SSIA Social Star Awards

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The SSIA is proud honor its members with the "Social Star Awards" each year. The Social Stars recognize the best in the industry, those moving us forward, and those excelling at what they do. Keep in mind that the awards are recognizing accomplishments for the previous year... so all nominations should be represented in the 2024 calendar year. See Award Categories and nomination instructions below

Make your nominations (for yourself or a fellow member)

VIDEO CAMPAIGN – submit only 30 seconds

Either promotional or recap videos, this can be long form, short form, in house, or professional. Videos for events that have previous won are ineligible. Awards will be given in each tier.

  1. Professional
  2. In-House

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

BEST MARKETING

This Award for Best Marketing recognizes an innovation, program, social media campaign, sales strategy, product, or team within the Social Sports Industry Association.

Innovation, social media, products, etc.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION (DEI)

The Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recognizes a program, individual, or team within the Social Sports Industry Association that has made a significant impact in advancing diversity, equity, and/or inclusion. The honoree(s) exemplify a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, breaking down barriers, and promoting equitable opportunities within the industry. 

  • Demonstrated leadership in championing DEI principles through innovative programs, policies, or actions.
  • Tangible results or measurable outcomes that have positively influenced diverse representation, equity, and inclusion.
  • A lasting impact on the trade association, industry, or community, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups or advancing systemic change.

The Award for Excellence in DEI celebrates those who inspire progress and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. This honor serves as both recognition of their achievements and a call to action for others to follow in their footsteps.

BEST PRACTICE IN SPONSORSHIP

The Best Practice in Sponsorship Award recognizes excellence and innovation in sponsorship initiatives within the Social Sports Industry Association. This prestigious accolade celebrates organizations that have demonstrated outstanding creativity, execution, and results in leveraging sponsorships to enhance player experiences, build community engagement, and drive mutual success for both the sponsor and the social sports organization: 

  • Strategic Alignment: Clear connection between the sponsor's goals and the values of the organization.
  • Innovative Activation: Unique and creative ways the sponsorship was integrated into programming, events, or marketing.
  • Measurable Impact: Demonstrated outcomes such as increased participation, brand visibility, or meaningful community contributions.

This award spotlights the critical role sponsorships play in shaping vibrant and inclusive sports communities, setting the standard for impactful collaboration in the industry.

BEST EVENT

Apart from leagues, clubs produce great events - with new offerings being seen all the time!

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

BEST CLUB COLLABORATION

Going to the efforts of 2 or more member clubs to work together either internally or on a customer facing product.

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

THE BEST OF 2024

This new award recognizes the greatest accomplishments within the Social Sports Industry Association this year. Whether that’s a staff member, a problem solved, a player’s accomplishment, a new program, a successful sponsorship, or anything that was the pinnacle of this year for your club. This is a self-nomination only, and the nominees can only apply to this calendar year and cannot be submitted in the future.

PHILANTHROPY AWARD

Honoring great, creative ways to give back (this award is not voted on as we will be recognizing all the amazing philanthropy efforts by our members)

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

LEGACY AWARD

This award will recognize anyone in your organization reaching a 5 year milestone with your company or the social sports industry (5, 10, 15...etc). Please update the year you started in your Member Compass!

INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARD

What person in our industry has stepped up this year to move the needle for everyone?

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

PHILANTHROPY AWARD

Honoring great, creative ways to give back (this award is not voted on as we will be recognizing all the amazing philanthropy efforts by our members)

See 2025 Nominees - Coming soon

CHAMPIONS AWARD

Each year we allow and encourage all SSIA members to participate and achieve a Customer Service Award – measured by a standardized Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey sent from you to your sports league participants from the past year. Learn More

See our past winners: