FAQ
EBEA 2026
Material information for project applicants.
Companies and organizations, agencies and media houses, as well as HR and EB solution providers who have carried out employer branding activities within the 18 months prior to submission are invited to participate.
Yes – submissions may be made by employers or by agencies/third-party entities, provided they have the employer’s written consent. The certificate should be attached to the competition submission or sent to konkurs@hrminstitute.pl.
Yes – a dedicated subcategory within Pillar II (EB Attraction) is available for projects from the public and NGO sectors. Projects from these sectors are evaluated in the context of the specific nature of their activities and available resources.
The project must concern employer branding activities and include measurable results.
No – the project may still be ongoing; however, the submission must include documented, measurable results from the implementation period. The Jury evaluates the results achieved by the time of submission.
The submission may be written in English or in both English and the native language.
Yes – each project is evaluated independently. The same project may also be submitted separately in several categories..
The competition is divided into four pillars: Strategy (EB Strategy), External Employer Branding (EB Attraction), Internal Employer Branding (EB & Culture), and Special Awards. All competition categories are listed on the competition website.
You can also download the Competition Guide, where you will find detailed category descriptions and evaluation criteria. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at: konkurs@hrminstitute.pl.
Both categories relate to employer branding strategy, but they are divided based on the implementation budget: Challenger Strategy covers projects with a budget of up to EUR 30,000, while Grand Strategy covers projects above this amount. Projects are evaluated within their own category, which ensures comparability of submissions of a similar scale. If the project budget is borderline, we recommend contacting the organizer before submitting: konkurs@hrminstitute.pl.
Yes – one project may be submitted in multiple categories, with each submission requiring a separate fee and a separate form.
How to choose the right category?
The submission should correspond to the main objective of the project:
● EB STRATEGY – a strategic operating model
● EB ATTRACTION – activities aimed at candidates
● EB & CULTURE – activities aimed at employees
● SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD – a social or educational campaign
Choosing the wrong category may affect the project’s evaluation. All categories are described on the competition website. You can also download the Competition Guide. In case of doubt, please contact us at: konkurs@hrminstitute.pl.
Where can I find detailed category descriptions?
Full category descriptions, evaluation criteria, and jury guidelines are available on the EBEA competition website in the “Competition Categories” section.
The submission must be prepared using the official template and submitted in PDF format. The template is available on the competition website Template.
Each order placed in the online store is assigned an individual order number, which is sent to the email address provided during the purchase as confirmation. This number must be entered when submitting the entry form.
Examples:
• Purchase of one competition entry = one order number
• A single purchase of, for example, three competition entries = one order number. Each of the three entries will have the same order number. The system automatically records the number of entries used.
• Five-for-three package = one order number. Each of the five entries will have the same order number. The system automatically records the number of entries used.
Yes – the template is available for download on the competition website before purchase, so that applicants can review the requirements before deciding to submit Template.
The submission may be written in English or in both English and the native language.
Challenge → Diagnosis → Solution → Results.
The presentation structure is described in detail in the Competition Guide.
Max. 25 slides / all categories
A maximum of 2,000 characters per slide. For bilingual submissions, the limit is 2,000 characters per language per slide.
No – exceeding the limits may result in a lower score or rejection of the submission.
The maximum size of the uploaded PDF file is 15 MB. External links and graphics are attached according to the limits described in the template and do not increase the size of the main file.
A maximum of 5 external links
A maximum of 10 key graphics (20 for the Visual Identity category)
No – additional materials will not be taken into account. Only the first five links and the first 10 graphics will be considered (20 in the case of Visual Identity).
Yes – effectiveness and measurable outcomes are among the main evaluation criteria
Yes – the absence of numerical data or a benchmark lowers the score in the effectiveness criterion
Yes – especially in the case of confidential data.
Projects submitted to the EBEA competition are evaluated by an expert jury composed of experienced employer branding practitioners, HR specialists, marketers, and researchers. Each project is evaluated by several jurors, and the final score is the arithmetic average of their individual scores. The jury members are published on the EBEA competition websit
The current jury members are available on the competition website in the “Jury” section.
The evaluation process is based on uniform criteria for all submissions. Each submission is assessed individually by several jurors, and the final score is the average of their scores. A juror does not evaluate any category or submission they co-authored. Jurors do not know the scores given by other juror
The evaluation process consists of three stages.
Each project is individually reviewed by several jurors assigned to the relevant category.
Jurors award points according to the evaluation criteria:
- Strategic value and business alignment – 25 points
- Quality of implementation and execution – 25 points
- Effectiveness – 25 points
- Innovation – 15 points
- Premium Effect – 10 points
Each juror evaluates the project independently of the others. Scores are awarded on the points scale specified in the rules and regulations, with a maximum of 100 points. For each project, the arithmetic average of all jurors’ scores is calculated.
Based on the average scores, a list of projects with the highest number of points in each category is created. Projects that reach the required point threshold and receive the highest average scores in their category qualify for the shortlist. The number of finalists in a category is not predetermined.
Projects qualified for the shortlist receive the status of competition finalists.
The jury meets to discuss the shortlisted projects. Projects are compared within their respective categories. During the deliberations, the jury selects the category winners, possible distinctions, and the Grand Prix winner from among the category winners. The jury may decide not to grant an award in a given category.
The minimum score threshold is set by the jury after the individual evaluation has been completed, based on the level and number of submissions in a given edition. The threshold is not announced in advance – the organizer only announces the list of finalists after the threshold has been applied.
Advancement to the shortlist is determined by the average score from the jurors’ evaluations, meeting the minimum score threshold, and the overall level of submissions in the given category.
A nomination confirms that the submission meets high employer branding standards and has advanced to the group of the highest-scoring projects, from which awards will be granted in individual categories
No – the jury may decide not to grant an award in a given category if the submissions do not meet the required standards.
The EBEA GRAND PRIX is the competition’s highest distinction, awarded during the jury deliberations after all category awards have been granted. It is given to the project that, in a given edition, has set a new standard in employer branding and deserves special recognition beyond the level of its own category. The GRAND PRIX does not have to be awarded in every edition.
The GRAND PRIX is awarded solely by the decision of the jury from among all projects awarded in the categories. It is not possible to submit a project directly for this award – the jury makes the decision during the final deliberations, after the winners of all categories have been selected.
A project awarded the GRAND PRIX is an initiative that:
- combines high strategic quality, innovation, and effectiveness
- achieves above-average results
- goes beyond the standards of its category
- serves as an inspiration for the market and sets the direction for the development of employer branding
No – the GRAND PRIX does not have to be awarded in every edition of the competition.
The results are announced during the EBEA 2026 final gala, which takes place on 16 October 2026.
You must purchase an entry or a package of entries. Only then can you submit your contest entry. You will need the order number when submitting your contest entry.
Available payment methods include bank transfer and electronic payment (credit/debit card, BLIK, and instant bank transfer). A pro forma invoice is issued after the order has been placed. A VAT invoice is sent once the payment has been credited to our account.
Invoices are issued in PLN, based on the EUR exchange rate applicable on the date the pro forma invoice is issued, in accordance with applicable tax regulations.
- Early Bird – until 20 July 2026 – EUR 250 net
- Regular – until 10 August 2026 – EUR 320 net
- Late – until 3 September 2026 – EUR 400 net
A package of five entries for the price of three is available. The price depends on the submission stage:
- Early Bird – 750 EUR net
- Regular – 960 EUR net
- Late – 1 200 EUR net
Yes.
No. The package is assigned to a single purchasing entity. Agencies submitting projects on behalf of different clients should make a separate purchase for each employer or contact the organizer to agree on individual terms: konkurs@hrminstitute.pl..
No. Fees paid for unused entries are non-refundable.
Each order placed in the online store is assigned an individual order number, which is sent to the email address provided during the purchase as confirmation. This number must be entered when submitting the entry form.
Examples:
• Purchase of one competition entry = one order number
• A single purchase of, for example, three competition entries = one order number. Each of the three entries will have the same order number. The system automatically records the number of entries used.
• Five-for-three package = one order number. Each of the five entries will have the same order number. The system automatically records the number of entries used.
Yes, provided that it is submitted before the end of the entry period, i.e. by 3 September 2026.
3 September 2026.
No. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The fee is non-refundable.
If the competition is cancelled, the organizer will refund the full fee paid within 14 days of sending the cancellation notice.
The organizer reserves the right to make changes. Any updates to the deadlines will be published on the competition website and sent by email to registered participants.
The entry should be submitted in PDF format. The maximum file size is 15 MB. Detailed instructions for submitting an entry are available on the competition website.
No. Once an entry has been submitted, it cannot be edited.
Yes. The Feedback Premium option is available. Details regarding the scope and price of the feedback are available on the competition website. Feedback is provided after the announcement of the results during the EBEA Gala on 16 October 2026, within 7 business days of placing the order.
The EBEA 2026 final Gala takes place on 16 October 2026 in Warsaw. Details regarding the venue and programme of the Gala are available on the competition website..
The winner in each category receives the Archer statuette and an EBEA Certificate. Commended participants receive a diploma and an EBEA Certificate. The EBEA Certificate is a personalised document confirming the award, which can be used in recruitment communications, on your careers page, and in internal materials.
their attendance. If attendance is not possible, please contact us in advance at konkurs@hrminstitute.pl. The statuette and Certificate may be collected by an authorised person or sent by post..
- Presenting the project during the Gala (maximum 3 minutes)
- Preparing an article of approximately 5,000 characters. The deadline and editorial guidelines will be provided after the results are announced.
Yes. The article is one of the laureates’ obligations. It is published on the organizer’s platforms and in the organizer’s materials.
Yes. Submitted entries may be published for educational and promotional purposes, under the terms set out in the rules and regulations.
Entries are used in the evaluation process, and selected elements may be published by the organizer, under the terms and with the reservations set out in the rules and regulations.
Yes. Percentage or aggregated data may be used instead of absolute values.
The controller of personal data is HRM Institute Sp. z o.o., with its registered office in Kraków, at ul. Zabłocie 19A/57. Details regarding data processing are available in the privacy policy on the organizer’s website.
Competition materials are stored for the period necessary to fulfil the purposes of the competition and for the period required by law. Unpublished materials are not made available to third parties.
An entry cannot be edited or withdrawn after submission. The entry fee is non-refundable after 14 days from the date of purchase. Detailed cancellation rules are set out in the store’s terms and conditions.
For any questions not covered in the FAQ, please contact us:
konkurs@hrminstitute.pl
EBEA 2026 – Employer Branding Excellence Awards | www.ebeaawards.com