2026 ILM Industry Awards | Award Sponsorship and Naming Rights
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What does sponsoring an award category actually include?
our brand receives naming rights to your chosen category for the full 2026 awards campaign.
That means your brand name and logo across all marketing assets for that category, a callout on stage at the ILM Conference awards in Melbourne in September, inclusion in finalist announcement content, a co-branded email to the ILM awards audience, and logo on the trophy.
Does sponsoring a category give my brand any influence over the judging or outcome?
No. Sponsors have no involvement in judging, shortlisting, or determining winners under any circumstances. That boundary is stated in every sponsorship agreement and communicated publicly throughout the campaign. The integrity of the awards is non-negotiable — and that is precisely what makes the association worth having.
How many sponsorship spots are available?
There are 15 award categories and a small number of stream partnerships available. Once a category is confirmed it is not available to any other brand.
Sponsorships are allocated on a first confirmed basis. If you are considering this, do not wait — contact us before completing your purchase to confirm availability.
Is award sponsorship something ILM has offered before?
No.
This is the first year we have formalised award sponsorship as an option. It came from a direct request someone asked last year whether it was possible to sponsor a category and at the time it was not something we had in place.
We took that on board, built it properly, and opened it for 2026. There are a limited number of spots available and this is the first round, so availability will not last.
ILM Awards 2026 — Award Category Sponsorship
The ILM Awards were built because this industry deserved a stage.
A formal moment of recognition for the lash and brow professionals across Australia and New Zealand who have been doing exceptional work with nothing to show for it publicly.
In 2026 we are running 16 categories across Skillset and Industry which lead to some awards in our People's Choice streams.
If you plan on entering the awards yourself, please let us know which category so we do not attach naming rights of your sponsorship to the award you are entering or have entered. ILM will allocate each sponsor to an award.
Open to AU and NZ professionals, judged by industry leaders, with finalists announced in August and winners revealed live on stage at the ILM Lash and Brow Conference in Melbourne, September 19 and 20.
Award sponsorship is new for 2026. Last year someone asked if it was an option. It is now.
What sponsoring a category means for your brand
Your brand name is attached to your chosen category for the full campaign — from entries opening April 1 through to the winner announcement on stage in September. That is five months of active exposure to a qualified audience of lash and brow professionals who are already your market.
Your brand receives naming rights across all marketing assets for that category, inclusion in finalist announcement content, a co-branded email to the ILM awards audience, product placement in the winner gift pack, and a callout on stage at the awards night. If your brand is present at the conference, your name will appear on the trophy presented to the winner of your sponsored category.
People's Choice Stream of awards:
- Lash Educator of the Year
- Brow Educator of the Year
- Best Content and Marketing in Beauty
- Brand of the Year
Sponsors have no influence over judging or outcomes.
That boundary is what makes this worth having , the awards carry weight because the results are earned, and your association with that carries the same credibility.
Packages available
Category Naming Rights — one specific award category, full campaign.
People's Choice Sponsor — the highest-traffic categories in the cycle, with weeks of public voting driving ongoing audience engagement. Our finalists in our People's Choice category will be listed on our website for a month providing high exposure for the sponsors and are deemed our most community based awards.
Note: If you chose to sponsor an award, you cannot be a nominee or entrant in the particular category you are sponsoring. You may sponsor another category.
Spots are limited.
Once a category is confirmed it is gone.
Contact us to discuss the right placement for your brand before completing your purchase.
Awards FAQ
ABOUT THE ILM AWARDS
WHY WERE THE ILM AWARDS CREATED?
To officially recognise the talent in our Industry across all categories in Australia and New Zealand.
We want to celebrate everyone's skills, growth and business acumen. This has not been done before in Australia.
ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY
WHO CAN ENTER THE AWARDS?
Anyone in our industry based in Australia and New Zealand
I'M NEW TO THE INDUSTRY, CAN I STILL ENTER?
Yes. We have categories designed specifically for emerging artists, as well as categories suited to more experienced professionals.
WHAT IF I DON'T THINK I AM GOOD ENOUGH TO ENTER?
The awards are designed to recognise growth, effort and dedication across all levels.
If you are consistently working on your craft or business, you belong here.
CAN I ENTER MULTIPLE AWARDS?
Yes. You can enter as many categories as you meet the criteria for.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT FOR THE ENTRY?
Each category has specific requirements, which may include images of your work, written responses, and business or brand information. Full details are provided inside the award information pack.
CAN I SUBMIT THE SAME WORK ACROSS MULTIPLE CATEGORIES?
No. Each Entry has to be original work and must be your own work.
JUDGING PROCESS
HOW ARE THE AWARDS JUDGED?
All entries are assessed by a panel of experienced industry judges using a structured scoring system based on skill, technique, business performance and industry contribution depending on the category.
ARE THE AWARDS BASED ON POPULARITY OR JUDGED?
Most categories are professionally judged. Selected categories include a public voting element once finalists are announced.
DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WHEN DO ENTRIES OPEN AND CLOSE?
Entries open April 1 and close June 30
WHEN ARE FINALISTS AND WINNERS ANNOUNCED?
Finalists will be announced Early August and public voting categories will be listed on our website to vote.
Winners will be announced at our 2026 Melbourne Lash and Brow Conference on Day 1 on September 19.
Location:
Pullman on the Park, East Melbourne
CONFERENCE AND ATTENDANCE
DO I NEED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE TO ENTER?
No, you do not need to attend the conference to enter however our awards will be announced on stage and a photo opportunity with the winners will be taken.
Deanna will be welcoming winners on stage and taking a photo with each winner and presenting their awards, showcasing their work.
