The Bulgarian Association of Communication Agencies (BACA), organiser of Effie Bulgaria, has announced the rules for the 2026 edition of the competition, which is open to advertisers and communication agencies.
Effie Bulgaria 2026 will accept entries for communication campaigns and marketing activities created and implemented in Bulgaria between 1 June 2025 and 31 August 2026.
The Effie Awards are open to all types of marketing activities, across every discipline, whether they are full campaigns or specific activities carried out as part of a wider campaign.
A single marketing activity or campaign may be entered in up to four categories, with a maximum of one entry in a Sector category.
The 2026 edition introduces a new Experiential Marketing (Brand Experience) category, recognising campaigns that create memorable brand experiences and engage audiences in innovative ways.
Entries in the Positive Change category will now be evaluated in two subcategories:
- Commercial Brands
- Non-profit Sector
The Digital section has also been updated. Entries will now be accepted in the following categories:
- Digital (including AI, Direct to Consumer, Engaged Community and Influencer Marketing)
- Social Media
- Performance Marketing
Definitions for all competition categories are available on the Effie Bulgaria website.
The competition will accept entries from agencies and advertisers across three entry deadlines, each with a corresponding entry fee:
- The first deadline is 18 September.
- The second deadline is 28 September.
- The final deadline is 8 October.
Marketing activities entered in more than one category must be submitted as a separate entry for each category, with an entry fee payable for each submission. Participants entering the Non-profit Sector category receive a 50% discount on the applicable entry fee. Companies and communication agencies that have not previously entered the competition, or last entered before 2020, are eligible for a 10% discount.
BACA member agencies can benefit from special entry rates.
The organisers highlight that each entry should be tailored to the specific category in which it competes. Participants are encouraged to review the entry preparation guidelines, as well as advice from jurors from previous editions of the competition. Further information on the rules and fees, entry documentation and guidance on preparing successful entries is available at www.effiebulgaria.org.
Entries will be evaluated throughout October and November, with the winners to be announced at the official Effie Bulgaria gala ceremony in early December.
