The VAVA Awards, Ireland’s leading celebration of the creator economy, has officially launched its fifth annual event, with Nomination Italy announced as Headline Sponsor for 2026.
Taking place on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at Revolución de Cuba Belfast, the black-tie awards ceremony will celebrate the very best in digital talent from across the island of Ireland, recognising the creators, campaigns and brands shaping today’s digital landscape.
The awards were officially launched at an exclusive event at The Perch Belfast, where leading influencers, content creators, media and brand partners gathered under the event’s ‘Midnight Sun’ dress code to celebrate the beginning of this year’s awards season.
Speaking at the launch, the VAVA team reaffirmed their mission to “recognise the people behind the content, the communities they build, and the milestones they achieve along the way.”
Commenting on the partnership, Chloe Henning, Managing Director of VAVA Influence, said:
“This partnership creates alignment between two brands built around celebrating achievement, individuality and self-expression. Together, we have the opportunity to celebrate not just success, but the stories behind it.”
A Word from the Headline Sponsor
Rachel Doherty, Country Manager at Nomination Italy, said:
“At Nomination Italy, we’ve always celebrated life’s most meaningful moments through jewellery. Every Composable charm represents a memory, an achievement or a milestone worth remembering. Likewise, every VAVA Award represents years of creativity, dedication and ambition. We’re proud to support this ever-evolving industry and help showcase the incredible talent shaping digital culture across Ireland. The VAVAs offer a unique opportunity to recognise that impact, and we’re delighted to be part of it.”
What to Expect at The VAVA Awards 2026
Presented in partnership with Nomination Italy, this year’s ceremony will feature a black-tie awards dinner at Revolución de Cuba Belfast, alongside a drinks reception, live entertainment, luxury gift bags and networking opportunities for creators, brands and industry professionals.
Returning and New Sponsors Join the Line-up
Alongside Headline Sponsor Nomination Italy, the 2026 VAVA Awards will be supported by returning partners including MACC Hair, Ulster Tatler, Rent & Rotate, The Boulevard, AXL Audio Visual and Elizabeth Sands Beauty School.
New partners joining the event this year include I AM Beauty, Blanco Niño and Morrow Communications.
Nominations and Tickets Now Open
Nominations for The VAVA Awards 2026 are now open. Creators are encouraged to nominate themselves or others via the VAVA Instagram page or by completing the official online nomination form.
Tickets are also on sale, with both individual seats and full tables available to purchase.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available for brands wishing to partner with this year’s event. Interested organisations can contact Chloe Henning at chloe@vavainfluence.com.
Useful Links
Official nominations form HERE
Tickets: HERE
About The VAVA Awards
Now in its fifth year, The VAVA Awards celebrates excellence across Ireland’s creator economy, recognising the individuals, campaigns and brands driving innovation and shaping digital culture.
Taking place on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at Revolución de Cuba Belfast, the black-tie awards ceremony will celebrate the very best in digital talent from across the island of Ireland, recognising the creators, campaigns and brands shaping today’s digital landscape.
The awards were officially launched at an exclusive event at The Perch Belfast, where leading influencers, content creators, media and brand partners gathered under the event’s ‘Midnight Sun’ dress code to celebrate the beginning of this year’s awards season.
Award Categories
- Hair & Beauty Influencer of the Year
- Health & Wellness Influencer of the Year
- Lifestyle Influencer of the Year
- Travel Influencer of the Year
- Fashion Influencer of the Year
- Home & Interiors Influencer of the Year
- Family & Parenting Influencer of the Year
- Food & Drink Influencer of the Year
- UGC Creator of the Year
- Wedding UGC Creator of the Year
- The Storyteller Award
- Rising Star Award
- Creative Content Award
- Best Creator Under 10K
- Best Creator Under 100K
- Influence for Good Award
- The VAVA Award
