IRIS Sport are delighted to have been Highly Commended in the 2026 ESA Awards!
The achievement was reached in the Best Use of Measurement & Insight category, with IRIS and partner World Aquatics able to show actionable use of data/ insights/ analytics, demonstrating intelligent use of quantitative or qualitative insights, and how this has positively impacted decision-making in commercial partnerships or sports and entertainment campaigns.
Comments from the judges included:
- World Aquatics’ use of IRIS data modelling is a clear example of data-driven transformation
- Real-time insights allowed them to make smarter decisions in the moment, while a shift in sponsorship delivery based on the collated data ensured that partners were able to see measurable ROI on an ongoing basis
- The partnership shows a clear understanding of the increasing need for credible, cross-platform valuation in order to satisfy partners and secure new ones
- This project emphasizes how World Aquatics’ commercial strategy and partner relationships have changed by aligning itself to what the most valuable properties are already doing
- An example of the importance of data in the commercial environment and the impact of insights in sponsorship
- The integration of media performance analytics, social engagement metrics and ad-equivalent value modelling provides a clear and comprehensive picture of how the partnership can deliver for prospective partners