WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY
Welcome, IADAS Member
Thank you for being part of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences. As we head into the 31st Annual Webby Awards, we’re thrilled to have you help us honor the best of the Internet.
Denise Gilley
Academy Director, IADAS
Nick Borenstein
General Manager, The Webby Awards
Jesse Feister
Executive Director, Webby Group
ABOUT IADAS
About IADAS and Our Awards
The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) is an exclusive, invite-only international network of over 3,000 industry experts, innovators, and visionaries who are helping drive the creative, technical, purpose-driven, and professional progress of the Internet and evolving forms of digital media.
Our mission is to facilitate growth and development in digital arts, sciences and social impact by recognizing excellence online and sharing our expertise to help build a better Internet. IADAS members serve as the jury panel that selects the Honorees, Nominees and Winners for The Webby Awards, The Lovie Awards and The Anthem Awards.
The Webby Awards
With over 13,000 submissions each year, The Webby Awards is the leading award honoring excellence on the Internet.
The Lovie Awards
Founded in 2010, The Lovie Awards recognizes European Internet excellence in culture, technology & business.
The Anthem Awards
The Anthem Awards recognizes purpose and mission-driven work by organizations, brands, and individuals making the world better.
JUDGING PROCESS & CRITERIA
Two Levels of Academy Membership
ROUND 1
Associate Academy
All entries are reviewed by multiple members of our Associate Academy. Associate judges review each individual work and score it from one to ten based on the established criteria for that media type (Content, Interactivity, and Overall Experience).
ROUND 2
Executive Academy
Top scoring entries from Round 1 are included on category-specific shortlists and evaluated by Executive members using approval voting — judges may approve any number of nominees, and the work chosen the most wins the Webby Award in its category.
JUDGING INTEGRITY & RULES
Tie-Breaking
In the event of a tie, the Jury President of the individual category casts the tie-breaking vote.
Vote Tabulation
Our vote tabulation consultant, KPMG, reviews and verifies the results every season.
Algorithmic Rules
We worked with the international voting experts at The Center for Election Science to establish the judging procedures and rules.
Conflicts of Interest
Judges may not vote for any entry with which they have a conflict of interest; such situations are closely monitored and policed accordingly.
KEY DATES
Webby Awards Key Dates
ENTRY SCHEDULE
- Call for EntriesSeptember 15, 2026
- Early Entry DeadlineOctober 30, 2026
- Final Entry DeadlineDecember 18, 2026
- Extended Entry DeadlineFebruary 5, 2027
JUDGING SCHEDULE
- Associate Judging Welcome SessionOctober 27, 2026
- Associate JudgingOctober 26, 2026 – February 14, 2027
Reviewed in 3-week blocks — pick the time frame that works for your schedule.
- Executive Judging Welcome SessionFebruary 24, 2027
- Executive JudgingMarch 2027
Takes place over three weeks — participate at your own leisure.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Nominee & Honoree AnnouncementEarly April 2027
- People's Voice VotingApril 2027
- Winner AnnouncementLate April 2027
- Winners CelebrationMay 2027
MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Common Questions
Your membership in the Academy will continue year to year and you'll be invited to participate in judging each season.
PROMOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Share Your Role as a Judge
Download AssetsSupport the Webby Awards: Sample Posts
We'd love your help spreading the word. Here are a few sample posts you can personalize.
Call for Entries / Early Entry Deadline
Entries are open for the 31st Annual Webby Awards! I'm thrilled to join @TheWebbyAwards as a Judge and take part in honoring the best of the Internet. I'd love to see you enter your noteworthy work before the Early Entry Deadline on Oct 30 at webbyawards.com!
Final Entry Deadline
I am thrilled to judge the @TheWebbyAwards this year and help celebrate the best of the Internet. The caliber of work we've seen so far is excellent, your work could stand alongside it. Submit before the Dec 18 Final Deadline at webbyawards.com!
Extended Entry Deadline
The Extended Deadline for @TheWebbyAwards is Friday, Feb 5! This is your LAST chance to enter. Put your work on the global stage (and in front of some incredible fellow judges) at webbyawards.com.
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Academy Director
Denise Gilley · denise@iadas.net · 1.606.220.2075