LGBTQ+ travelers, aligning with our mission to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and travel industry. The 8-point accreditation was developed in collaboration with IGLTA members, creating a roadmap to allyship that benefits accommodations and travelers.
Women in ESSKA (WiE)
ESSKA - European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy
The Women in ESSKA (WiE) initiative promotes inclusion and professional advancement in orthopaedics. It addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership, professional growth, and access to opportunities.
Key elements: Mentorship, Webinars, Scholarships, Round Tables and Community Space
WiE strengthens collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
Event Innovation
Cultivating Community: Making large events feel cozy & small, with everyone's needs met
EARMA - European Association of Research Managers & Administrators
Transforming a rapidly growing conference (from <1000 to 1500+ attendees, soon 2000) into a welcoming hub! Networking is key, diverse voices are vital, well-being is paramount & we retain a "small family" feel. Unconferencing, recharge spaces, thematic groups, meeting points, & digital badges enhance connection & combat feeling "lost." Newcomers are embraced! It's all about personalised experiences.
Beyond the Surface - Portrait exhibition
Cosmetics Europe
The Beyond the Surface campaign highlights the role of the cosmetics & personal care industry in Europe, emphasising its impact on well-being and the economy. It culminated in an exhibition at the European Parliament showcasing portraits of diverse individuals sharing their personal stories related to personal care products, aiming to engage policymakers in discussions on the industry's impact.
Blue Innovation Dock
Blue Innovation Dock stands as the pioneering sustainable platform at boot Düsseldorf. It brings together cutting-edge marine technologies and sustainable solutions, focusing on bridging the gap between industry and policy. This dynamic setting reveals breakthrough trends through keynotes and panel discussions, counting more than 120 speakers, and setting the stage for a greener future on water.
Digital Communication
Dear Future Member of the European Parliament
Bioenergy Europe
Three videos to address the future Members of the European Parliament to:
1. Inform and influence during the 2024 EU election campaign to integrate bioenergy topics in the policy debate.
2. Educate about the role of Bioenergy in delivering on EU energy and climate objectives.
3. Prepare the ground to facilitate Bioenergy Europe's access to newly elected decision-makers
4. Present our Manifesto
ACC365: ACC how/where/when you want it.
Association of Corporate Counsel
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) developed the ACC365 mobile app to enhance member engagement, modernize communication channels, and provide seamless access to ACC’s vast resources. As a global association, ACC recognized the need to diversify engagement beyond traditional methods such as email. ACC365 serves as a tool for membership retention and acquisition, content promotion.
#PowerOfMedtech
The #PowerOfMedtech campaign raises awareness of medical technology’s role in improving people's lives. The campaign sought to position medical technologies as essential to Europe’s healthcare future, ensuring that decision-makers recognize its value in shaping policies that foster innovation and sustainability.
Impact
Building Energy Everywhere
Liquid Gas Europe
The Building Energy Everywhere project showcases how rural buildings can be defossilised with minimal infrastructure changes. By combining bioLPG, digital twin technology, and smart monitoring in an off-grid setting, it offers a scalable model for policymakers. Beneficiaries include ADEM VZW care home residents, while industry stakeholders support its role in advancing the energy transition.
IPVC 2024 Legacy Program – Raising Awareness of HPV
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IPVS - International Papillomavirus Society
The IPVC 2024 Legacy Program is raising awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) across Scotland through education, public engagement, and advocacy for vaccination against HPV. Raising awareness and understanding of HPV is part of IPVS’s mission to prevent HPV-associated cancers and save lives. Activities deliver lasting impact, in alignment with the International HPV Awareness Campaign of IPVS.
Blue Boat Horizon
The project ist the biggest project in EBI's history and the most ambitious industry collaboration. For the first time, it brings together key players to develop a common approach to improving environmental performance. It has galvanised the sector with the same mission: Making Life Cycle Assessment the building block to improve environmental performance and transform the boating industry.
After registrations are closed, the Secretariat verify eligibility. Applications are shared with the jury for evaluation.
Application Process
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Any Association (i.e.: membership-based, not-for-profit, organisation) conducting some of its activities in Europe can apply, regardless of whether it is an ESAE member or not.
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Nominations from Association Management companies directly, public authorities or corporate entities are not eligible.
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An Association can apply for two different categories but with different projects.
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After registering to the platform, applicants can begin their submission by providing a title and short description, KPIs used, as well as quantitative data, including overall budget and measurements. Finally, they will be asked for the lessons learned and the future steps aligned with their organisation's mission and vision.
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Applications can be saved and be resumed at a later stage if not all data is in hand.
Eligibility Criteria
Any questions?
If you have any questions, either on the topics, the process, or about sponsoring an Award, don't hesitate to contact with ESAE's Secretariat at info@esae.eu
Jury Members
Liesbeth Switten
Secretary General, AIB
Chair of the European Association Awards 2024
Chloe Menhinick
Director of Partnerships, Organic Cotton Accelerator,
Co-Chair ESAE's Sustainability & Legacy Community
Kerry Cosby
Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives at AACC
Vicky Koffa
Deputy Director at Boardroom Magazine
Lydia Pernal Stoddard
Senior Advisor at EPCA,
Co-Chair ESAE's Communication & Membership Community
Nicola Hamilton
Head of Communications & Membership at ECSITE,
Co-Chair ESAE's Communication & Membership Community
Paolo Falcioni
Director General, APPLiA, Co-Chair ESAE's Governance & DEI Community
Kirsten Epskamp
Secretary General at the European Nuclear Society
Awards Supporters
The European Association Awards 2025 are supported by:
