The US Partnership Awards are back for 2026, returning with a new digital-first format designed to give entrants longer-lasting visibility and greater commercial value.
As partnerships continue to shape full-funnel brand growth across North America, the US Partnership Awards remain the industry’s benchmark for recognising work that combines strategy, creativity and strong collaboration.
The programme now celebrates excellence across 29 categories, including nine new additions that reflect the evolution of the channel:
- Best Use of AI / Automation
- Best B2B Partnership Campaign
- Media Buying Affiliate Campaign
- Best Lead Generation Campaign
- Open Banking or Cardlinked Offer Campaign
- The Best Workflow Implementation Award
- Best Premium & Luxury Partnership
- Best Marketplace & Commerce Campaign
- Best Retail Media Campaign
Shortlisted companies receive immediate visibility across Hello Partner, USPA channels and social, plus a place in a private finalists community designed for peer connection and knowledge-sharing.
Winners gain year-round exposure through evergreen listings, digital amplification and a professionally produced case study published across both the USPA site and Hello Partner.
Gold winners also receive a premium thought-leadership feature and full certification suite.
Although the programme is now digital-first, physical trophies and certificates remain part of the experience, with digital certification options available for Silver and Bronze.
The eligibility window for all categories covers work first implemented between January 1, 2025 and March 3, 2026. Key dates include:
Entries Open: December 10, 2025
Earlybird Deadline: January 22, 2026
Regular Deadline: February 12, 2026
Late Deadline: February 19, 2026
Last Chance: March 3, 2026
Entries are now open.
Download the Entry Kit here.
